Doctor's Casebook with Dr Keith Souter: Chance to take part in 'virtual' running challenge for hospice

Take up the challenge, but training is needed before you tackle a 10k run

Modern technology and its ability to help us visualize has allowed many of us to work from home.

It has also helped us communicate with loved ones across great distances during these difficult times. And of course, many people have been motivated to exercise with encouraging videos and TV programmes by coaches such as Joe Wicks

I have been running a lot over this last year and have done several virtual challenges, including a 75 kilometre challenge, covering the distance from Cairo to the pyramids and back, and a 10 kilometre Taj Mahal run.

In reality I’ve mainly been running round Sandal Castle and Pugneys Lakes and the environs, so I’ve had to visualize desert conditions while trudging through snow, mud, rain and wind.

Unfortunately, the popular Wakefield Hospice 10k has had to be cancelled again this year, but you can still do a virtual run to help raise funds for this important local institution this Sunday, March 21.

For those still wishing to take part in the virtual event, the hospice is asking if they would consider donating the already paid registration fee to help fund one hour of nursing care for a patient.

The hospice is encouraging people to run their own 10K or mini 1K for youngsters on Sunday and share photos and videos via social media, tagging @Wakefield Hospice.

In return the hospice will send a branded snood on completion of the 10K or a medal on completion of the 1K.

If you would like to take part and raise money for the hospice, but have not already registered, you can simply set up a fundraising page on https://wakefieldhospice.enthuse.com/cf/virtual-10k-2021

If you do not regularly run, you do just have to be careful.

I would not advise anyone who has not been in training to try a 10k run.

Indeed even a 5k run needs preparation, such as the ‘Couch to 5k plan’ that is suggested by the NHS.

It is a nine week plan, which involves three runs a week.

It gives good advice as well as telling you about precautions and tips, and it gives useful links.

If you are interested, check out the website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/