Our Trust running group promoting wellbeing
Who are #TeamLGT
#TeamLGT promotes health and wellbeing through running for all abilities and raises money for our Trust charity.
The team started as a way to support staff, from all areas of the Trust, who wanted to get fitter and more active, guiding and supporting them through beginners running courses such as couch-to-5k. Members of the beginner’s courses have gone on to run regularly and complete 10ks, half and full marathons.
The aspects of mental health and wellbeing associated with running are also promoted by the team which has grown in both number, and stature, over the last four years, and raised over £7500 for our Trust charity by taking part in events all around the country.
#TeamLGT have provided the biggest community group at each of the Big Half events in central London and head coach Jo Gennari, a General Manager of Specialist Medicine at University Hospital Lewisham, won the prestigious “Spirit of The London Marathon Award” in 2020 for setting up and managing the team in her spare time. Previous award winners include Paula Radcliffe and Tanni Grey-Thompson.
The award organisers praised Jo’s “extraordinary work at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in inspiring so many people to run”. They added: “This was showcased again in the virtual Virgin Money London Marathon this year, truly epitomising the Spirit of the London Marathon.” #TeamLGT had over 30 local NHS heroes, of all running abilities, taking part in the 2020 virtual London marathon. The amazing effort featured prominently in the BBC’s coverage of the event.
The team have organised fundraising days such as a ‘Trackathon’ at Ladywell Arena, virtual running events as part of the NHS 70 celebrations and supported at Trust events and wellbeing initiatives.
How can I support the team?
As well as looking out for their distinctive blue NHS tops at events and giving them a cheer you can donate to the team via their JustGiving page. All money raised by the team goes towards projects and initiatives that enhance both patient and staff experience.
Big Half training plans
If you have signed up to be a part of #TeamLGT, our Trust running group, for this year’ Big Half event then there are training plans, and support, available.
This is the beginners 13 week training plan which starts this weekend, with the event itself taking place on 25 April 2021.
Jo Gennari, General Manager Speciality Medicine at UHL and #TeamLGT head coach said: “It’s really helpful to follow a training plan, but please don’t be overwhelmed by it. We also want to offer support to any newer runners and we have plenty of nice team members who would be happy to buddy up with you to exchange messages and calls. It’s natural to feel a bit worried if it’s your first attempt at the half-marathon (13 miles) distance, so let us know if you have any concerns or questions, or you’d like to be put in touch with a running mentor.”
Some top training tips:
- Don’t look at the training plan as one large overwhelming document - write out each weeks section on a separate sheet of paper
- Please don’t panic if you miss a session, it’s really hard to complete any training plan 100% perfectly
- Check in with the group if you need some motivation, advice or a general running chat
- Mix up the training a little, some running/walking hills, or shorter, faster sessions can be really beneficial
- “Trust the training” and you’ll be more than ready for the event, share your progress with us on social media using #TeamLGT
- Please note there is also a 9 week training plan for more advanced runners.
Contact #TeamLGT on email: Lg.runners@nhs.net and follow their adventures @TeamLGT on twitter and @nhsteamlgt on instagram, tag us and use #TeamLGT
Always remember to #RunHappy
