On your marks for a great New Year!
The heartwarming story of rescued greyhound George Grey and his owner, keen runner Jane Wren (pictured above and January 2018 issue of Kent Life), could stand as a metaphor for the year ahead and all those resolutions we tend to make as January dawns.
Proudly sporting a coat that proclaims him as ‘couch dog to jog dog’, the former sprint star of the racetrack who was abandoned and abused, has been nursed back to full health by his loving owner and can now manage 5k runs by her side.
It shouldn’t be possible - greyhounds are built for speed over short distances - but it just shows with persistence and dedication what can be achieved.
So if you’re planning to become more ‘jog dog’ than ‘couch dog’ now that all those mince pies are finally munched, we’re making it easy for you this year with a monthly series in association with the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Celebrating the 50th year since it was designated and the 40th year since the North Downs Way National Trail was opened, heading out into the great outdoors will make you happier and healthier - and it costs next to nothing.
Also beneficial for mindfulness is gardening, not just for exercise but also for relaxation and bringing a sense of inner calm. I personally love my garden at this time of year, with its bare bones revealed and the dried seedheads and grasses coming into their own, and whatever the weather will make the effort to get out in it at least once a day.
So, wrap up warm, get those walking boots and waterproofs on and get up off that couch right now! Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.
Sarah Sturt
