Welcome to the Health & Hustle Blog
"Get Inspired" and "Get Active" Promoting Health and Wellbeing in the workplace to motivate staff and patients in active programmes
"Fit to Work, Fit to Treat and Fit to Live"
The Gloucester Half Marathon and 10km held today was attended by members of the Health & Hustle. Following a tough winter period, our runners took to the street for the first event of 2025, promoting fitness and teamwork.
The Gloucester 10km, organised by RunThrough, delivered another fantastic event, combining a well-planned course with an excellent race-day atmosphere. The registration was smooth, with a well-organised number collection and clear pre-race instructions. The event village had a great buzz, with friendly volunteers, music, and plenty of space for runners to warm up. The event was well signposted, making it easy for participants to find their way around.
The route provided a great mix of urban and scenic views, taking runners through the heart of Gloucester. The mostly flat course made for a great opportunity to push for a PB, though a few gentle inclines kept things interesting. Well-placed mile markers and clear signage ensured no one lost their way, and the well-stocked water stations were much appreciated.
The crowd support was fantastic, with locals cheering runners along key points. The marshals were enthusiastic and encouraging, helping to maintain high spirits throughout. The energy from fellow runners and pacers also kept motivation levels high.
Crossing the finish line felt like a real achievement, with medals. To take on an event like this, especially for our first time 10km runners is an experience not to be missed. Everyone running the event surprised themselves crossing the finish line and should be proud of their achievements. Well done team H8H2025. it all started with Couch to 5km and now we see the growth in everyones abilities and achievements
The Robin Trust does great work in healthcare and community support in the Cape Town area and it was humbling to see where the funds raised for the charity has made a difference in supporting inpatient dementia care and care within the community. We were very fotunate to be hosted by fellow healthcare professionals who gacve us a look at what the healthcare system delivers in South Africa, especially with the poor and most vunrable.
The visit has had a significant impact in several ways and the key take aways from the thise who joined the visit made the following observations:
Boosting morale & recognition by seeing firsthand support from the Health & Hustle to uplift the staff and volunteers, to help reinforce the work they do is valued globally.
Strengthening partnerships have fostered deeper collaboration between Health & Hustle and the Robin Trust and will lead to new fundraising ideas, training exchanges, or ongoing support initiatives.
Showcasing the Fundraising Impact and seeing how the funds raised are being used, giving donors confidence in continued support. The real-life stories and visuals from the visit are heart warming and breath taking.
Knowledge & skills exchange has been invaluable knowledge-sharing and has inspired operational improvements following the visit with QI that could make a big difference.
Community engagement and interacting with patients and caregivers, provided a sense of connection and direct encouragement.
The visit would not of been possible thanks to the Robin Trust Trustees Chair Cathy Miller who made our stay out of this world.
Many congratulations
to everyone who completed the Couch to 5KM course! Completing the Couch to 5KM
course is a significant achievement that represents dedication, perseverance,
and personal growth. For many, it’s not just about running 5 kilometres, it is
about proving to themselves that they can set a goal, work through challenges,
and come out stronger on the other side.
The sense of achievement comes from within and Building Confidence by
overcoming doubts and realising what the body and mind can achieve.Commitment
& Discipline by sticking to a structured running plan over the
weeks, even when motivation wavers during night runs and adverse weather.Improved
Fitness & Health Feeling stronger, fitter, and often
experiencing better mental well-being when day to day work adds to the fatigue.Breaking
Barriers by going from possibly struggling with a few minutes
of running at the beginning of the course to completing Week9Run3 and
graduating.
Many of
the group who have finished the course find joy in running and set new goals,
like the Monday and Wednesday 5-10KM sessions or even joining a
Health&Hustle event or taking part in Parkrun.This is a Newfound Passion in which you can
grow and keep physically active.
