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This is the first book to take an in-depth look at parkrun - the free, weekly, timed 5km run on a Saturday morning - and to examine why its participants love it so much and why it has been such an astonishing success. Author David Hindley – a self-described ‘middle of the pack’ parkrunner – draws on new research, including interviews with other runners, volunteers and organisers, to shine a light on the unique combination of ingredients in parkrun’s magic formula. Tracing the development of parkrun from its first event in the UK in 2004 to the global network of today, he takes a close look at themes like inclusion, volunteering, community, green space, health and well-being, and unpacks the mantra of ‘it’s a run not a race’ that has come to define the spirit of parkrun for so many of its participants. Part sporting event, part social movement, and part public health intervention, parkrun perhaps offers a model for sustainable public participation in other areas of social life. This book is compulsory behind-the-scenes reading for all parkrunners and parkrun volunteers, and anybody working in sport development, events, recreation, public health, volunteering or community organising.
'A must read for anyone with a passion for women's equality and sport.' -Sue Anstiss Voices from the Hills is the story of the barriers encountered by the first female fell runners who fought to participate in the early days of this male-dominated sport. Despite experiencing discouragement and resistance, these women responded with personal courage and self-confidence. Thanks to them, women now compete at traditional fell races, international mountain races and endurance challenges such as the Bob Graham Round in increasing numbers. Told predominantly through interviews with pioneering female athletes who recount their lives and running careers, this is the story of a fight for equality of opportunity and reward.
Perfect for any parkrunner, or wannabe parkrunner, this concise and joyful book reveals how a Saturday 5km run in the park has become a worldwide phenomenon. The Ultimate Guide to parkrun (always with a lower case p!) covers how parkrun started, how it is staged every week, how to get involved as a runner, walker, or volunteer – and even how to start your own run. Written by a running writer and qualified athletics coach, this celebratory book goes behind the scenes to tell the heartwarming human stories behind parkrun. But it also brims with practical information, with training plans for different types of runners so that you can (if you wish to) improve your own finishing time. Published to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the founding of the mass participation event in Autumn 2024, the book delves into parkrun’s origins as the brainchild of Paul Sinton-Hewitt, an unemployed man in London. Just 13 runners competed in the first Bushy Park Time Trial on 2 October 2004. Now parkrun has more than 9 million runners at more than 2,200 parks in 23 countries, with the most popular countries being the UK, Australia, and South Africa. The book features all aspects of parkrun, including how public-spirited volunteers put on the event, sustainably and for free, every week, and fun boxes such as the most interesting courses around the world, from Poland to the Falkland Islands. About the author Lucy Waterlow is a journalist, ghostwriter and author who has contributed to national newspapers and specialist publications such as Runner’s World and Women’s Running. She is a keen amateur runner, and a qualified England Athletics coach in running fitness. She is the co-author of Nell McAndrew's Guide To Running and Run Mummy Run: Inspiring Women to be Fit, Healthy and Happy.
This book explores how people encounter, understand, live with and respond to health risks associated with social, economic and political inequality. Complementing a traditional public health approach, the book moves beyond a focus on categories of morbidity and their structural causes. Instead, it focuses on everyday understandings and actions for people living in unequal social conditions. Making use of a variety of case studies related to physical and mental health, the authors emphasise interpersonal relationships, biographical meanings and the daily tactics of ‘getting by’. These are recurrently linked to the social-structural aspects of particular times and places. The book: Draws upon, applies and extends the biopsychosocial approach, which is well known to students of public health. Respects and gives due weight to the experience in context of people who live with health inequalities, in domestic and local settings. Explores notions of personal agency and the contingencies of everyday life, in order to offer a focused psycho-social compliment to a public health tradition dominated by top-down reasoning. This is an important read for all those seeking to understand the complexities of health inequalities holistically in their studies, research and practice. The book brings together thinking in the fields of public health, sociology, mental health and social policy.
