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"
We are also inviting all members to join us at the
Cheltenham Running Festival on Sunday, 14 June 2026. https://www.cheltenhamrunningfestival.com/ Whether you would like to register for
the 5km event or simply come along to cheer on our runners and reconnect with
past members, it promises to be a fantastic day of celebration and camaraderie.
Don’t miss these special events as Health&Hustle
celebrates 10 incredible years. Let’s make every step count!
The Robin Trust 1000KM Challenge: One Year. One Mission. One Incredible Cause.
On 6 June 2026, as the world marks the anniversary of the D‑Day landings, we launch something truly special. A challenge rooted in remembrance, resilience, and community spirit for the Robins Trust.
Introducing the Robin Trust 1000KM Challenge A year‑long journey inviting you to walk or run 1,000 kilometres in support of the vital work of the Robin Trust providing care at home, sub acute rehabilitation and dementia care.
Whether you are a seasoned runner, a weekend walker, or someone simply looking for a meaningful goal, this challenge is your chance to make every step count.
How It Works
Taking part is simple, accessible, and open to everyone.
You’ll receive a link to join our tracking app, where you can log your walking or running distance throughout the year along with counting how many parkruns you complete in a year
The challenge runs from 6 June 2026 to 6 June 2027
Complete the 1000KM target at your own pace daily walks, weekend hikes, parkruns, treadmill miles… it all counts
This is your challenge, your journey, your impact.
Why 1000KM?
The distance is symbolic and a tribute to endurance and the collective strength shown by everyone who takes part. By taking on this challenge, you will be helping to build a safer, healthier future for those supported by the Robin Trust.
Every kilometre you log helps raise awareness, Every donation helps us continue our mission and Every participant becomes part of something bigger.
Who Can Take Part?
Absolutely anyone.
Individuals
Families
Workplace teams
Running clubs
Schools and community groups
You can take it on solo or rally as a team, the more steps, the stronger the impact.
Your Tracking App
Once you sign up, you’ll receive a link to join our dedicated tracking platform.
This is where you’ll:
Log your kilometres
Track your progress
Celebrate milestones
Stay motivated with updates and community stories
It’s simple, intuitive, and designed to keep you moving.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Lace up. Step out. Make history with us.
Sign up for £10 on our JustGiving Page and begin your 1000KM journey on 6 June 2026.
Together, we will walk a year with purpose honouring the past, supporting the present, and shaping a better future for the Robin Trust.
Saturday 18 April marked another proud milestone for Health&Hustle as four new members officially graduated from our Couch to 5km programme at Kingsway parkrun. What a morning it was full of excitement, determination, and ultimately, achievement. From the very first session, this group showed commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to trust the process. By Week 5 Run 3, something clicked. Their confidence grew, their pacing settled, and the longer runs that once felt daunting suddenly became achievable. Every technique practised such as breathing, posture, pacing, mindset came together on graduation day. They did not just complete the course, they exceeded every expectation.
A Community That Keeps Moving Forward
A huge congratulations to each of our graduates who are already continuing their journey, now training towards 10km events in September. This is exactly what Health&Hustle is about, taking that first step, building momentum, and discovering what is possible with the right support around you. We are incredibly proud of how far they have come, and even more excited about where they’re heading next. A special shout‑out goes to Nic Dowdeswell, who completed her Run Leader training during the course. Nic is now a permanent member of our run leader team, helping to deliver the programme and support future runners. Her energy, encouragement, and lived experience of the journey make her an invaluable addition to the group.
No Time to Rest as The Next Course Begins
With barely a moment to catch our breath, we are already gearing up for the next wave of runners. Week 1 Run 1 kicks off on Thursday 23 April as we launch our second Couch to 5km course of the year. New faces, new stories, new goals and the same supportive, inclusive community ready to welcome everyone.
