If the winter blues have set in and you need a gut-friendly pick-me-up, put on your trainers, head for a jog and train for the Bupa 10K.

A year and a half ago I could barely run to catch the bus. Running was not my thing. Then I decided to do the NHS choices couch to 5K programme. It is a steady 9 weeks that builds up from just a few minutes jogging with plenty of walking added in between, to running for 30 whole minutes without stopping. I started in the autumn, so I went into the colder weather with a goal to aim for and a reason not to be a winter hermit. I felt great. After I had completed the full programme I knew I needed a challenge to keep me going. With this in mind, I decided to run the Bupa 10K for Bowel & Cancer Research charity where I work.

Why the Bupa London 10000?

It was the perfect distance to aim for, only adding 9 more weeks to my training. The Bupa 10K takes in Buckingham Palace, The City of London and Trafalgar Square on route and the amazing live music on the iconic London course provides motivation as you make your way round. The race place is free from Bowel & Cancer Research in exchange for £300 minimum in fundraising. This meant I had a great time baking quizzing and more with friends, collecting £1000 for bowel research in the process.

Why Bowel & Cancer Research?            

41,000 people a year are diagnosed with bowel cancer and weight around the middle is known to be a key risk factor in diagnosis.

Further to this there are up to 620,000 people living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and some people find small changes to life style a huge help in controlling symptoms.

So taking on the Bupa 10K will fund research into bowel cancer and bowel disease with a health kick along the way. In my experience it kick-started my metabolism and boosted my immune system. Not only that but I found that running lead me naturally towards a balanced diet fill with bowel-friendly fibre and protein, as this kept me moving at my best. And, if you’d like to lose a few pounds this could be a great place to start for some. All in all a great way to love your gut.

Want to give it a go? Email me, amy@bowelcancerresearch.org to sign up and I’ll be happy to help with a free quality training top lots and of tips.
Race date: 30/5/2016
NHS Choices Couch to 5K programme: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k
Gut friendly recipe ideas: https://uk.pinterest.com/bowelcancerrsrc/