It’s a testament to resilience and the
power of gradual progress and for those who finish, it’s not just about the
run—it’s about proving to themselves that they can do
it. The dedication, perseverance, and
hard work has paid off and what an incredible achievement! For everyone who
crossed the finish line, keep up the great momentum, and here’s to many more
runs ahead! Checkout the highlights from the groups progress:
As the year draws to a close, December offered a chance to reflect on all of our achievements during 2024, refocus our goals, and ensure we are ready to hustle into the new year with energy and intention. Here’s what’s happening this month:
Trainers are not just for Christmas!
Health Focus: Staying Well During the Festive Season
The holidays can be a time of indulgence, but keeping balance is key to finishing the year strong.
Mind: Take time to reflect and set positive intentions for 2025. Journaling, mindfulness, or even a short daily walk can help.
Body: Stay active with winter-friendly workouts or festive walks with family and friends. Balance festive treats with nourishing meals.
Community: Support those around you—whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply being present for someone in need.
Spotlight Successes
This month, a special shoutout to all who participated the activites that were arranged and a big thanks to everyone who organised and sponsored the events. The collective effort continues to make a real difference and the bond of the group could not be any stronger.
Looking Ahead to 2024
The new year is just around the corner. How will you prioritise your health and harness your hustle for a fantastic start? Stay tuned for January’s update, where we’ll explore our direction to set a productive tone for the year ahead.
Wishing everyone a joyful, healthy, and productive December!
This year’s
Christmas Fun Run and Treasure Hunt is being hosted by Gloucester Sports and
sponsored by NHS Glos ICB! Get ready for an evening of festive fun, laughter,
and adventure.
The event is based on the 12 days of Christmas where teams will look for clues and find each way point located around the City. Here’s everything you need to know about the event:
Fun Run Instructions:
Arrival and
Registration
Time: Start between 5:30 –
6:30pm and finish at 8pm
Dress Code - Wear your best
Christmas outfit (Santa hats, elf costumes, etc. are highly encouraged!).
Prizes for the best-dressed team!
Start Time - The Fun Run starts at 5:30pm
Please gather at the shop as it is a staggered start once you have
registered and received the clues of the treasure hunt.
Route Details - The route is
approximately 5km where you will find clues to the 12 days of Christmas. It is up to teams
which way you want to find the Christmas-themed waypoints! Don’t forget to take
photos along the route and a Prize will be available for the best photo(s)
submitted.
Safety Tips - Ensure you stay
hydrated and warm. First Aid will be
available at shop, where you will be supplied with an emergency contact
number.
Finish Line - Celebrate your
achievement at the finish line back at the shop
Contact Information
If you have
any questions or require assistance, please email the organiser here
Thank you
for joining us—let’s make this Christmas event one to remember!
The Health & Hustle Fuerteventura 2024 Run
Camp offered a unique experience for members looking to combine fitness,
fun, and relaxation in a scenic location. Held on the beautiful island of
Fuerteventura, the camp was designed to cater to runners of various abilities,
focusing on improving running techniques, endurance, and overall fitness.
Sessions included guided runs, strength and conditioning workouts, and seminars
offered by the hotel’s fitness activities. In addition, participants had plenty
of downtime to enjoy the stunning beaches and landscapes, promoting a healthy
balance between physical activity and relaxation.
Many past participants have praised the
supportive atmosphere created by the Run Leaders, the well-planned sessions,
and the sense of camaraderie among attendees. The combination of structured
running sessions and leisure time makes it ideal for those who want to enhance
their running skills while also taking time to recharge and socialise with
like-minded people
Due to the success of this camp we have decided to launch the 2025 RUN CAMP, which will take place in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote flying out from Birmingham on Wednesday 1 Oct at 09:00hrs, flying back Wednesday 8 Oct 2025 at 14:20. You can book this through Jet2 with a deposit of £60 and monthly installments to pay off the balance.
Following the popular demand to join the course, we heard staff cannot always make the Tuesday and Thursday sessions. We heard you and this is what we are planning to do.
We are going to combine the couch course with Saturday Parkrun, not only do you do the couch course, you start to join in with the fantastic Parkrun community and work towards your parkrun milestones. This is the first time we have run this so we may need to make some changes along the way, but this is your chance to join our community, get active and enjoy the group.
