Yesterday was International Men’s Day around the world – a day that aims to put a focus on men’s health, improve gender relations, promote gender equality, and highlight positive male role models. With almost 30% of employees in Cpl being male, we are delighted to support this event and recognise all the wonderful men that we have working in our organisation!
As part of International Men’s Day, each year at Cpl we treat our male employees, but this year we thought we’d try and celebrate some of our employee’s achievements, outside of work, and inspire us all. We asked a number of our colleagues “what do you do to keep healthy?“
Stephen Tighe, Cpl Technology
I train for the Dublin Ironman 70.3 which I have completed for the last 3 years. The race features a 1.2-mile swim before a challenging 56-mile bike course and finishing with a 13.1-mile run / half marathon. The combination of swim, bike and run means I get to mix up my training regime which keep things interesting.
Graham Burns, Director Cpl Regional Offices
My Fitbit has changed everything. The challenge is to take a min of 15k steps a day. So, if that’s a long walk, run or gym session, you must have a target to drive you on. My typical week includes 2 or 3 5k runs, 2 circuit sessions, and a game of golf – weather permitting.
The latest regular activity is a monthly Limerick river run. On the last Friday of each month a group of us gather at 7am to run 5k along river through the city…and then head for breakfast afterwards. I’ve also cycle sometimes, coach the odd rugby team, climb an occasional mountain and walk a couple of dogs.
Stephen Copeland, Cpl Healthcare
I’ve been playing rugby since I was 8 and still play now for Stillorgan RFC. I enjoy all that rugby offers – the camaraderie, the physicality, the fitness and the respect. More importantly, it keeps me healthy and allows me to enjoy a healthy work life balance.
At its simplest level, playing rugby is a great way of engaging in physical activity which I feel is central to a healthy lifestyle and better performance in work.
Garrett Roche, Flexsource Director
I’m a bit of a water nut. I do a lot of wakeboarding and water skiing and I sail. Winter is too cold for wakeboarding so Stand up Paddle Boarding is a sport my wife (pictured to the right) and I took up last year which gives you a full workout on the board when you apply yourself.
Taking up another interest is key for me and my mental fitness, just like Paddle boarding last year my interest for this winter is a laser racing dingy I recently bought so this will keep my interests on the water for this winter. I am lucky to live beside the sea so walking the dog on Killiney beach is a great way to clear the head and obviously good red wine and company are key for me and of course rugby!
Stephen Mullin, Director of Business Development
I cycle at the weekends in the Dublin Mountains and take part in Charity cycles such as the Crumlin Hospital Annual Charity cycle every year. Cpl also enter a team in the Mustard Seed Charity Cycle and I have completed these along with some of my Cpl colleagues.
Alan O’Connor, Cpl Healthcare
Hurling is very important for me as it keeps me healthy and active. We train three to four times a week with usually a match on the weekend so there is plenty of running and gym work involved. Hurling is very enjoyable sport and it’s a great feeling when you win any type of championship.
Richard Gowdy, Cpl NI
I play both Soccer and Gaelic Football which keeps me physically fit for most of the year. Just as importantly, it keeps me mentally healthy by being outside – keeping active and socialising with people rather than being at home all day, getting fed up which would have a negative effect on me mentally.
(Image credit – Picture Magic Studios)