COLIN JACKSON: NEVER FEEL GUILTY ABOUT LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF
Spangly costumes and showing off fancy moves is always a winner – but getting to do Dancing On Ice during the pandemic just made it all the more special for Colin Jackson.
“I’ve absolutely loved doing Dancing On Ice. I’m really fortunate that I’ve had something to focus on, I feel very, very fortunate,” says Jackson, 54.
The skating costumes are being swapped for running gear now though, as Jackson is once again supporting Wings for Life’s annual fundraiser. People of all abilities and fitness levels can take part in this year’s event on May 9, where you download the Wings for Life World Run App and then run or move as far as you can until a virtual ‘Catcher Car’ overtakes you. Proceeds support the charity’s mission to cure spinal cord injuries through funding vital research.
Jackson admits spinal cord injury is something many of us still misunderstand – and don’t realise just how common they can be. “I was shocked, when you look at the statistics around the reasons people suffer spinal cord injury,” We asked the Cardiff-born athlete about coping with lockdown and his approach to self-care…
How have you found the past year, coping with lockdowns?
“I’m quite odd in that sense, because my life structure is really simple. If I’m not working, then I have a very gentle, easy regime, which is out first thing in the morning for a walk, I hit the gym, I do a yoga or Pilates class, I eat food, and I go to bed. I don’t make anything too complicated. I try to make it as easy as I possibly can, and that’s allowed me to relax as much as I possibly can.”
Are you a morning person?
“If I wake up at half-five, I’ll be out the house by quarter to six and off I go for a nice 45-minute walk, get back, shower, change, and pop back to bed. Then when I wake up again at eight, I’m ready to do a bit of a workout. I’m quite happy to get up early and crack on with the day, I love it.”
What else helps you relax?
“Bath salts! If you walk into the bathroom, close the door – put some salts in the water and think about all your senses, you can have a complete indulgence of those senses. Something that smells nice, then around your body you have the warm water, which is comforting, and then that peacefulness, tranquillity. There are very few things you can do in this life, where you get true benefit – and your health and fitness is one of the things you can do for yourself, which you – and only you – can do, to get those benefits. And don’t feel guilty – never feel guilty about looking after yourself. You’ve got to find time for yourself.”
To register for the virtual
2021 Wings for Life
World Run on May 9, visit wingsforlifeworldrun.com.