Keen to get fitter in 2020, some members of the Oliver & Co team have committed to completing a ‘Couch to 5k’ running programme during their lunch breaks.
Here, Oliver & Co’s Director and keen runner, David Owen, tells us about the programme and how it is benefiting all who are taking part:
“Surprisingly, the Oliver & Co Couch to 5k was not my idea. I say this because I love running and the way it makes me feel afterwards, both physically and mentally. So, when towards the end of last year, the suggestion was made that Oliver & Co start a Couch to 5k running group, I was obviously keen for us to take this opportunity to promote fitness and to encourage all the Oliver & Co employees to move more. Our job unfortunately involves a significant amount of time “ sitting down “.
At the time of writing this article, we are in to week 3 of the programme. There have been a range of abilities and ages of Oliver & Co employees who are participating in the runs which involve running alongside the canal from Chester towards Christleton. Both Kay ( fellow co-director and also keen participant ) and myself, have been absolutely thrilled by the response and spirit of the participating Oliver & Co employees. During week 2, the weather was less than pleasant and yet there was never any suggestion that the runs shouldn’t take place. Hearing comments such as “ I’ve really looked forward to this today and “ I really enjoyed that “ has been so encouraging. 17 runners took part in the run on Tuesday this week and a few regulars were missing for that run. This was a substantial increase on the numbers who took part in week 1.
One thing that I did not anticipate was the amount of comments about how everyone is enjoying meeting and talking to people that they haven’t had the opportunity to speak to previously. Oliver & Co has 78 employees. The camaraderie and enthusiasm of those taking part has been fantastic.
Can you think of a better way of spending a Tuesday and a Thursday lunchtime?”