Staff in lockdown
Mr Richardson:
Running has always been a part of my life, ever since I was at school. It has kept me physically and mentally healthy through really challenging times. Also, it has connected me to lots of people around the world and I've made some very close friends through the running community. Even now, during lockdown, I am running every single day. Sometimes just for a short amount of time, and sometimes I feel like I could run forever. Why don't you try it? Start with just 5 minutes a day and challenge yourself to see how long you can run for before the Easter break!
Ms Portch-Adams:
I normally go swimming but over lockdown I have started walking more, going on the treadmill and I have now started doing workout videos on YouTube (I have been using Team Body Project). I normally do 30 minutes, you can do as much or as little as you like, and you can find an instructor and music you like working out to which makes it fun, keeps me active and breaks up the day.
Mr Clarke:
As a PE teacher, exercise is very important to me and has been ever since an early age. Not just the social aspects but it has also been an outlet for me when work or life gets busy and stressful. Rugby and tennis are sports that I played when younger and recently added playing football on a Monday socially has helped with the usual stresses at the start of a working week. Unfortunately, this is on hold at the moment due to the pandemic. But physical activity is even more important during these times for physical and mental health, along with overall well-being. I have never been a fan of just running and in the first lockdown when it was sunnier, I was able to do circuit and HIIT workouts outside with ease. With the weather now considerably colder and wetter, I have had to adapt and do some indoor workouts but also now have started doing a lot more walking, with my son in toe, on my back. Walking is a great way to get a change of scenery but also appreciate the beautiful and varied landscape that is right on our doorstep. I highly recommend it! Just get out for a walk whenever possible.
More from Mr Richardson - his story
Back in 2018 I wrote and photographed a story for the BBC about how running has helped people through challenging times, as well as how it has helped me to deal with ADHD. It was well received and was read by more than 3 million people worldwide, and generated some quite emotional responses. Here’s the link if you would like to read more..
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/in-pictures-44440369
