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Introducing our Vitality 10k Runners​

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London’s Vitality 10k takes place on 2 May 2022 in Central London and we are excited to announce our team of amazing runners who are fundraising on behalf of Certitude.

To support our runners, click on their name below to be taken to their JustGiving page.

We had a chat with some of our runners to find out a bit more about them and what motivated them to run in support of Certitude…

Angel Ibanez Banuls

Introduce yourself.
I’m a Life Enabler (Support Worker) at Certitude, where I’m supporting individuals with learning difficulties to achieve their goals and to be included in the community.

Why did you decide to run the Vitality 10k?
I want to be able to support people with learning difficulties.

Why did you choose Certitude as your charity of choice?
Because of the good job that they are doing and I believe in their values.

What does running in the Vitality 10k mean to you?
This is a good opportunity to show the great job that Certitude is doing, their values and projects.

How has your training been going? Any tips for other runners?
I feel motivated, I’m training by running and cycling. The thing that I found most helpful and important is the continuity, and the cross training.

Look at the training as a game, that way you can enjoy it and it will make you feel better.

What’s been the hardest moment in your training and how did you overcome it?
The hardest moment for me is keeping focused on training cardio. I try to plan my training sessions and keep motivated.

Support Angel

Bishnu Nath

Introduce yourself
I am the Facilities Manger at Certitude. My main role here is to lead the facilities department/team which includes the reception desks in the central offices. Due to the nature of facilities and the organisation’s work, I also quite often end up collaborating with colleagues from other departments as well, which I always find to be a nice addition to my days.

Why did you decide to run the Vitality 10k?
I have run several times in the past and have also taken part in other activities to help raise funds for charity. Over the past two years I have mostly worked from home, and my motivation to run has decreased slightly, so when I was presented with the opportunity to run the Vitality 10K, I was excited and signed up straightway. As I understand it, the Vitality is a popular run in London, and I am proud to be a part of it.

Why did you choose Certitude as your charity of choice?
Since joining Certitude, I have run in a couple of half marathons to raise funds for the charity. I am always amazed to see the work that everyone does here. Certitude is one of the most friendly and caring organisations that I have worked for throughout my entire career. For me, it was always going to be my first and only choice.

What does running in the Vitality 10k mean to you?
This is very important as I’m going to be able to raise funds and represent Certitude, it really means a lot to me. I never shy away from a challenge; couple this with the cause and it all makes me really want to push myself and work hard to get ready for the run.

How has your training been going? Any tips for other runners?
I was doing well but tested positive for Covid a couple of weeks ago. I am currently still recovering but going to get back to running this week. My main tip is to run every day, no matter how long for; consistency is key, and it all sets the foundations as you build towards your goal. Try to finish 10K runs at least couple of times during the days leading up to run and then take one or two rest days before the actual run so your body is in its optimal condition. Avoid any fast food and regularly drink as much water as possible, but especially for the final five days; making sure your body is well hydrated is always important. Finally, I’d say be mindful of any symptoms of illness or fatigue you may have, listen to your body, and try deal with them as soon as possible.

What’s been the hardest moment in your training and how did you overcome it?
As mentioned just above, I would say the hardest moment has been recovering from Covid. Not being well took its toll on me, from a physical and motivational perspective. But I decided to take it all one day at time, not be too hard on myself for not being well enough to train and focus on getting better and sticking to my game plan so I can hit the ground running next week and bounce back strong. I’m a very determined person.

Support Bishnu


Mark Cross

Introduce yourself
Hi, my name is Mark Cross. I have worked at Certitude since 2010. I manage two houses supporting people with learning disabilities in Hounslow.

Why did you decide to run the Vitality 10k?
I enjoy exercise, pushing myself physically; if I can use that to raise some money that people we support can benefit from that would be great.

Why did you choose Certitude as your charity of choice?
I share the values that Certitude have and believe in the vital work they do.

What does running in the Vitality 10k mean to you?
It will certainly be a memorable experience. I am looking forward to seeing London from a different perspective amongst others pushing their limits. I am proud to be a participant and hope to finish with a decent time.

How has your training been going? Any tips for other runners?
Training has been going well generally. I have the endurance so I am mainly focussing on increasing my speed.

As for tips, I would say you must be consistent and run even when you don’t feel like it. Think about each run and what you are intending to accomplish with it and that will inform how you should approach it. Adjust your method depending on your experience.

I use a running app to track my pace and distance. YouTube has a plethora of running tips videos from running form to improving endurance, use all resources you need but most importantly – get those shoes on and simply RUN!

What’s been the hardest moment in your training and how did you overcome it?
Starting out after a long period of inactivity was tough. I hadn’t run for a few years. I had to stop after 1km for a breather as my pace was too fast and unsustainable at that point. But over time I have improved my stamina and fitness level just by being consistent.