Parkrun is free and you only need to register once, regardless of how many different events you visit and whether you intend to walk, jog, run, volunteer or do a combination. click this link here to join!
The Health & Hustle Couch to 5K (C25K)
Program 2024/2 is designed to help participants gradually build their
running stamina, starting from basic fitness levels and progressing to running
5 kilometers or 30 minutes non-stop. This program is tailored for all abilities
and offers personalised coaching and mentoring. The course includes a focus on
proper warm-up and cool-down routines, integrating fitness apps to track
progress, and ensures a safe environment within group support.
Participants also benefit from using the group
communication tools, including WhatsApp and HeyLo, to stay informed about
events and scheduling. Beyond running, the program emphasizes holistic
well-being, blending physical and mental health aspects to improving personal
health and wellbeing.
Completing the Couch to 5K (C25K)
program is a significant achievement, especially for beginners who looked to
improve their fitness levels. The program, which typically spans 9 weeks
containing 3 runs per week, takes participants from minimal physical
activity to confidently running 5 kilometers or for 30 continuous
minutes.
The Key
Steps to Completing the C25K Program:
Following the Structured Plan: The
NHS Couch to 5K program gradually builds up your endurance through interval
training, alternating between walking and running. Each week, the
running intervals get longer, while the walking periods decrease.
Consistency:
Attending 3 sessions per week is crucial for progress. The Health
& Hustle group, for example, holds its sessions on Tuesdays and
Thursdays, ensuring participants stay on track with their training.
Use of Fitness Apps: Many
Couch to 5K programs, including those run by Health & Hustle,
recommend using apps to monitor progress and stay motivated. These apps
track running time, distance, and pace, providing visual feedback on
improvements.
Group Support and Motivation:
Completing the program in a group setting provides support, encouragement,
and accountability. Health & Hustle emphasises safety and motivation
by creating a community of runners through their platforms which allows
members to achieve their goals even if they cannot make the sessions.
Gradual Increase in Intensity: As
you progress through the program, your stamina will build. It’s important
to stick to the plan and not push too hard too soon, allowing your body to
adjust to the increasing demands.
Upon completing the program, participants celebrate
their achievement with medals, certificates, and graduation events,
recognising their hard work and commitment.Well done to all the Health & Hustle
runners for completing the Couch to 5K course! Your hard work, dedication, and
perseverance have paid off. Whether you were running your first kilometer or
pushing to improve, you've shown incredible strength and determination. Keep up
the amazing work and remember—this is just the beginning of your fitness
journey! Celebrate your success and continue to inspire others with your hustle
journey. Congratulations!
The "Couch to 5K" program is a
popular running plan designed to take a beginner from little or no running
experience to completing a 5-kilometer (3.1 miles or 30 minute) run in 27
sessions. Below is a summary of the progress from Week 1 to Week 5, focusing on
health and hustle aspects:
Week 1:
Getting Started
Health: This week focuses on gradually
introducing your body to regular exercise. The key is to start slow to
prevent injury and build endurance. Expect some soreness as your muscles
adjust to new activity, especially in your legs and lower back.
Hustle: The routine typically involves a mix of
walking and short intervals of jogging. For example, walk briskly for 5
minutes, then alternate between 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of
walking, repeated for a total of 20-30 minutes. The hustle here is about
creating a new habit and staying committed.
Week 2:
Building Momentum
Health: Your body begins to adapt to the
increased activity. You'll notice slightly less soreness and more energy
after each workout. Proper stretching before and after runs becomes
important to prevent injuries.
Hustle: This week, the jogging intervals get
slightly longer (e.g., 90 seconds of jogging followed by 2 minutes of
walking). The challenge is to push through the discomfort as you increase
the time spent running.
Week 3:
Pushing Boundaries
Health: By now, you should start seeing
improvements in your cardiovascular health, like better breathing and a
more consistent heart rate. Nutrition and hydration become key to
maintaining energy levels.
