Fancy getting your ‘steps in’ without even noticing? Then we have the challenge for you. The Active Travel Challenge is all about ditching the car and choosing to walk, cycle or take public transport to and from work.
Translink, the Department of Infrastructure, Public Health Agency and cycling charity Sustrans have all joined forces to encourage employers to sign up for the month-long challenge in June.
Workers can compete against each other and other companies online to see who makes the most ‘active’ journeys to be in with the chance of winning prizes if getting fitter wasn’t incentive enough!
And to help make your active journeys enjoyable we’ve come up with some great podcasts, music and audio book suggestions that no matter what your mood will help you pass the time and get active without even realising it!
Podcasts
Motivation
For all those thinking it might be time to give that dream a go! Start-up follows the journeys of small and large businesses from their early days through to the eventual success or some cases, their failures and learnings. Forget about Dragons’ Den this is where it is at!
Need a laugh
Who doesn't enjoy Bob Mortimer? From his time on Vic and Bob, Shooting Stars and his hilarious performances on Would I Lie To You, he keeps us laughing no matter what imaginary world he is telling us about.
On Athletico Mince he and partner Andy Dawson take a very sideways look at the footballing world with some choice impressions including Peter Beardsley, Roy Hodgson and Steve McLaren.
Relax
First broadcast in 1942, Desert Island Discs asks an invited guest to choose eight discs, a book and a luxury to take with them as they're castaway on a mythical desert island. There are over 2000 episodes available to listen to and with guests including David Beckham, Yoko Ono and Dame Judi Dench , there really is something for everyone.
Albums
The new
He's the man of the moment and his fourth album features some quality guests including Smokey Robinson, Andre 3000 and production help from Dr Dre. If you haven't heard of him by now, then guaranteed you'll of heard him by the end of 2019.
The classic
Who can argue with a bit of Van?! Featuring classics like Cyprus Avenue, Sweet Thing and Ballerina , Astral weeks is still recorded as one of his best albums and a great entry point for those looking to sample a bit more of big man's back catalogue.
The curveball
For something a little different, what about a man who has worked with Beyonce, Jay Z and Kendrick Lamar? James Blake won't be for everyone but if you fancy a modern take on the traditional piano ballad, then he might be the man for you.
Audiobook / Real book
A short read
If you fancy devouring a classic book in a day then Animal Farm by George Orwell is as applicable today as it was when it was released back in 1945. A brilliant read that will get your mind thinking. Sign up to the Northern Ireland Libraries app to get e-books for free.
A long read
There’s no need to mourn the end of the phenomenal TV blockbuster that is Game of Thrones when you can relive the epic battles of the Houses of Lannister and Stark where it all began - in print. Immerse yourself in George R.R Martin’s gripping fabulous fantasy series. We predict you won’t be able to put these books down. Get the entire series for free here.
For the poet
If you enjoy poetry surely you can’t go past our very own Nobel Prize winning poet Seamus Heaney. Whether you were introduced to his famous works, such as Death of a Naturalist, as a student, he’s well worth rediscovering later in life.
The Active Travel Challenge registration is free and there are a range of fantastic prizes up for grabs including shopping vouchers, sports watches and Translink tickets.
Find out more about signing-up to the Active Travel Challenge or email challenge@sustrans.org.uk . Keep up-to-date with all the latest Active travel Challenge action on social media using #GetMeActiveNI.