This is the first book to take an in-depth look at parkrun - the free, weekly, timed 5km run on a Saturday morning - and to examine why its participants love it so much and why it has been such an astonishing success. Author David Hindley - a self-described 'middle of the pack' parkrunner - draws on new research, including interviews with other runners, volunteers and organisers, to shine a light on the unique combination of ingredients in parkrun's magic formula. Tracing the development of parkrun from its first event in the UK in 2004 to the global network of today, he takes a close look at themes like inclusion, volunteering, community, green space, health and well-being, and unpacks the mantra of 'it's a run not a race' that has come to define the spirit of parkrun for so many of its participants. Part sporting event, part social movement, and part public health intervention, parkrun perhaps offers a model for sustainable public participation in other areas of social life. This book is compulsory behind-the-scenes reading for all parkrunners and parkrun volunteers, and anybody working in sport development, events, recreation, public health, volunteering or community organising.
This innovative textbook explains how sport and leisure organisations can become more entrepreneurial in order to achieve sustainable growth. It introduces key tools, techniques, and approaches that can help sport and leisure organisations put entrepreneurship at the centre of their culture. Drawing on cutting-edge research, innovation discourses, and perspectives from multiple disciplines, the book introduces fundamental concepts in entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise, such as digitalisation, research and development (R&D), diversification, extendibility, and sustainability. It highlights future innovation challenges, provides innovative solutions, and introduces a new diagnostic tool for managing entrepreneurship and innovation. The book presents insights on everyday management challenges from experienced industry practitioners and considers the importance of social enterprise and social entrepreneurship at a time of austerity, recession, and increasing uncertainty. Full of real-world cases and scenarios, as well as useful features to encourage critical reflection, this book is essential reading for any course on entrepreneurship taken as part of a degree course in sport management leisure, sports studies, recreation, event studies, entertainment management or tourism. It is also fascinating reading for practitioners looking to improve their professional skills.
As a society we have never had so much advantage and yet been so disadvantaged by this very same society which we have built for ourselves, by ignoring our basic needs when it comes to sleep, nutrition, movement, relaxation, relationships and purpose in life. We face a rising tide of physical health problems, such as obesity and diabetes, and mental health issues such as loneliness and depression. Our medical model is a broken, disease-based one which is not fit to meet our needs, particularly when it comes to preventing health and wellbeing problems. Just as secular society is often guilty of dualism when it comes to wellbeing, focusing on the physical but ignoring the spiritual, the faith community may make the same mistake in reverse, focusing on the spiritual whilst ignoring the physical. We need to combine all these different aspects to enjoy true wellbeing and a satisfying life. The book explores what it means to be fit for purpose in life: physically, mentally and spiritually. It describes the problems we face, both individually and as communities, and succinctly summarizes the evidence for the key factors that determine our wellbeing. It lays down a challenge to avoid treating physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing as separate. Using knowledge and experience of the worlds of medicine, behavioral change and Christian faith, Dr. Pile presents real life case studies and provides practical recommendations for making changes whether for ourselves, our faith community or wider society.
Gathering the very best of the advice and tips from the Run Mummy Run network, founder Leanne and co-writer Lucy have created this comprehensive beginner’s guide to running. Filled with down-to-earth advice, training schedules and inspirational stories, this book will help you to be fit, healthy and happy.
‘Shits and Giggles – diaries of a solo mom ‘ is a compelling narrative that delves into the personal journey of Monya Maxwell as a single mother. Through a series of candid and heartfelt stories, Monya Maxwell paints a vivid picture of the challenges, triumphs, and profound moments that define her experience. From societal stereotypes to financial struggles, she tackles each topic with honesty and humour, inviting readers to see beyond the misconceptions of single motherhood. With each chapter, she weaves in valuable lessons learned, offering practical advice and a sense of solidarity to single mothers everywhere. “Single Mom, Stronger Mom” is not just a book; it’s a beacon of hope and empowerment for those walking a similar path.