Sunday 12 April — A Day of Grit, Good Vibes, and Gorgeous Views
What a day for Team Health & Hustle. Our runners showed up with determination, positivity, and that unmistakable Health&Hustle spirit and it paid off beautifully. Despite the unexpected hiccups with the shuttle buses and the delayed start, everyone took it in their stride. It was classic Health & Hustle: stay calm, stay together, and make the best of whatever the day throws at you. Once the race got underway, we could not have asked for better weather. Sunshine, cool air, and just enough breeze to keep things interesting, although the back‑route wind certainly made its presence known. Add in a few cheeky gradients and it became a proper test of strength and mindset. But every single one of our runners rose to the challenge. The course rewarded the effort with stunning views across Tewkesbury’s countryside, and the town support was nothing short of brilliant. From cheers on the corners to families lining the streets, every shout and clap gave our runners that extra lift.
Most importantly, everyone finished with a smile. The feedback was unanimous: a fantastic event, a great atmosphere, and another proud moment for the Health & Hustle community. To everyone who took part, whether it was your first event or your fiftieth, memebers represented the very best of what we stand for resilience, inclusivity, and determination to complete the course
Here’s to the next event in May, where members join the Worcester Half/10km.
The 2026 season kicked off in true Health & Hustle fashion as our runners took on the Westonbirt Arboretum 10km and 5km events and what a start it was. Fog hung low over the trees at the beginning, the ground was wet and boggy underfoot, but the team showed up with determination, humour, and that unmistakable H8H grit. Five of our runners — Kevin, Maxine, Leslie, Theresa, and Zoe — laced up for the 5km challenge. Despite the slippery terrain, spirits were high from the first step to the last. A special shout‑out goes to Max, who powered through the course and was the first of the group to cross the finish line, with Kevin following close behind. The whole team pushed through the mud, the mist, and the early‑year chill to earn their first medals of 2026. Taking on the longer distance, Lucia and Nic stepped up to the 10km event and absolutely delivered. The course demanded focus and resilience, but both stayed steady, kept their pace, and crossed the finish line with well‑earned pride.
Fog at the start. Mud everywhere. Slippery patches that kept everyone on their toes. It wasn’t a day for chasing personal bests, it was a day for showing up, sticking together, and proving that the Health & Hustle community is built on perseverance as much as performance. And that’s exactly what happened. Every single runner made it to the finish. Westonbirt set the tone for 2026: teamwork, resilience, and joy in movement. Whether it was 5km or 10km, every participant brought their best and supported one another all the way. Here’s to many more miles, muddy shoes, and shared victories in the months ahead.
Health & Hustle is officially up and running for 2026 and we’re only just getting started.
If the New Year Couch to 5k course has proven anything so far, it’s that determination shines brightest in the wettest weather. Since the programme kicked off, our runners have faced more rain than we have seen in any previous cohorts, but not once has it dampened their spirits. In fact, the grit and good humour shown by this group have become the defining features of the course.
Despite being a small group, every single runner is showing remarkable progress. To date, they’ve successfully completed Week 2, Run 3, which includes five intervals of 90‑second running, each followed by a two‑minute recovery walk. It is a challenging session for early weeks, but the team has taken it in their stride, quite literally.
One of the standout strengths of this group is how quickly they have embraced the importance of technique. From breathing patterns to posture and pacing, they are already applying the fundamentals that make running feel smoother, safer, and more sustainable. The results are showing. Confidence is growing. Strides are lengthening. And the belief that “I can do this” is becoming stronger with every session.
This course is not about speed. It’s about endurance, strength, and stamina, building the foundations that will carry each runner through longer intervals and, ultimately, across that 5km finish line. The progress so far shows just how capable this group is.
This Saturday at parkrun, the team steps up to the next milestone: Week 3, Run 1, introducing a new challenge with a combination of 90‑second and 3‑minute running intervals. It’s a big leap, but one they are more than ready for.
Keep an eye out for more updates as this brilliant group continues to grow, push forward, and prove what’s possible when community, commitment, and a little bit of rain come together.
