The Jogging Journalist: Danica takes on fitness challenge
When it comes to fitness, it's a marathon, not a sprint, which is great news for couch potatoes like me.
Community news reporting calls for journalists to step into a community and hear its heartbeat, record the daily struggles and joys of the residents. To take things up a notch, Berea Mail journalist, Danica Hansen has decided to take part in Stella Athletic Club’s Couch to 10km Challenge. Watch her journey unfold in the diary of The Jogging Journalist. This week we bring you part 1 – Fitness challenge (carbo)loading
WITH the Couch to 10km Challenge just four days away, it’s time to mentally prepare, dust off my running shoes and get ready to hit the pavement.
Just the thought of this, makes my heart beat faster- which probably isn’t a good sign.
At least I have the couch part down to a fine art, usually accompanied by plenty of potatoes – preferably Simba chips (fruit chutney) or Lays lightly salted, if anyone is keen to donate a bag or two. After all, it’s not overeating when you have to carbo load!
Also read: Keep your fitness goals on track with Stella
While I have always enjoyed cycling, hiking and sport, I am hardly a fitness fundi. There have been countless exercise schedules drawn up, only to land up under the fridge where I choose to spend my time instead. So the pressure is on and for me, the biggest challenge will be to finish what I start.
As D-day looms, I decided to call Dave Beattie, who will lead the challenge, to find out what’s in store for this couch potato.
A note from Dave
Beattie who will lead running classes on Tuesday and Thursday hopes to see participants step up for the challenge.
“If participants are committed it will be a fulfilling journey. I will be looking on the running calendar for a suitable race that we can run as a group at the end of the challenge, “he said.
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Participants will be in good hands with Beattie, a seasoned runner who has taken part in races since 1988. He understands that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
“Everyone has their own boundaries. I may extend the length of the programme to suit the fitness level of participants. It’s critical to set a good training base to ensure you do not end up with injuries. I have had my own health challenges so I am going to be on the journey with the participants, “he said.
While pacing oneself is important, Beattie said he is keen to see participants step up to the challenge.
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