Like Mo, I’m ready to get fit one step at a time
OBESITY causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, breathing problems . . . the list of health issues goes on and on. It is not rocket science to know that to lose weight we need to eat less and move more. Inspired by my friend John, who lost two stone in 18 months by simply walking 10,000 steps each day, I joined a local Parkrun. These 5km events for the whole family are held in parks nationwide every Saturday morning. The first time it took me more than 56 minutes to walk the course, but in a short time I’ve improved this to 40 mins 46 seconds. Considering the fastest runners can do it in less than 16 minutes, I have a long way to go, but it is already getting me fitter, thinner and healthier. The founder of Parkrun, Paul Sinton-Hewitt, has been awarded a CBE for services to grassroots sport participation and there are 4.5 million registered Parkrunners. Surely this can only be a good way to help fight the obesity problem and reduce the overall cost of health care to the NHS. Sadly, it would appear that Surrey Heath County Borough is not interested. Not only has it made it difficult for participants by refusing to open the overflow car park at Frimley Lodge Park, where there is limited parking, for this hour-long event on Saturday mornings, it has placed restrictions on roads in the park. Last Saturday, more than 30 penalty charge notices were issued to the cars of Parkrun participants. I don’t believe any were parked in a way that would have caused access problems for emergency vehicles. I hope the council starts to look at ways it can make it easier, not harder, for people who wish to improve their health and fitness.
LINDA VAN AS, Camberley, Surrey.