A full year of movement, motivation, and meaningful impact. From 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027. We are inviting you to join a challenge that’s simple, flexible, and designed for everyone. Walk, run, or mix the two and just get moving and contribute to something bigger.
The 1000km Challenge
Walk it, run it, or combine both
Every kilometre counts
Aim for 1000km in a year — around 3km a day for a year.
The Parkrun Challenge - Earn milestone badges as you complete and add to the challenge shirt:
🥉 Bronze: 10 parkruns
🥈 Silver: 25 parkruns
🥇 Gold: 50 parkruns
Miss a parkrun? No stress — any Saturday 5km can count.
Why Join?
Because movement matters.
Because community matters.
Because every kilometre supports the work of the Robin Trust.
Key Dates
Sign‑ups open: 1 March 2026
Challenge begins: 1 April 2026
Challenge ends: 31 March 2027
How to Register
Sign up via our JustGiving page for £25 coming soon
Badges & Merchendise
Milestone badges and the official challenge T‑shirt are available through Gloucester Sports.
Let’s move together, Let’s celebrate every step, Let’s make a difference.
There’s something special about seeing people discover their confidence, their rhythm, and their joy in movement. Every year, our Health&Hustle Couch to 5KM programme brings together colleagues, friends, and first‑time runners who want to take that first steps towards a healthier, more connected version of themselves.
In 2026, we are back, bigger, bolder, and ready to support even more people on their journey to reach the 5KM milestone.
As always, our programme blends structure with community. Each week includes:
A Thursday evening run from Edward Jenner Court, and
A Saturday morning run at Gloucester City Parkrun, where we join the wider community and build confidence in a supportive, friendly environment.
Below is the full timetable for the first 2026 course.
January 2026
Thu 8 Jan – W1R1 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 10 Jan – W1R2 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 15 Jan – W1R3 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 17 Jan – W2R1 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 22 Jan – W2R2 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 24 Jan – W2R3 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 29 Jan – W3R1 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 31 Jan – W3R2 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
February 2026
Thu 5 Feb – W3R3 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 7 Feb – W4R1 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 12 Feb – W4R2 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 14 Feb – W4R3 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 19 Feb – W5R1 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 21 Feb – W5R2 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 26 Feb – W5R3 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 28 Feb – W6R1 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
March 2026
Thu 5 Mar – W6R2 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 7 Mar – W6R3 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 12 Mar – W7R1 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 14 Mar – W7R2 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 19 Mar – W7R3 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 21 Mar – W8R1 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 26 Mar – W8R2 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 28 Mar – W8R3 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
April 2026
Thu 2 Apr – W9R1 (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Sat 4 Apr – W9R2 (Meet at Gloucester City Parkrun, Band Stand, 8:30AM)
Thu 9 Apr – Graduation Run (Meet Edward Jenner Court at 5PM)
Ready to Run, Lead, or Cheer Us On?
Whether you are joining as a participant, stepping up as a run leader, or simply cheering from the sidelines, you are part of something meaningful. Health&Hustle has always been about more than running, it’s about community, confidence, and celebrating every step forward.
Enjoy
weekly guidance, tips, and community support. Let’s make running more
than just exercise it’s a journey of health, hustle, and personal growth.
No matter your starting point, everyone is welcome.
Together, we’ll support each other through every stride. Remember, the hardest
part is crossing the start line.
Running should be freeing, not frightening. In this Health & Hustle Jog On article, we’ll explore how to recognise harassment on runs, practical steps to protect yourself, and actions you can take to reclaim your space with confidence.Running is meant to be a celebration of movement, health, and freedom. Yet for too many runners, especially women, harassment intrudes on that joy. Surveys show that over two-thirds of women have experienced harassment while running, ranging from catcalling and unwanted comments to being followed or even physically intimidated. This reality can force runners to change routes, avoid certain times of day, or stop running altogether. Jog On is about refusing to let harassment steal that joy, and equipping yourself with strategies to stay safe and empowered. Recognising Harassment can take many forms. Understanding these behaviors as harassment, not “just part of running” is the first step to reclaiming control.
