Comms to 5k

I’ve had a little bit of extra thinking space lately. 

About 30 minutes, three times a week to be precise. 

I’ve just completed Couch to 5K. (Yay!) It’s a brilliant programme designed to get just about anyone off their backsides and running 5km (or 30 minutes) in just 9 weeks.

I wanted (needed) some consistent fitness in my life that I couldn’t run away from. I also loved the idea of running giving me some much needed headspace and supporting my mental wellbeing while I enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine. And I’m super glad I did it.

While I’ve been running along in my own special way, in my mismatched kit and ancient running shoes, I’ve been thinking about the projects I’m working on and planning the day ahead.

I spotted a number of similarities between the running programme I was on and the wonderful world of internal communication.

These were some of the connections I considered:

You need a plan…

A lot of people just chuck on a pair of old trainers, bolt out the door and start running. I’ve done that before. Did I sustain it? Did I heck! The 9 week plan kept me on track, nudged me into action when I really didn’t feel like it and provided me with clear direction. Because without a plan, how do we know where we’re going and how we’re going to get there?

We hear so much about the importance of strategy in internal comms. This recent article from Helen Deverell sums it up perfectly and I love the 'top five summary' at the end. 

…a plan with a goal

When I completed the nine weeks, the app displayed a cute little trophy graphic. I did it! I reached my goal. I was able to run for 30 minutes without stopping or gagging for air. That was my purpose. Every plan - running, saving for a special occasion or an internal communications campaign - should have a clear purpose. 

Pace yourself, learn the ropes, develop your own style

Rome wasn’t built in a day. And I won’t be running a marathon any time soon.

But it’s good to plan ahead and take a sensible approach to pace and progress.  

I recently went to #TheBigYak and joined an unconference session all about careers in internal comms. The room was packed with a real mix of people – from those starting out in a comms career to others with 20+ years’ experience. One of the key messages shared by many was about continued learning and development. 

I used to think that people were either born to run or they weren’t. Actually, even the clueless runner like me can learn, take on great tips, move and improve!

There’s a warm and supportive community

I only needed to tweet a few times about what I was doing and people started to get in touch with motivational messages. It was lovely. I came across Al. He's running the London Marathon 2019 in support of Spinal Research, a cause that’s very close to home for me. (12 years ago, on the other side of the world, I fell from a balcony which meant a lengthy operation was needed to fix my spine). Al writes you a little poem if you sponsor him. And his tweets are spot on. Keep on running, Al Jones. You’re ace.  

The running community is a significant, social and super supportive one. It’s like that in internal comms. There’s always something going on - a friendly group to join on social media, a networking event to attend or an informal gathering of comms folk looking to share bright ideas and best practice. I like that.  

A hashtag helps

#ukrunchat and #C25K along with many other hashtags bring the running conversation together, providing a virtual, central point for people to gather around. 

Using hashtags in comms, whether that be for campaigns, events or general knowledge-sharing, brings plenty of benefits. It enables conversation, strengthens relationships, provides a bank of information to return to and helps to generate excitement. All great things – both for the running and for the comms communities.

Structure is important for motivation

Couch to 5K is all about the routine of running three times a week. Structure works. In fact, Alive blogged about the benefits of routine and rituals for the comms community right here. 

Having that regular, frequent focus can help to create solidarity, positivity and collaboration. And put simply, structure makes stuff happen.

Working in a creative environment, it’s all about making connections. For me, there were some pretty strong ones between my experience as a novice runner and as an internal comms lover. It’s great when two keen interests can overlap in that way. And the plan is that both will continue to flourish!

So what’s next for my running plan? Any top tips to help keep me moving?