Keeley Hutton
Keeley works at th Univrsity s a Schools and Colleges Relationhip Officer.
What type of sport or physical activity do you take part in on a regular basis?
Running, swimming and pilates.
What challenges have you faced in participating in sport and physical activity?
I’ve faced many challenges through my years of running. Fear of failure, confidence and health issues. Most recently, I experienced challenges due to my health. At the start of lockdown, I struggled to run. My body didn’t want to work and I felt exhausted all the time. This was the worst thing to happen because running keeps my mind healthy. After a few tests, the problem was identified and I was able to get back to exercising again. It was a long, slow process but I am now back to my previous fitness. It shows that with determination, you can overcome most challenges.
How has sport and physical activity impacted on your university experience?
I have met so many new people from the University, by attending classes, the gym and running at lunch times. It has given me a sense of community, new friends and given me the confidence to try new things, like lifting weights in the gym, which I would have never done previously.
How has participating in sport and physical activity helped you?
Exercise makes me feel good both on the inside and on the outside. I have a long-term health condition which is managed well when my fitness is good. It keeps my mind healthy and allows me to cope with my busy life of working full time and being a mum. If I’m feeling grumpy or stressed, I go out for a run or exercise and return a happier version of me.
What skills/behaviours have sport and physical activity helped you to develop?
This one is a hard one because physical activity is a way of life for me so I don’t look at it as developing my skills and behaviour but if I have to pick something, I would say it has improved my determination. If I want to achieve something, I will do everything in my power to make it work. I can relate this to both work and sport. I’ve run marathons, both on road and in the mountains and that is something you can’t do without determination (and some say stubbornness).
What advice would you give someone unsure about participating in sport or physical activity?
Don’t be afraid to try something new. You might meet new people or discover something that you genuinely enjoy.
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