Verbal abuse: catcalls, sexist remarks, body shaming, or comments about appearance
Unwanted attention: being followed, someone running alongside to intimidate, or persistent attempts to talk
Physical intimidation: unwanted contact, flashing, or threatening gestures
"Here are some actions you can take":
Trust Your Instincts - If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t dismiss discomfort, listen to your gut and act quickly to remove yourself from the situation.
Keep Moving - Experts advise avoiding confrontation, as responding in the moment can escalate the situation. Instead, keep running and head toward a populated or safe area.
Run with Health & Hustle - Joining the Health & Hustle not only builds community but also deters harassment. Shared routes and camaraderie provide both safety and solidarity.
Use Safety Tools
Share your live location with trusted contacts via apps like Strava Beacon, Garmin Live or Find My Friend
Carry a personal alarm or whistle for immediate deterrence
Wear reflective gear and lights to stay visible
Report and Speak Up - While underreporting is common, logging incidents with local authorities or community groups helps highlight the scale of the issue and push for cultural change.
Reclaiming the Run -Harassment is about power and intimidation, but running is about freedom and joy. By arming yourself with strategies, tools, and community, you can push back against fear and reclaim your space. Jog On isn’t just a blog title, it’s a rallying cry. Keep moving forward, keep running, and keep demanding the right to run without harassment.
Key takeaway: Harassment on runs is widespread, but you are not powerless. With preparation, community, and confidence, you can protect yourself and help shift the culture toward respect and safety. When you go for a run tell someone where you are running, when you are starting, your route and when you come back in form the run. Stay alert and stay safe.
Get Ready to Move with Purpose The Robin Trust Challenge 2026 launches next March, inviting walkers and runners across the community to take on a year-long mission, complete either 25, 50, 75, or 100 parkruns in a year or go for the 1,000km by either running or walking and help us raise vital funds for our 2026 charity partner the Robin Trust.
Whether you're a seasoned runner, a weekend stroller, or someone simply looking to reconnect with movement, this challenge is for you. It's free to enter, open to all, and designed to celebrate every step, because every step counts.
What’s the Challenge?
Goal: Run or walk 25 or 50 parkruns or go for the 1,000km between 1 March 2026 and 28 February 2027
Entry: Free to join
Donations: A suggested contribution of £25 helps support Robin Trust’s work, but there's no obligation
T-shirts: Order your official Robin Trust Challenge tee through Gloucester Sports — bold, black, and built for movement
Milestones: Celebrate achievements at 25km, 50km, 75km, and 100km with digital badges, shout-outs, and printable certificates.
This is not just about distance, it’s about community, courage, and kindness. Every kilometre logged helps build a culture of wellness and resilience, while supporting Robin Trust’s mission to uplift lives through care and compassion. Whether you're walking to work, running with friends, or pacing through the park, you’ll be part of something bigger, a movement that celebrates progress, no matter the pace.
How It Works
Track your progress however you like, You can use our App, Strava, pedometer, printable log sheet, or good old-fashioned guesswork.
Share your milestones with us to unlock badges and be featured in our monthly shout-outs.
Order your t-shirt to wear your commitment proudly featuring the Robin Trust logo and “1000 Mile Challenge” design
Connect with others through social media, local meet-ups, and virtual events
Celebrating Every Step
We believe in celebrating movement, not just the finish line. That’s why we’ve built in milestone moments throughout the year. Hit 25 Parkruns? You’ll earn a badge. Reach 50 Parkruns You’ll get a certificate. Push toward 1,000km? You’ll be part of a community that’s walked and run its way to something extraordinary and receive one of our medals.
Cape Town Connection
This year, we’re proud to include a South African flourish with a Cape Town emblem featured on our official t-shirts. It’s a nod to our growing global community and a reminder that wellness knows no borders.
