by Dawn Thomas | Jul 26, 2024 | Health And Fitness, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect
Celebrating our Park Run Volunteers
Having been injured and unable to run much through 2023 I took to running one lap and then volunteering. Today I had volunteered to write the run report about ‘my journey’. I had it all prepared. However listening to Jim, our run director I was reminded that today I was celebrating my 25th volunteer role. I’ve therefore changed tack and will write about celebrating our park run volunteers.
Each week a request for volunteers is made. This week Jim, along with Pooh and Piglet pleaded for help to fill the roster. I didn’t realise until I arrived at our beautiful Boutham Park how many of the Maternity Wing Park Run Group were volunteering today. They all responded to the last minute pleas.
Without volunteers there would be no park run! Each week Lincoln needs a minimum of 18 volunteers for the event to go ahead. A more realistic number of volunteers would be about 28.
As the school holidays start the number of runners and volunteers has taken a dip and filling future rosters is challenging.
The Core VolunteeringTeam
There are regular volunteers at Lincoln, the core team (you know who they are) who often cover several roles each week, but even they need time out from time to time. If you fancy taking over Junes Bridge or Sandras Corner one morning please email lincoln@parkrun.com
Catherine bravely took on marshalling Mozzy Corner. This may not be its official name but it’s on the corner in the wooded section. Plenty of shade makes it perfect conditions for a hot day like today.
Family Friendly
Perhaps you attend our Park Run with your family who spectate and cheer you on? Could you persuade them to Marshall? They still have the opportunity to cheer you on but at the same time help keep park run going for you.
Park Run is a vey family friendly community. The Lincoln Junior Park Run team are taking over the park run on the 10th August and are looking for volunteers for both this event and for the Junior Park Run which will eventually take place on Sundays. Could this be the opportunity for you and your children/grandchildren to volunteer and learn all about Junior Park run? If you are interested in supporting this event please check out the roster on this link: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lincoln/futureroster/
Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers – Combining Running And Volunteering
Ella, another one of our Maternity Wing Park Run Group was also celebrating her 25th volunteer role today choosing to bar code scan. I love to bar code scan as you get to speak to 100’s of runners. The first past the post, who to be honest, can’t usually speak as they have just run supper fast. Those who achieved a PB, Park Run tourists, those training for ultra marathons, runners from different running groups, cancer my way participants, the children and walkers.
Jamie, today’s first runner home took on scanning duties as he has on many occasions. Fiona, ran her 200th park run today in a respectable 29m 36s and then took up scanning duties.
Fiona celebrating her 200th run at Lincoln Park Run
Perhaps you finish in the top 52. If so have you ever considered volunteering? I’m sure many of you have, but if not please consider running and bar code scanning just once a year. That’s 52 weeks covered already!!
I’ve dragged my son’s girlfriend to park run on more than one occasion. Charlie has now volunteered more than she has run. Her favourite role is funnel manager.
Today Shirley took control of the funnel and really enjoyed the experience. Again, it’s a great way to meet, greet and congratulate your fellow runners.
Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers – Familiar Faces
A regular at park run is Keith Mackenzie. Today Keith celebrated his 50th volunteer role by park walking. Along with the tail walker this is a great way to give support and encouragement to those runners and walkers at the back of the pack. It’s an ideal role if you have an injury and need to slow your pace whilst still getting your park run fix and your steps in.
Keith celebrating his 50th Volunteering Role at Lincoln Park Run
Perhaps you have a big event on Sunday and need to rest. Rather than sitting park run out how about being the number checker, finish token manager or time keeper?
There are roles to suite everyone. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and try something different. The first timers welcome is another role you can combine comfortably with your run. This would also suit someone who needs to get away in a hurry after their run.
If you know of any youngster who are participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award then volunteering can count as their service.
Pledge To Volunteer
Park Run UK suggests every runner should attempt to volunteer three times a year. Some will be able to do this easily plus more, whilst others may be able to manage just one. If every regular Lincoln park runner stepped forward just once a year it would make a huge difference to the roster.
