Page 19 - WMPF Federation Feb-Mar 2020-flip_Neat

Paula’s advice for runners

Paula Radcliffe probably struck a note with most of those in
training for the marathon events in May when she said the
hardest part was getting out of the door on a cold, wet day to
train.
But she also stressed that you always felt better for having
done so.
Paula was asked for tips for runners training in the cold,
dark and wet winter weather and advised people to layer up –
perhaps running a short distance, returning home to take off a
layer – warm up and ensure they stretched before setting out.
She also told those taking part to build up the distance they
covered slowly and avoid ‘trying to do too much too soon’.
“Rest is part of training too,” she told Harry and Sharon
Johnson when they interviewed her, adding that during any
event runners should avoid going off to fast at the start and
also giving tips on eating and drinking enough as well as
buying the right running shoes.
Paula explained that running had taken her all over the
world and that racing in New York, London, Monaco and
Barcelona were all highlights of her career.
She admitted she would have liked to have won an Olympic
medal but said she had achieved other things that she didn’t
expect to when she set out on her athletics career.
In a message that would perhaps resonate with those
signed up for the marathon events, she shared the best pieces
of advice given to her by her trainer who said to aim for the
moon because even if you missed you would still land among
the stars, work towards a goal, set high goals but also have fun
as you would work harder if you were enjoying something. DI Chris Jones with Paula Radcliffe sporting her #WMPMND t-shirt.

Support for ACC

Police officers from across England and of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, donation of £2,500 on behalf of all Federated
Wales are getting behind the fund-raising Alistair McGowan, has also made a donation officers taking part in the marathon events
efforts to support West Midlands ACC Chris to the appeal. and supplying a branded water bottle for
Johnson who has Motor Neurone Disease “As you will appreciate travelling from team #WMPMND.
(MND). Belfast re cost and duty credits is a bit If you want to take part in the Rock ‘n’
A total of 323 people have now signed beyond us at present. However, I have asked Roll marathon events or support the
up to take part in the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll our accountant to make a £50 donation fund-raising, please email Trudy Gittins at
Marathon events in May to raise money for through your JustGiving page. So that tgittings@westmids.polfed.org
the Motor Neurone Disease Association should appear in the short-term,” Alistair l In March, West Midlands DI Chris Jones,
(MNDA) and the Primrose Hospice in explained. who works in public protection, will be part
Bromsgrove which is supporting Mr Johnson “I know through my wife who is a nurse of a band recording a charity song to raise
and his family. what a challenging condition MND is. Chris money for the appeal. The track – ‘On The
While many of the runners are from is very brave continuing his career as long as Run’ – will be recorded at Rockfield Studios in
West Midlands Police and those connected he can. I hope the run is a huge success and Wales where Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody
to the Force, there are also runners from 14 that you raise a sum worthy of this great was also recorded.
other forces including six runners from cause.” Chris and his band are also looking to
North Wales and a number from Derbyshire So far, the fund-raising total stands at audition for ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ to raise
but the fund-raising team is hoping to get around £5,000 with a target of £15,000. If awareness of MNDA and the Primrose
runners from other forces signed up with an you are not running, please consider Hospice.
aim of having all 43 forces in England and sponsoring those taking part through Having been forced out of taking part in
Wales represented. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/ the marathon due to injury, he has also
South Wales Chief Constable Matt Jukes WMPMND spent months generating prizes from
as chair of Police Sport UK has now spread West Midlands Police Federation has companies and individuals for a
the word nationally and the chief executive supported the fund-raising, making a fund-raising draw.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation February/March 2020 19