From the frosty trails of Westonbirt to the vibrant streets of Cape Town, Health & Hustle members have laced up, showed up, and hustled hard, bringing warmth, courage, and community to every step of their activity journey.
February: Westonbirt Arboretum 5K - We kicked off the year surrounded by towering trees and crisp winter air. The Westonbirt 5K was a serene yet spirited start, with members embracing the challenge and setting the tone for a year of movement and connection.
March: Gloucester RunThrough 10K & Cape Town Parkrun - Fresh from an inspiring South Africa trip with the Robins Trust, where members joined the Cape Town Parkrun in true Health & Hustle style, we returned to Gloucester with renewed energy. The RunThrough 10K was a celebration of global solidarity and local grit and proof that our community runs deep and wide.
May: Westonbirt Arboretum 10K - Back among the blossoms, the spring edition at Westonbirt saw runners push further, embracing the 10K with determination and delight. The forest trails echoed with laughter, encouragement, and the unmistakable rhythm of shared purpose.
June: Cheltenham Running Festival 5K & Gloucester 10K - June was a double-header of events! The Cheltenham 5K brought festival vibes and playful energy, while the Gloucester 10K tested our endurance and teamwork. Whether sprinting or pacing, every member brought their best and cheered even louder for others.
September: Cheltenham 10K - As summer faded, the Cheltenham 10K reminded us of our strength. With medals clinking and spirits soaring, this event was a masterclass in resilience and camaraderie. Runners supported one another through every hill and high-five.
October: Stroud 10K Finale - We wrapped up the season in Stroud, where autumn leaves matched the golden glow of achievement. The 10K finale was more than a race, it was a celebration of every mile, every moment, and every member who made 2025 unforgettable.
Huge Congratulations to all Participants of the Health & Hustle who signed up, showed up, and gave it their all, thank you. Your courage, kindness, and commitment to the H8H community have made this year extraordinary. Whether you ran, walked, cheered, or volunteered, you’ve helped build a culture of wellness that moves us all forward.
Here’s to more joyful miles, shared stories, and bold strides in 2026!
What a week! The Health & Hustle crew brought their signature
blend of movement, joy, and community to the sun-soaked shores of Costa Teguise
and it was nothing short of spectacular.
Mornings That Moved Us - Each day kicked off with a group run through the scenic coastal
paths, setting the tone with fresh air, laughter, and shared purpose. Post-run
breakfasts were a chance to refuel and reconnect, with plenty of stories and
smiles around the table.
Grand Alexandre Teguise: Our Wellness Playground
The hotel became our hub of activity and relaxation:
• 💦 Water aerobics in the pool kept spirits high and muscles moving.
• 🎯 Archery brought out our competitive edge—special shoutout to Jude
for nailing the bullseye and taking home gold!
• 🔫 Shooting and darts added playful precision to the mix.
• 🏋️♂️ Strength conditioning sessions in the gym helped us build
resilience and power.
In between, there was time to swim, sunbathe, and simply unwind
because wellness includes rest too.
Entertainment & Exploration - Evenings were filled with hotel entertainment and local
adventures. Whether dancing, dining, or discovering hidden gems in town, the
crew embraced every moment with warmth and curiosity.
Saturday Sun Run: Community in Motion - The highlight? Saturday’s Sun Run along the Teguise coastline, a
vibrant, Parkrun-style event that brought together NHS staff and holidaymakers
from Gloucestershire. The energy was electric, the views breathtaking, and the
sense of unity unforgettable.
See You in 2026!
The success of this year’s camp has us already counting down to
next year. Health & Hustle Run Camp 2026 returns to Costa Teguise from 30th
September for 7 nights, departing from Birmingham. The camp is open to all
levels, and Jet2 offers a convenient Half Board package including flights and
hotel. Why not join the crew? Whether you’re chasing a PB or just looking
to move, laugh, and connect, there’s a place for you in our next adventure.