Active Travel Officer Craig Coull is stepping up his activity programme through spring and summer with new walking and running groups - to encourage Forth Valley College staff and students to keep fit and healthy.
Following on from a previously published series of ‘Led Cycle Rides’ Craig (27) from Stirling – who is also a self-employed fitness coach and ultra-marathon competitor – has organised a ‘Social Stroll Club’ and two ‘Running Clubs’ to help staff become more active.
He also hopes to encourage people to share their photos while out walking, cycling or running, He hopes this will encourage others to get involved in activity and generally raising awareness of physical activity.
Craig, whose post is funded through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund from Paths for All, is in his new role until the end of December 2022 and he has been gearing up to putting on group activities and events to bring people together with a shared interest and enjoy being active.
He said: “These new clubs are open to all FVC students and staff. I hope as many people as possible come along and get involved in what will be a very enjoyable experience. Anyone interested can sign up using the link below, and everyone should look out for later dates in the coming weeks!
“With the better weather starting - hopefully! - more people will be starting to get outdoors for activity and to commute. So, to spread the word on keeping active, why not share a photo from your activities using the hashtags #FVCactive or #FVCcommute when posting a photo to social media and tag the College. These can be on your lunchtime walk, daily commute, evening dog walk... anything! There will also be prizes for the best photos through the year. So, keep active and you could win!”
The new walking and running groups at FVC are aimed at helping to encourage an active lifestyle, which can have a great impact on improving our mental and physical health. Top book on visit https://forms.office.com/r/1QVxKrF6QP
Social Stroll – is a leisurely group walk for all students and staff. Come along and take a break from the desk or studying and have a chat while strolling round scenic routes from the campus. Then why not end with a quick coffee before going back to work or class! Great opportunity to interact with new people and enjoy the outdoors, helping to clear the mind and recharge for the afternoon.
First Social Stroll dates (Meet outside front entrance):
- Falkirk - Tuesday 31 May.1pm start lasting 30-40mins
- Stirling - Wednesday 8 1pm start lasting 30-40mins
Run Club -
There will be two groups to suit various abilities. Anyone requiring further information on which group to attend then get in touch with Craig via craig.coull@forthvalley.ac.uk .
The Run Groups will start with a trial period at the Stirling Campus, then expand to the other campuses depending on interest. Meeting in the morning at 7:50am it is hoped they will set those attending up for the day! This allows time to shower and change before 9am. The day/time is subject to change to accommodate participants and interest.
Run Group 1 - 'Desk to 5K': Open to all. Perfect for beginners to running who want to build up to run their first 5K, or those who want to get back into running and keep active. Progressing each week starting with walking then gradually increasing the amount of running, with the shared goal of completing a 5km run (at your own pace)! The group will always stick together to motivate and encourage each other, never leaving anyone behind. Based on the well-known NHS Couch to 5K programme.
- Starts Monday 30 May: 7:50am, at main entrance (Stirling Campus). The run will last for approximately 30 minutes
Run Group 2 - 'Forth Valley Striders': For runners who can complete 5km or more, at any pace. The runs will take on local routes from the College campus, and last approximately 30-45min depending on ability and time available. This is a group run at a conversational pace, with opportunity to build in structured intervals over the weeks depending on the group.
- Starts Tuesday 31 May. 7:50am, at main entrance (Stirling Campus). Running for 30-40 minutes.
If you would like to find out more or unsure what group to attend then get in touch with Craig, our Active Travel Officer - craig.coull@forthvalley.ac.uk To book on an activity visit https://forms.office.com/r/1QVxKrF6QP