Oli Poole

[p]Fuelled mostly by Greggs sausage rolls and Diet Coke, my life as a journalist is completely devoid of exercise - unless you count the two rounds of golf I've played in the last six months or wrestling my two-year-old son as he battles to avoid bedtime.[/p][p]But amid the UK lockdown in the fight against COVID-19, Worthing Greggs is sorely missing my business and I'm eating more apples than apple turnovers (through necessity, not choice, as it's pretty much the only thing I could find in good supply!). I'm working from home and avoiding trips out wherever possible, protecting my family which includes my pregnant partner. [/p][p]I've always fancied a bit of running but never quite got round to it. Until yesterday (Saturday, March 28) when I completed the first run of the Public Health England Couch to 5k regime. It's a nine-week programme designed to turn beginners into respectable runners, with three runs a week. [/p][p]The twist is that, given the circumstances, I did the run inside. Back and forth the rough 24ft between my couch and conservatory. That's how I plan to do as much of the training as I possibly can, demonstrating we can #stayathome and still stay (or become!) fit. [/p][p]Having completed run number one, acquired aching muscles and sore feet from the twisting and turning involved in my indoor pursuit, I thought I may as well be doing it for a good cause. I've chosen NHS Charities Together which is running the urgent COVID-19 appeal to help those amazing people on the front line; and Love Your Hospital which fundraises for my local hospitals in West Sussex. With our second baby on the way in the midst of this pandemic, both were obvious choices.[/p][p]I'm fully aware many people will already be able to do a 5k. I report weekly on far more worthy challenges. It may well evolve further - but this is intended as a small way to give back and is more about the charities than me. My colleagues will attest to me even contemplating such a feat as being completely out of character, unless running late for the Greggs breakfast bap deal.[/p][p]If you can spare your loose change, I'm sure they would both be very grateful.[/p][p]Keep up with my progress on my Instagram page: www.instagram.com/headlinespews/[/p]