Hustle: The jogging intervals increase
significantly, such as 3 minutes of jogging followed by 3 minutes of
walking. You may start to doubt your ability, but this week is all about
pushing past those mental barriers and recognising your growing stamina.
Week 4:
Embracing the Challenge
Health: With more intense workouts, your body
is becoming stronger, but it’s important to listen to it. Some might
experience minor aches; proper rest and recovery, such as using foam
rollers or ice packs, are crucial.
Hustle: Running time continues to increase,
with intervals that might look like 5 minutes of jogging followed by 2.5
minutes of walking. The hustle here involves managing your pacing and
endurance as the program becomes more challenging.
Week 5: The
Turning Point
Health: By now, running feels more natural, and
your overall fitness has improved significantly. You'll notice more
consistent energy throughout the day, better sleep, and improved mood due
to the endorphins from regular exercise.
Hustle: Week 5 is often seen as a turning point
because it typically ends with a continuous 20-minute run with no walking
breaks. This is a huge milestone and requires mental focus as much as
physical effort. The hustle is in believing in your progress and pushing
through any remaining self-doubt.
By the end of Week 5, you're well on your way
to completing the program. You've made significant strides in both health and
hustle, moving from a mostly sedentary lifestyle to being able to jog for
sustained periods. The key is consistency, listening to your body, and
celebrating each milestone along the way.
Following graduation we took the opportunity to invite members to join us and sample an event. In some cases this is the first 5km distance covered after completing couch to 30 minutes. A small group took up the challenge and everyone crossed the finish line feeling accomplished and proud of their achievement.
From warming up and completing the course was an experience everyone enjoyed and has inspired them to go to the next level in reaching 10km by September to complete the Cheltenham 10km event with the rest of team H8H2024. These guys in the picture have just recently completed the couch course and this is what they said about their experience on the course click here.
Do you want to get active and join the next course? If the answer is yes, meet us on Tuesday 2nd July at 5pm, at Edward Jenner Court in Brockworth. Car parking is available and you will be greeted by the run leaders who will look after and coach you. It doesn’t matter what level you are at, everyone is welcome and no one comes last or is left alone. If you want to know more get in touch here
Getting to the start line is the toughest decision made by members when taking on the couch to 5km programme, however after 27 runs and crossing the finish line is a sense of achievement to be very proud of.
Another course completed and recognition of the progress made from members of the course is captured in the videos, which shows the progress and fun members had throughout the course. Many congratulations to everyone who graduated and this is what they had to say about the course:
Do you have what it takes to take on the course? we will take you from beginning and get you to jogging 30 minutes non stop. Join us on Tuesday 2nd July at 5pm for the start of the new course, meet at Edward Jenner Court in Brockworth, Gloucester.
Have a look at some hints and tips to think about using activity to improve your mental health.
Find
moments for movement throughout and every day, take time to move if you sit for a job.
Set
small, achievable goals
Find the
fun side of activity
Connect
with others, or join a group to exercise.
Movement
looks different for everyone, don’t compare yourself to others, be yourself and be proud of your achievements
Take the opportunity to explore nature.
Try
something new, be brave, the hardest part is getting to the start line.
Plan
things to look forward to.
Listen to music or podcasts that gets you moving, but be aware of your surroundings when using ear buds.
Be kind
to yourself, moving more is self-care and good for both your physical and mental health.
Don't
forget to rest and get a good nights sleep in, switch off from technology and TV.
Celebrate
your achievements, no matter how small, its an achievement!
Finding
ways to get active near you can be challenging and may cost, however research or contact Active Gloucestershire who can provide you with advice for all types activities.
The route provided a great mix of urban and scenic views, taking runners through the heart of Gloucester. The mostly flat course made for a great opportunity to push for a PB, though a few gentle inclines kept things interesting. Well-placed mile markers and clear signage ensured no one lost their way, and the well-stocked water stations were much appreciated.
