Olivia Hubbard from Team FitPro shares her training snippet in preparation for the 60 Minute Challenge in support of the NSPCC. How far can she run in 60 minutes?
“Make it your best hour,” is what the NSPCC is saying in accordance with its 60 Minute Challenge, which seeks to raise pivotal funds for the charity’s work with children and families.
The challenge, which takes place on 4 October, is the UK’s first mass participation event aimed at challenging people to run as far as they can in 60 minutes, as opposed to running a certain distance. Those wanting to test their running capabilities will do so at the Lee Valley VeloPark in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. Participants will run round a specially designed one-mile circuit through the Olympic Park, with the challenge of completing as many laps as possible.
NSPCC head of participation events Victoria Kellaway says, “We’re very excited about this event and hope that loads of people will enter and help support our work. By pushing your limits in our 60 Minute Challenge and asking friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you, you could help change a child’s life. Your support will help us be there for the children that need us, whenever they need us.”
She added, “This event isn’t about who is the best; it’s about being the best you can be. Everyone who enters will be taking on a personal challenge to run as far as they feel able during the 60 minutes. For some people, that might mean running flat out for the whole hour, and for others it could mean more of a gentle jog or even walking some of it.”
Feeling inspired and keen for a challenge, I entered myself into the race and began formulating my training plan and kick-started my fundraising. Despite occasionally running 5km and above, a 60-minute fast run is certainly something I have never challenged my body to do. My training plan lasted for six weeks; however, I did have a holiday right in the middle of the training schedule. During this week away, I managed to swim every day and enjoyed three yoga sessions. My aim is to run a minimum of 10km in 60 minutes, although I’m hoping to push it further.
One-week training snippet
Saturday
I started back training with a 6km park run through Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. The route is a one-mile loop, which was great practice for the format of the NSPCC running route.
Clissold Park route, Stoke Newington
Sunday
- 3km park run with regular sprints
Monday
Circuit – 2-3 sets:
- Push-up rotations, 10 reps
- Kettlebell squat with raises, 10 reps
- Kettlebell swings, 10 reps
- Weighted step-up with high knees each side, 6-8 per side
- Single leg burpee, 6-8 each side
Tuesday
- 7km on the treadmill
- 15 minutes of strength training using TRX
- Glute bridge raises, 3 sets, 14-16 reps
Wednesday
- MOSSA Centergy (35 minutes)
- Evening run: 8km on treadmill
Check out the MOSSA Centergy workout here:
Thursday
- MOSSA R30 workout (30 minutes)
- Core work mix of plank holds – standard hold, side planks (2-3 sets, 30secs)
Check out the MOSSA R30 workout here:
Friday
- Rest day – I used a foam roller on rest days to help me stretch
Saturday
- 10km run – Cambridgeshire cross country route with hills
Cross country run route in Cambridgeshire
Sunday
- Hill sprints for recovery – 8 x 100m
Good luck to everyone else involved – I’ll hopefully see you at the finish!
If you would like to get involved, there is still time! The event is also open to families so, if you would like to walk/jog around the course, you can!
Visit nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/events/60-minute-challenge/60-min-challenge-faq for more information about the two races.
