Doctor’s Casebook How technology has helped us keep fit during lockdown

LOCKDOWN HAS been difficult for everyone, but at least with the vaccine rollout and the easing of restrictions we can look forward to a return to normality.

Modern technology and its ability to help us visualise 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 75km challenge, covering the distance from Cairo to the pyramids and back, and a 10km Taj Mahal run.

In reality I’ve mainly been running round Sandal Castle and Pugneys Lakes and the environs, so I’ve had to visualise 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/virtual10k-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: www.nhs.uk/ live-well/exercise/couch-to5k-week-by-week.