KATIE BULMER-COOKE: City has got the running bug

Our city has well and truly got the running bug right now, with loads of great events going on over the next few months.
Sunderland 10k and Half Marathon 2016Sunderland 10k and Half Marathon 2016
Sunderland 10k and Half Marathon 2016

Last weekend it was the turn of the Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10k, and as you’ll know if you read my column last week, I took part in the 10k, and having just interviewed Tony The Fridge and Colin Burgin-Plews, aka The Big Pink Dress, for Chatty Lasses, it’s fair to say I was feeling inspired and full of determination.

I thoroughly enjoyed the run and was happy with my time of 51 minutes 6 seconds, however, if I’m going to be super critical about my performance (which I always am because I’m way too self competitive), I could have started running harder a little sooner and I’m certain that would have got me over the line in under 50 minutes.

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On the way round the course I saw loads of people I know of all fitness levels and ages all giving it their absolute best.

That same weekend, me and Heidi also warmed up the crowd and took part in the Active Sunderland’s Big Mini Fun Run.

This is a family event offering a 1.5k and 3k course.

We were blessed with beautiful weather and having been involved with the event last year too, it was fantastic to see so many people returning to the event this year.

While it was ace to see so many familiar faces, I did find myself thinking ‘where are the newbies?’ Where are the people who really should be at events like this? Where are the people who really need to be more active and improve their health?

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It was by no means an elitist event, in fact it was quite the opposite. It was extremely inclusive with a range of activities in addition to the short run. There was mini golf, kids yoga, hula hooping, swing ball, and the best part, it was cheap as chips to take part.

There is so much going on in our city to help people lead healthier lives, many of which are at an extremely low cost or even free, and while this particular event was very well attended, there are other great things happening in the city that aren’t.

This makes me wonder if the sad reality is that it doesn’t matter how much is on offer, how cheap or even free it is, or how many incentives you offer, you can’t MAKE someone care about their health and the health of their kids ... if they don’t want to change their lifestyle there is nothing you can do to make them.

I’d love to think that I’m wrong but unfortunately perhaps it’s time to accept the fact that some people make the choice not to improve their health, and if that is the case, then until they ARE ready to change, it’s time to just leave them to it, and instead focus on the people who do want to get involved in physical activity and making better food and lifestyle choices.

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Now on a brighter note, also at the event was local distance runner Aly Dixon, who has just qualified to represent Team GB at the Olympic Games in Rio this year (how awesome is it going to be watching someone from Sunderland in the Olympics!).

Me and Aly were having a chat before the run kicked off and I asked her if she was doing the Great North Run ... turns out she runs a half marathon (13 miles) most days of the week ... mind blowing!

Massive high five to Aly, and here’s hoping that seeing someone from Sunderland representing Great Britain in the Olympic Games will encourage and inspire more people to get up, get out there and get active!

Oh ,and if you’ve got the running bug, why not come and join me for Race For Life Sunderland on Sunday, May 22!