Support Mark


Michelle Dyer

Introduce yourself.
I’m Michelle and have worked at Certitude for nearly seven years in a few different roles. I am now the New Business Manager at Certitude which is part of the Development Team. I work with the team to ensure that we successfully deliver Certitude’s Growth and Development Strategy to increase and improve the support we provide to people.

Why did you decide to run the Vitality 10k?
I was ‘politely coerced’ by my team! Karis asked me if I’d like to take part and when I thought about it, I found I didn’t have a good enough reason to say no.

I started running in lockdown and unlike the Zoom quizzes and banana bread craze, this activity has actually stuck. I’m definitely more of a plodder than a runner but I enjoy being outside and having the chance to clear my head. When running I only think about the current run, and when will it be over?!

Why did you choose Certitude as your charity of choice?
Being part of Certitude I see the great work being done to support people to live the lives they want, and taking part in the Vitality 10k is a way for me to help support that. We encourage people to find new interests, make new friends, get out and have fun – so I’m encouraging myself to do the same.

What does running in the Vitality 10k mean to you?
It’s going to be a great challenge for me. I won’t find it easy, and I’ll have to work hard but that’ll make completing it all the more rewarding. I’m looking forward to running around London and seeing all the sights/landmarks – hopefully some friendly Certitude faces too!

I also love that the Vitality 10k is about Celebrating You – “running for your head and your heart and having fun in the process”.

How has your training been going? Any tips for other runners?
Training is going well so far. Although I only recently signed up for the run, I have my plan stuck on the fridge and I love ticking each session off with my green pen. It’s also helps that my local running spot is in Bushy Park so it’s very scenic, even on rainy days.

Not sure I’m qualified to give out tips but I do love a podcast when running. I find I get lost listening to the conversation and don’t notice the run so much. RunPod with Jenni Falconer is a good one for some inspiration. (Rhona, one of Certitude’s marathon runners last year, introduced me to that one).

What’s been the hardest moment in your training and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part is always just getting out of the door. Once I’m outside and make a start it’s never as bad as you think it will be. Having my plan really helps, so I know what I’m doing each day.

Support Michelle

Kevin Jacob

Introduce yourself.
My name is Kevin, and I am Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner. I work closely with people we support, as well as their families and carers to help understand what is important to them and to ensure they live safe, well and happy lives. My main focus is helping people to have good quality of life and making positive changes. I really like my role as every day is not the same and you are constantly learning new things all the time. I also get to meet a range of people across the organisation, as well as meet some incredible people we support. It’s nice to be in a role that is varied.

Why did you decide to run the Vitality 10k?
I really wanted to take part last year but proved difficult with the pandemic. This year was another opportunity for me to take part again and felt this would give me more motivation to lose some of the extra “work from home calories”. I am so pleased the event is going ahead and is a nice chance to meet some new people. I also haven’t participated in a running event before so felt this is perfect opportunity. I would like to do marathon one day so this can be my first step towards that goal!

Why did you choose Certitude as your charity of choice?
I have been in the organisation for over 4 years, and they have provided me with a lot of development opportunities. When I joined Certitude, I had no experience into health and social care, but the organisation seemed more interested in values and developing people. I started my journey as a support worker and was slowly supported into becoming a deputy manager. I then moved over to the Intensive Support Team (IST) and started my career as PBS practitioner. I am very happy in my role and grateful for Certitude providing me with different opportunities for me to grow/learn. I would like to show my appreciation by participating in Vitality 2022.

What does running in the Vitality 10k mean to you?
This is something new for me and is really putting me out of my comfort zone, but I’m quite excited to push myself and embrace everything that comes my way. I’m looking forward to the event and hopefully build confidence to participate in more running events in the future. It’s also nice to be a part of group and to meet new people!

How has your training been going? Any tips for other runners?
Training is… not going so great at times- if you want any tips do not decide to move houses close to running event. However, in my free time I have been going swimming and recently did 10km in 1 hour. I think training has made me realise how important it is to be healthy and I’m trying to be more disciplined in terms of not getting take aways!

What’s been the hardest moment in your training and how did you overcome it?
I have found it hard to build motivation to exercise regularly and the last 2 years haven’t helped with this as well. I found the first time training most difficult but after a few sessions it gets easier. I have been putting in my calendar days that I am going swimming or for a jog and then force myself to go no matter what. I tend to feel better after a workout so try and remind myself this feeling. I also find it helpful having my running shoes in the bedroom, as a visual reminder!

Support Kevin

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see updates from the runners on the day!

facebook.com/CertitudeLondon

twitter.com/Certitude