Well Together inspiration from ICAS Member Eilidh Paterson CA
Well Together participant Eilidh Paterson CA shares her ideas, insights and inspiration for getting outdoors and staying active.
Introduce yourself:
I’m Eilidh Paterson CA. I’m a senior manager in tax for KPMG in Aberdeen. I live just outside Aberdeen with my husband, two daughters and two cats.
How do you like to get outdoors, keep fit and stay active?
I like to run and walk, and in the better weather I’ll get my bike out too.
Tell us about your favourite place to exercise.
There is a lovely place called Dunecht Estate which has quiet private roads that are great for running on through the golf course and passed lochs. It’s so peaceful there and beats running next to traffic.
What inspires you to get outdoors, keep fit and stay active?
I always feel better after some fresh air and have learnt that exercise keeps me both physically and mentally healthy. I was getting a bit grumpy recently not being able to run when there was so much snow.
How do you fit exercise around your work/family schedule?
It can be a challenge to find the time, but having a routine helps, knowing where and when you will try and run each week. For example, I will try and squeeze in a run on my way to do the school pick up, or while my eldest is at swimming or gymnastics, as it might be the only time I can get that day.
Has the way you exercise changed during COVID-19/lockdown?
When I started running again after having my youngest daughter, it was just at the start of the first lockdown when we could only leave the house once a day for exercise. She was six months old at the time and I realised that the only way I was probably going to get out regularly for a run was if I took her with me, so I bought a running buggy. It meant I could get my runs in with her and my six-year-old cycling beside me. It has been a great investment and it’s certainly made me stronger (pushing 20+ kg of buggy and toddler is a fair workout, especially uphill). I’ve also embraced my weekly Pilates class moving to Zoom and try and do online workouts at home too.
Do you have any fitness hints and tips to encourage and inspire others?
Find a routine that works for you and try to have a bit of variety. I also find having some accountability or something to work towards helps, otherwise it can be easy to find excuses not to go out (especially in winter). I usually enter various races throughout the year which keeps me motivated. With no races looking likely this year, I decided I needed a challenge to keep me on track. I am doing a virtual LEJOG (Lands End to John O’Groats) ‘race’ – 874 miles (1,407km) with the aim of completing it before the end of 2021. I am only counting running (as I thought it would be too easy if I included walking) so I am keeping my fingers crossed for no injuries this year.
If lockdown wasn’t a thing, where in the world would you like to go for a run, wheel, walk, cycle or swim?
I’d probably choose to go to Skye – nothing beats a view of the Cuillins.
Which ICAS Strava Club are you a member of?
What’s your Strava profile ID should CAs in your area want to follow you?
You can view my Strava profile here.
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