2020, eh? There’s a chance you might want to go to sleep and wake up sometime next
year. Not on our watch. We want to do something good, something positive
something that will make a difference. Something, now! 

Welcome to the Hogarth 500!

In November you will be part of a team trying to
cumulatively complete 500 miles via running, rowing, walking or cycling. To
take part please register at reception or by emailing the gym manager, Vojin. 

You can enter your own team or join one of our Club
captains’ teams as an individual. All we ask is for a contribution towards Sport In  Mind charity. 

A maximum of 6 per team is permitted (or fewer if you
are a sadist, it will be a demanding but doable total). If the challenge itself
doesn’t motivate you enough: did someone say prizes…?

That’s correct! The first team to achieve the 500 miles
will win a meal and bottle of wine for each team member at The Airedale. The
individual who logs the most miles in November will win a much needed massage
and the person who raises the most will get a free month’s membership. 

If any team adds in a donation of £50 they can pick a
future day in the month where their miles will count as double towards their
goal. You can almost feel everyone reaching for their wallets.

Whether it is in the gym or outdoors, as long as you
show your captain a screenshot of your activity it can be logged towards your
total target. We will be keeping a live leader board up on the wall for all to
see and chase! As they say, "every little helps", and hopefully you
should find you end up doing more than you would have otherwise, so you have
boosted your fitness! We can gee each other on, compete with one another as we
chase down that target of 500 miles.

This year has more than ever highlighted the link
between physical and mental health. Unfortunately most mass participation
events have been cancelled, so we thought we need to create something to fill
the competitive void.  We are keen for it to be something which will help
others through fundraising, focus our personal targets and create a community
spirit. The Hogarth is nothing if it is not putting the fun in fundraising…
(I’ll get my coat)

Sport In Mind is a terrific charity which aims to
improve mental health through sport. By delivering physical activity sessions
(in partnership with the NHS) they aid recovery, promote mental wellbeing,
combat social isolation and empower people to move their lives forward in a
positive direction. Recent studies also show exercise can combat depression and
anxiety, boost confidence and, of course, release those all important
endorphins. As the physical health improves so too can the mental wellbeing.
And if it can help others along the way, that’s even better.

Let’s make November one to remember!