Volunteering isn’t difficult and the park run community is really friendly and supportive. Please take a look at roster for the next six weeks and beyond.
Let’s all pledge to volunteer at least once a year.
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lincoln/futureroster/
Remember, if you are a T shirt collector then volunteer 50, 100 or 150 times and you can send for a volunteer shirt. This is another great way to support park runs future.
Follow: @DawnThomas2311 and @parkrunUK on X (formally Twitter) and Facebook: LincolnParkrun and parkrun UK
by admin | Jun 30, 2024 | Blogging, Health And Fitness, Lincolnshire Blogger, WhatsOnLincs
Park Run Tourism – Belton House
Park Run Tourism –
Belton House on 29 June 2024. There are some serious park run tourists out there, visiting A-Z of park runs around the Globe. I don’t consider myself to be one of them. However, I do confess that if invited to a Wedding, on a weekend away or holiday, the first thing I do is look up the nearest park run. Surely I’m not the only one?
Today I’m with some of the ‘Just Run Lincoln’ crew who are on our monthly tourist tour, visiting different park runs. I already have experience of the course, having been twice before. It’s a two lap course taking you down the long drive, around parkland and past the front of the magnificent Belton House. I would say the course is 80% trail. That’s very different from what our crew is use to.
Park Run Tourism at Belton House
Park Run Tourism – Belton House The Start
After a short first timer/ tourist brief we took our places at the start. The start covers an exceptionally wide area with runners on both the grass and the drive. This made for an easier start with no bottle necks. The number of dogs was particularly noticeable and audible. However, both owners and dogs were all very well behaved during the run.
By the time we had reached the turning point (about midway down the drive) the pack had thinned out making it easy to move onto the trail section. A family of swans could be seen sat at the corner watching everyone with interest. With eyes back on the trail it was time to focus on the rabbit holes. I needn’t have worried though as they were marked with little white flags.
Sheep On The Run!
A glance to the right and I could see the park deer in the far field then I noticed the sheep. OMG the sheep were running on mass directly towards the next corner. Watching the runners and sheep ahead I could see that all were being very courteous. Both the runners and sheep seemed to dodge each other without effecting pace. What a relief!
The course isn’t entirely flat as you will find as you run up towards the house to the start of the second lap and eventually the finish funnel. The good news is that final section is flat, wide and on a path. There was plenty of scope to pick up the pace for a fast finish.
Post Run Coffee
Having cheered each other in we piled into the stables cafe to refuel and dissect our run. The others hadn’t run Belton before and were all surprised it was a trail run. The takeaway point here is read the write up
www.parkrun.org.uk to avoid surprises. (
@parkrunUK)
We will be voting on our next park run tour in the coming weeks but in the meantime it’s back to the training. If you fancy a bit of tourism yourselves head to the friendliest park run I know (of course I am biased !) in Boutham Park, Lincoln Happy running everyone.
Happy Running
by admin | Jan 25, 2024 | Lincs Connect
New Beginnings With Mandarin Fitness – The same Old Story
New beginnings with Mandarin Fitness – Exercise, diet, protein, carbohydrates, High Intensity Interval Training, Injury….. You’ve heard it all before.
Every January all of these topics will have probably been bombarding you from morning till night. You can’t escape it in January and you are ‘expected’ to have a New Year resolution. The expectation is that you will want or need to lose weight and get fit. Fast forward to pre-summer holidays and watch it all repeat again!
Reality Check
The realities are though that the majority of people who take up exercise and a new diet plan in January are doomed to failure. Why though? Is it because you have been pressured into it by the media, celebrities, friends, families and Personal Trainers?
Perhaps you feel under pressure to conform with what is expected of you? Here is a question and answer for the ladies:
“How do you get a bikini body?” The answer is simple “put a bikini on!”
