Today is International Men’s Day, and this year’s theme is ‘Positive Male Role Models’.
We met with Ross Brown, Sales Manager at Oren Environmental, who’s recently completed the Hertfordshire Half Marathon at Knebworth House.
He explained that his job involves helping organisations keep their reed beds in tip-top condition. He also talks about how the “runner’s high”—the euphoric feeling people experience after a run when the endorphins kick in—helps him perform at his best at work and home.
My job is to help solve our customers’ problems by selling them nature-based solutions to managing water. Although I’m based in Hertfordshire, I spend a lot of time on the road, visiting potential customers or attending trade shows nationwide.
Our customers span many sectors, from water companies and councils to waste businesses and charities. Typically, our customers own or operate reed beds designed to treat water but need our expertise to maintain them.
Luckily, the Oren Environmental team has extensive experience in this area, making my job easier. In fact, we’re the proud caretakers of the largest single portfolio of reed beds in Europe.
I’ve been running for as long as I can remember. However, around five years ago, I had to undergo a full knee replacement. I was told I probably wouldn’t be able to run again, so as you can imagine, that set me back a little.
A few years later, I realised that my mental health was suffering because I couldn’t run. I decided to start running again, but I needed to ensure I was properly rehabilitated. I slowly migrated from a treadmill to running outdoors. I also changed my diet to be gluten and dairy-free to reduce swelling in my joints rather than rely on medication.
It’s good for the body and good for the mind. For me, it’s not about being a good runner or anything. I don’t compare myself to anyone. It’s about getting out in nature and pushing myself.
Running gives me a massive endorphin rush. I know that I’ve achieved something, and I try and push myself a little harder every time.
I have a sedentary job, so getting out and moving is good for me. It also gives me time to be alone to think and reflect.
I also like to listen to audiobooks while I’m running.
John Steinbeck. He was an American writer, probably most famous for ‘Of Mice and Men’.
I like to set myself targets occasionally. It gives me something to aim for.
I’m still buzzing from the event. Despite suffering from a chest infection, I completed it, albeit more slowly than planned, and enjoyed it.
The atmosphere was great, the views were outstanding, and it’s given me the impetus to sign up for something even more challenging next year.
Life is busy at work and home, but I always make time to run because it benefits my mental and physical health. Without running, I don’t feel as ready to face the day-to-day challenges that life throws at us all.
The best thing about running is that you can take your trainers anywhere. So, if I’m travelling for work, I try and fit in a run.
Find a physical activity you enjoy. Set yourself small goals and take small, consistent steps. For example, you could start walking for twenty to thirty minutes daily and try to go at a pace that raises your heart rate.
With my knee problems, I had to diversify and do a bit of swimming. A year ago, I couldn’t swim a length, and I used to dread it. Now, I can do sixty lengths and look forward to it.
Start today. Start small. Keep going.
Oren Environmental is part of Severn Trent, one of Britain’s largest water companies. We specialise in nature-based solutions to managing water, like reed beds and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), for organisations nationwide.
