Burnham-On-Sea running enthusiast James Warren has entered the last 100 days of an incredible year-long running fundraising challenge.
James, who started a year long challenge of running at least 5 kilometres per day throughout 2019 at the beginning of January, has covered over 900 miles and in early October will have covered 1,000 miles.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, he said: “You have good days, you have bad days. You have comfortable weeks and stressful weeks.”
“It kind of levels itself out, although the average run times have decreased as the challenge has progressed.”
James is running for three charities – Mind, Cancer Research and Sands – all of which hold a special place in his heart, having lost his niece two weeks prior to birth, one of his closest friends to cancer, and a close family member institutionalised under the mental health act.
He adds: “We as a society need to look at fitness and exercise as a necessity rather than a chore.”
“We have gone from being hunter gatherers to inactive couch potatoes and it’s no surprise that it’s affecting our mental and physical health.”
“By running everyday for a year I hope to prove that many people could find 30 minutes a day for their health needs and it would benefit them enormously.”
“However, this hasn’t got to be everyday, like I’m trying to do. Some form of physical activity, once or twice a week should be achievable for everyone. And even that would help them, and the wider health of our communities.”
James, who works as an electrical engineer throughout the South West, regularly works 10-12 hour shifts.
He adds: “It’s important to make time for yourself. I might be up at 5:30am to work in Cornwall and not get home until 7.30pm, but still make sure I have ‘me time’, even if I’ve run on a break at work.”
“I realise it’s more difficult for those with illness or caring responsibilities, to name a few, but I’d like to inspire even those people to take a few minutes or quarter of an hour, when they can, to do some sort of exercise that fits in best with their needs. Sometimes ten minutes of the right kind of exercise, regularly, can help with health and relaxation.”
Earlier in the year, James was interviewed on John Darvil’s BBC Radio Bristol morning show where he talked about his own experiences with mental health, as well as the traumatic events that had affected those close to him.
He discussed the benefits of physical exercise and also described how he found his motivation to keep going out running everyday.
Burnham and Highbridge ‘parkrun’ has been a great social event throughout the year, he says.
“I was always a little skeptical of Parkrun, probably preconceived judgements on my part, but for all running abilities its a great way to start the weekend or the beginning of your running life.”
“It’s also great for seasoned runners of all distances to test their 5K powers, and push themselves beyond their previous limits. There’s a great atmosphere. You get to meet people from all over the country and in meeting other runners it can lead you on to other challenges, or better yourself on your home turf.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation to any of James’ charities can use the links to his 5K365 justgiving pages on Facebook and Twitter:
https://www.justgiving.com/
https://www.justgiving.com/
https://www.justgiving.com/