The picture on the left is the real image. The picture on the right has been edited to portray ‘the perfect body’ image
New Beginnings With Mandarin Fitness – Don’t Be Pressured
The point I’m trying to make here is that whatever happens, you mustn’t feel pressured or bullied into conforming to the ‘skinny body’ picture that you may have in your mind. The ‘six pack’ may never happen for you. It’s a fact and I would like you to hold that in your mind.
We are all different and that is a fact too.
Body Type
Ectomorph, Mesomorph and Endomorph are three distinctly different body types. You are what you are and, like it or not, that’s the way it is. You can search any of those body types on the internet for a full description to save me rambling on here but the reality is that regardless of how many nuts and seeds you eat or litres off water you drink your body type will never change.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can just give up and pretend that any weight issues you may have just don’t matter. On the contrary, we know that an increased waist circumference is linked to heart disease, stroke and some cancers. We also know that too little body fat carries health problems too.
Morphology – you are what you are!
Confused?
So where does this leave you? Hopefully not confused!
Do you need to exercise? Of course you do! Your body type may dictate that you will never be lean with a six pack so do you stop considering what you eat? Of course not! Remember, “Everything in moderation”
New Beginnings With Mandarin Fitness – Your Health Is In Your Hands
If you don’t enjoy exercise and prefer to eat comfort food then consider this: “Your health is in your hands” – you should love yourself and the body you’re in so don’t try to reach the unreachable goal.
You can change habits though and there is plenty of professional help around from health professionals to fitness professionals. Consider ‘functional fitness’ as a goal. Many of you may not want to go to the gym or take up running but can you get out of your chair easily? Could you run or jog a short distance if you need to? Can you lie down and get back up again with ease? If the answer to these questions is ‘no’ then perhaps you need to consider your perception of fitness.
Take your body type (whatever it is) for a walk, swim or cycle. Don’t cut out carbohydrates from your diet but you can drastically cut down by reducing confectionary. It’s a good start!
If you are new to exercise, self conscious, unable to move as well as you should but would like to make improvements then you might like to contact me for help. I will visit you for a dedicated 1 to 1 consultation but I’m afraid there will be the normal charges for that service.
If you have any questions about starting exercise please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Injuries
March is my busiest month of the year. Why? Because so many people are too enthusiastic at the start of their fitness/activity journey and trainers often push people to exercise beyond their safe limits. March is the time when my phone is most active with people asking for help. Don’t be a statistic. Take your time to ease into exercise. There is no rush, you have the rest of your life to get it right!
Biomechanics coaching with Mandarin Fitness in Lincolnshire for injury prevention and injury rehabilitation
Until Next Time…
That’s it for now. I hope you find this blog useful. If you have any comments or would like any more information please do get in touch.
You can email martin@mandarinleisure.com or call me on 07966 174878. You can also visit the website www.mandarinleisure.com or for a quick response you will find me on twitter @MANDARINLEISURE @MandarinFitness @MandarinMothers of Facebook MandarinFitness
by admin | Apr 17, 2023 | Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies
LincsConnect Stars
Read on to discover how you can join the Lincolnshire LincsConnect Stars and be in with the chance of a featured spot in this blog.
LincsConnect Hour
Join the LincsConnect Hour stars on Monday evenings on Twitter at 8.00pm. You’ll find new friends every week so search #LincsConnect and stay there to follow the chat. Likewise, you’ll find your friends on the #LincsConnect hashtag every day so pop in for a chat.
LincsConnect Hour 10 April 2023
The Hour was hosted by me and I ran the Hour along the lines of ‘Simon Says’. Starting off with introductions including individual personal adverts then proceeded with instructions to read and retweet (not ‘Like’) two tweets from the introductions.
The Hour continued on the same theme so attendees were able to post four adverts and have multiple retweets.
Lincolnshire LincsConnect Stars
Use the #LincsConnect hashtag daily for your advertising and networking. It’s free and simple to use
I’ve seen people post their messages but get no response. You can use the #LincsConnect hashtag on your posts to reach out to a wider local audience but for best results you need to visit the hashtag regularly to chat and retweet for others.
