Well Together inspiration from ICAS Member Katherine Ritchie CA
Well Together participant Katherine Ritchie CA shares her ideas, insights and inspiration for getting outdoors and staying active.
Introduce yourself:
I’m Katherine Ritchie CA. I live in central London and work for Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA, a Novartis company). Normally I work at one of our 18 production sites but have been working from home since March 2020 due to COVID-19. I’m also a Committee member of the ICAS London Area Network and Members Board.
How do you like to get outdoors, keep fit and stay active?
I love swimming, walking and running. For running my friends and I like to book races to motivate us to train and to see new places. Last year I had a place in the Edinburgh half marathon, but as it was cancelled I decided to do a half marathon in London – I missed running with a group, and the water stations!
Tell us about your favourite place to exercise.
Would usually be a swimming pool but during lockdown I’ve really enjoyed exploring the Thames Path and admiring the London architecture.
What inspires you to get outdoors, keep fit and stay active?
I find physical exercise has a positive impact on my wellbeing, relieves stress and helps me sleep better. Getting outside for a walk or run also means no screen time, which is much appreciated during lockdown.
How do you fit exercise around your work/family schedule?
Usually I like to start the day with exercise, otherwise it’s easy for me to find an excuse to avoid it throughout the day.
Has the way you exercise changed during COVID-19/lockdown?
I walk a lot more. I used to swim early in the morning and because I was booking my pool sessions I was motivated to wake up and get out of bed. I now typically go for a walk at the end of the day. At the weekend, having a daily walk with a friend (following COVID restrictions) is always a highlight. Hopefully we'll continue to combine socialising with walking post-lockdown.
Do you have any fitness hints and tips to encourage and inspire others?
Buddying up to do exercise makes its more enjoyable and sociable. If going alone I recommend picking a podcast to listen to on a walk / run – helps me to forget that I am working out.
If lockdown wasn’t a thing, where in the world would you like to go for a run, wheel, walk, cycle or swim?
I would do a combination of those things along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. Looking forward to being able to travel again!
Which ICAS Strava Club are you a member of?
Join the journey
Join our collective wellbeing journey where ICAS Members and Students of all fitness levels combine their local efforts for a virtual trip around the world.