#RunAndTalk

ENGLAND ATHLETICS announced that they were looking at restarting the #RunAndTalk programme between the 20th and 26th September 2021, coinciding with World Gratitude Day.   This was to be the first official run since lockdown.

It has been established that there has been an dramatic increase in mental health issues as well as a rise in the number of people who have started running during the pandemic lockdown.   These are for a number of reasons from getting out of the house, alone time, physical fitness and good mental health.   This is a great time to restart the event and try to link in with as many new runners as possible.

England Athletic wanted people to pledge a group run over this week.   I have always looked at this from a simplistic view, it's not necessarily there for the running club to do "another run", but to open to club to the public and use those running skills to invite other people into walk/walkrun/run a set distance.   This can be with people who have stopped running, returning to running or new runners.

On the backburner was a second idea as during lockdown I gained the Leadership in Run Fitness (LiRF) qualification.   This means that I can organise runs, risk assess and lead/coach runners.   With all of the issues around the pandemic I was in a position to arrange a second run for Sussex Police controllers/contact handlers who have worked throughout the pandemic.

This one is more complex because ...

• 
  There are two parts of the business working different hours
• There are five sections (one on early, one on lates, one on nights and two off)
• The shifts are split into core and cover shifts

 To show how difficult this is on an early shift ...

• Controllers = 0600x1600.
• Contact = 0700x1700, 0800x1800 or 0900x1900.

Seriously limiting the number of staff you could get to run the event.   But we opened the event to the whole of Police headquarters to try and apeal to as many people as possible.

Both events were pledged with specific dates and I set about creating the posters for them.   Two runs over two conseutive days one in Haywards Heath and one in Lewes.   Simples enough, except I also had a half marathon to run in Reigate a few days before!

Haywards Heath was set up for 19:00 hours, which means we are losing the light.   The route has already been set up and I just needed to put the posters out.   Posters were put up at AJ Barbers.    Barbers are one the men's essential for good mental health, men sit in the chair, relax and start a very natural conversation.   Following this there was Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Co-op and Tesco, all of which have community notice boards.

Lewes was the first Sussex Police #RunAndTalk they have had and there wasn't a route.   I poured over google maps looking for good, safe route around Lewes that didn't involve large hills (Lewes is well known for it's hills).   Thanks to two colleagues, Debbie and Wendy, who knew the area we worked out a route that took in a canal run, one pedestrianised area, two parks and a country lane.

Then came the tests, I ran the route about eight times to really define the run and get it down to 5km.   The result was an amazing route with a reasonable amount of effort that was worth doing.   Thanks go to the colleagues who identified a short cut through The Priory Park and ancient ruins.

The Lewes one was a more in house promotion.   Posters went up on every notice board that I could find, they were at the entrance and exits to the main building, and put on the inhouse Facebook site.   I am also on the Wellbeing Committe and help manage the newsletter, so I wrote an article about the run and had a full page advert on the back.

Branton, Debbie, Dean and Mike

We then got the support of Jo Shiner, Chief Constable of Sussex.   I knew she was a keen runner and would be interested, but didn't expect the level of support we got, it was incredible.   Jo said, “Run and Talk is an excellent initiative which encourages all types of people to get out in the fresh air, and walk, jog or run at a pace which suits them and at which they can still hold a conversation. I know from personal experience, that running is a great way to think and talk through those things which have been playing on one’s mind, and often finding perspective whilst doing so. The combination of fresh air, good company and a listening ear can make all the difference to someone who doesn’t know where to start talking about their worries. It also means that you are not ‘faced’ by someone, and instead they are ‘by your side’, both physically and metaphorically speaking. I am very proud that Mike is leading this important initiative on behalf of Sussex Police.” 
I loved the point that you have someone "by your side", both physically and metaphorically".   A point absolutley well made.

The Haywards Heath run went well with 16 to 18 people turning up to run the event.   Which was run between Haywards Heath and Cuckfield, at the end there was coffee at The Harvester in Beechurst.

Lewes was more difficult due to the issues due to ...

- The issue with shifts
- I arranged it on Friday (POETS day)
- The fuel crisis and everybody worrying about petrol

But we managed to get 6 runners who did the event ending the run at Tesco where they had a coffee shop, but it was closed!   It goes to show that the best laid plans of mice and men can go astray, but the basis of the run is now in place and it's been tested.   This is the first building block in moving it forwards.

The event was picked up by England Athletics and they ran a special spotlight feature due to the inclusion of the emergency services, which was amazing publicity for the club.

For the England Athletics feature, click here.

The next stage is to take the Lewes run back to the drawing board.   Look at what can work better, how to be more inclusive and encourage people to run.   Linking in with the Force wellbeing staff as well as departmental.   Also, look at the ambulance service and if they can participate.

Mid Sussex Times cutting