LincsConnect Stars
Taking the Hour a stage further it was suggested that I should produce a Gif for #LincsConnect so that’s exactly what I’ve done.
People who join in with the #LincsConnect Hour on Twitter are given the opportunity to post multiple adverts but also invited to win the virtual star. Enter this daily fun competition daily which simply requires you to visit the Lincolnshire #LincsConnect hashtag to support others there.
The competition runs every day with a new member being selected according to how many people they support on the hashtag. In addition, one of the lucky winners will be selected to have a feature in this blog.
The blog will be updated each month with the new winner so play the game to be in with a chance of being featured here.
Join The Lincolnshire #LincsConnect Stars Club
The #LincsConnect Stars are the ones who take the time to chat to others and share posts. You too can become a #LincsConnect Star by utilising the hashtag regularly to support others there.
The Stars – In No Particular Order
As a result of following the instructions to support your fellow #LincsConnect members to reach out to a wider audience you will be in with a chance to win a virtual star and a feature in this blog.
Advertising isn’t free of course so it’s going to cost you in time. Spending a minimum of 5 minutes of your time each day is perfect. The more visits you make to the #LincsConnect hashtag to support others, the greater your chance of winning the Star and blog feature.
Don’t forget to post your own free adverts on the #LincsConnect hashtag too if course.
Sponsored By:
Mandarin Therapies and @MandarinMothers provides bespoke mobile complementary therapies across the whole County and beyond. Go to the bio to discover more and click on the picture to go to the website
How It Works
One visit to the #LincsConnect Hour won’t instantly make you famous or popular with other #LincsConnect members. One Hour may not even get you any sales but taking the concept and applying it daily will help you to gain more recognition and may well lead to increased sales. Spend a few minutes each day chatting with and sharing posts to maximise your impact on social media.
LincsConnect Stars
Join the fun to make good connections and helped each. As a result, your adverts will reach a wider audience so join us for the #LincsConnect Hour on Mondays at 8.00pm and on the #LincsConnect hashtag every day.
Your Editorial Here
As a special ‘thank you’ to those who interact with the #LincsConnect hashtag there will be an opportunity for an editorial here. One winner each month will be chosen so make sure you’re taking part. You have to be in it to win it!
The editorial will include a picture of choice and links to websites etc. The editorial will update each month. To increase advertising opportunities winners are encouraged to use the blog to post on their social media pages. As a result more people will see the blog which will increase awareness of the competition.
Congratulations J&S Plumbing & Heating
J&S Plumbing & Heating “Quality as standard”
Jason dedicated just a few minutes each day to searching the #LincsConnect hashtag on Twitter. As a result he has won this free editorial – congratulations Jason. In addition to the free editorial J&S plumbing & Heating have increased their profile on Twitter and are steadily increasing their following.
Jason has also launched his own Twitter hashtag #JASSafetyTips so if you have any questions about your plumbing and heating or would like to see answers to questions you hadn’t thought to ask, just search the hashtag. You’ll find J&S Plumbing & Heating on twitter under the name @JASPlumbLincs and on Facebook under jasplumbandheat so be sure to give them a follow.
Click on the picture to go straight to the J&S Plumbing & Heating website
As a satisfied customer I have no hesitation in recommending Jason for your boiler purchase, servicing, and maintenance. We had two large old boilers which Jason removed and replaced with a single new efficient Worcester boiler. Quick, clean, efficient and at a fair price so naturally I’m very pleased with the job.
One year later a service is due so I received a text reminder with a link to the website. As a result, one click took me to the right page and after filling in my name and address the service it was booked. By following the simple instructions I even had a choice of preferred days and times for the visit. A follow up text to confirm the appointment followed just minutes later. That’s what I call good service.
