A Lanarkshire woman is celebrating the completion of a two year running streak.
Lian McCulloch - who runs Slimming World groups in Wishaw, Carluke and Lanark - decided to take part in a challenge on December 1, 2020, to run every day that month.
But, it wasn't long until she found the health and wellbeing benefits of her efforts so good, that she decided to keep on running.
Two years later, she is still out pounding the streets every day with her commitment seen her clock up the miles in a number of cities and countries.
She told Lanarkshire Live : “It is good for my mental health and builds resilience.
"It means that every day, no matter how busy I am and no matter how many people need me, there will be at least a little time which is all me, doing my thing.
“Many of the runs I do are much longer than my minimum of one mile. During the lockdown in January 2021 I often went out running long runs – which was really good for my head.
“It does provide a sense of achievement. Every day I keep the streak going, I achieve a goal.
“When I am away from home, it means I get to see lots of places, including Mexico, Amsterdam, London, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
“Running is faster than walking, so you see more places, and you tend to see different things, especially riverbanks, parks, and hills overlooking cities.
“The biggest learning has been what to do when it is hard to fit a run into your schedule.
“There are days when the choice is either get up at 4am to run before catching a plane or train somewhere or run in the evening when you get to wherever you are going.
“Over the last two years I have never regretted getting up early, in the rain or snow to run. But I have often regretted leaving it until the evening.”
Lian is following Slimming World’s stage-by-stage activity programme, Body Magic, and has been helping other group members achieve their daily exercise goals in a variety of different sports and activities.
Lian added: “I’m so proud of all of my members who set themselves the challenge of keeping active throughout the year.
“They’ve been hula-hooping, boxercising, walking, cycling , running and everything in between to keep moving and inspiring one another.
“So many people don’t know how much of a difference losing weight can make to health including reducing the risk of developing a range of problems including some types of cancer , heart disease and diabetes.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about Slimming World is invited to get in touch with Lian, who runs groups weekly in Wishaw, Carluke and Lanark.
For further information please contact Lian on lianmcculloch@gmail.com or call 07748 845684.
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