Spread The Cost With J&S Plumbing & Heating
There are 5 fully qualified heating engineers on hand to look after you. As a result it’s unlikely that you’ll have a long wait for your work to be booked in and carried out. Jason even has monthly payment service plans available to help you spread the cost. Qualified in gas, oil and LPG heating systems J&S Plumbing & Heating have you covered. Their strap line says it all: “Quality as standard”
Congratulations to Serena Twibell Arts
Always here to support other #LincsConnect users, Serena has surely deserved her prize of a free editorial here. When Serena isn’t painting or or creating hand sewn lovelies & home decor pieces from felt and vintage fabrics (never far from a cup of tea of course) she and her husband are collecting vintage items to go on sale in their shop at Hemswell Antiques.
The stock is always changing of course so I strongly recommend that you pay a visit to Canberra Antiques Centre (Unit 52) to have a look for yourself. When you get there you’ll find that the very helpful reception staff will be pleased to guide you to Twibell Arts.
Unit 52 at Canberra Antiques Center, Hemswell. Click on the picture to find Canberra Antiques Centre
Painting And Creating
Serena is truly gifted as you’ll discover when you follow her on Twitter and look at her Etsy Shop. Again, the stock is constantly being updated as the artwork and creations are all original. However, you’ll be able to keep up to date with what’s new by following @TwibellArts on Twitter or Serena.Twibell on Facebook
Incredibly detailed miniature paintings as well as exquisite creations, Serena has every gift occasion covered so a visit to her Etsy shop is a must. Click on the picture for a shortcut to the shop.
Call 01522 708 208 to book an appointment today or click on the links above to go to the website and social media sites.
Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:
How to use LincsConnect in Lincolnshire
Free Advertising With LincsConnect
That’s It For Now
by admin | Dec 19, 2022 | Fitness, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, Mandarin, Nordic Walking
Nordic Walking In Lincolnshire With Mandarin Fitness
Nordic Walking in Lincolnshire with Mandarin Fitness. It’s suitable for all levels from complete beginner to seasoned athlete
It ‘is’ just walking with poles! You may be surprised to learn that there is some technique to master before you can truly call yourself a Nordic walker though. Thankfully Mandarin Fitness is here to guide you so read on for more information.
Martin from Mandarin Fitness has over 32 years experience in the health and fitness industry and runs weekly classes. As a result, you can rest assured that you are benefitting from a wealth of experience and learning from one of the best.
Nordic Walking In Lincolnshire (Lincoln) Monthly Timetable
Client safety is always a priority so please do check here for any updates and changes to the timetable.
Location Change
As the British weather can be so unpredictable we may need to change the locations from time to time when bad weather makes certain locations difficult or dangerous. Please keep your eyes on this blog for any updates.
27 July 2024
Here is the What3Words coordinates for Saturday: chop/speech/posed
Nordic Walking in Lincoln, Lincolnshire with Mandarin Fitness
Nordic Walking Master Instructor
Qualified as a Master Nordic Walking instructor in 2007 and level 3 Personal Trainer in 1991 Martin is the man to go to for your safe tuition.
Getting to Grips…
Getting to grips with the basics is key to learning Nordic Walking. Martin will show you how and when to grip the poles and when to release. You’ll even learn the Nordic Walking ‘swagger’!
With one arm forward the other should swing back whilst pushing on the pole to propel you forward (similar to marching with poles). You’ll learn to grip, release, twist, push and stride simultaneously.
The whole package is the goal but it’s important to start with the basics and build on the technique as each skill is learned. The technique can take anything from 10 minutes to 6 weeks to master. One or two clients have taken to it immediately while others need to learn at a slightly slower pace. Whatever learning level you are at, Martin will help you to achieve your goal of learning Nordic Walking.
Beginners Nordic Walking
With the right instructor there is no need to have to join a dedicated beginners Nordic Walking class. Getting the technique right at ‘your’ pace is the most important consideration for beginners because it will help build confidence. Learning to walk with poles as tools is important so get used to holding the poles and discover how you naturally start to utilise them as time goes on.
To begin the learning journey, start with a loose grip of the handles then walk with your arms locked down by your sides. Progress (within around 15-20 seconds) to relaxing your shoulders and arms then note how they naturally swing as you walk. At this stage you should be dragging your poles. Once you feel comfortable with this you should try to exaggerate the arm swing. If (or when) you feel it going strong simply keep walking but lock your arms down by your sides ad start the process again.
Getting To Grips With Nordic Walking
Learning to grip, release, swing, push, pick up, chat, laugh, enjoy the scenery and company will all come in time. It takes a little patience and some expert instruction but you will definitely master it! Martin is here for you and the group members are always keen to welcome you to the group.
Know Your Limits
You’ll be reminded throughout that your limits are personal to you so it’s important to be the best ‘you’ can be. Copying others and feeling that you have to ‘keep up’ is a good way to pick up an injury. To avoid injuries you must do what is comfortable and resist temptation to push too hard. Martin will have a watchful eye on you all the time – even when you don’t realise that he is watching!
Nordic Walking In Lincolnshire – Benefits And Exercise In Disguise
Nordic Walking encourages participants to include upper body actions to a greater extent than normal walking. The perception is that the hour long session was just a normal walk but the reality is that participants can burn up to 40% more Calories just by using the poles properly. That’s a huge benefit over normal walking without poles. In addition to the Calorie burning benefits, there are also the social benefits to consider as well as the balance aids the poles give for those who are less steady on their feet.
Walking in the fresh air is a well documented stress buster, as is laughing and social interaction. You’ll get all of these things in abundance when you’re Nordic Walking with a group.
Injury need not be a reason to not take up Nordic Walking. On the contrary, Nordic Walking can be a great benefit when on the road to recovery after injury or illness. Join a class today to start getting the benefits of Nordic Walking.
Mandarin Fitness provides the right coaching at the right level to make sure your workout is safe and effective.
Classes In Lincoln
Classes are held each Saturday morning in the Lincoln, Lincolnshire area from 10.30am. All abilities are welcome to come along so contact Martin on 07966 174878 for more information and to book your session and poles. The updated timetable is posted each month here and on the Mandarin Fitness Facebook page.
Nordic Walking & Complementary Therapies
The two actually fit well together. Nordic Walking provides physical and mental health benefits and the complementary therapies helps with the emotional benefits as well as the obvious muscular aches and pains. Combining the two will give you a complete package. Ask about the discount schemes for block bookings too. All treatments are mobile and cover the Lincoln and Lincolnshire surrounding areas.
If you would like to know more about the Mandarin Therapies treatments look at the blog below:
Click the picture above to see the latest Mandarin Therapies blog
Nordic Walking And More…
If you would like to learn more about Mandarin Fitness, Mandarin Therapies and Mandarin Leisure have a look at the website below:
Click on the page image to go straight to the Mandarin Leisure website
By Request…
It was requested that I should add in a little background information to help readers understand a little more about Mandarin Fitness and Nordic Walking. The article below was written and published in local newspapers in 2014 but after all this time, it’s still relevant and very real. Have a read:
Addiction doesn’t go away but it can be managed. As a result, the decision to quit running and swap to Nordic Walking was a game changer.
Nordic Walking is a sport for all so you can use it to get fit and stay fit. Fresh air and friendship are key elements to both mental and physical fitness. Rest assured that after 32 years of Personal Training you’ll be in good hands with Mandarin Fitness. ‘Master instructors’ are few and far between but with the wealth of knowledge and experience gained over more than 32 years as a fitness leader Martin is pretty unique!
Low impact, high energy, great fun and fabulous friendships. Whatever your ability or level of fitness, Martin will tailor your sessions to you. Call 07966 174878 to book your sessions or ask about special individual or group sessions.
Gift Vouchers
Mandarin Leisure gift vouchers and eVouchers are available for you to purchase. Email martin@mandarinleisure.com for more information.
Guest Blog
Nordic Walking by ‘Let’s Move Lincolnshire’
Join the Lincoln Nordic Walking family. Book today.
“Putting the social back into social media” #LincsConnect is always here for you.
