It's week three of our Strava 360 Challenge and the final push to get that heart rate pumping, with a chance to win prizes! Here's a reminder of how it works...
If moving beyond your front door is proving a struggle this week, here is part II of our Movies That Move Us blog. No matter what sport we love, we’ve all got our go-to inspirational movie – the one that fires up our motivation with an uplifting story and moving soundtrack. So, we thought we’d chat to some of our Crewroom ambassadors – from the elite rower to the outdoor adventurer – to find out which gripping flick propels them into action…
Heather Stanning, GB Rowing – Gold Medallist at London 2012 & Rio 2016
The 1976 American sports drama film – Rocky – which tells the rags to riches story of Rocky Balboa is a particular favourite of Heather’s. Whilst training full time, Heather likes to watch the original and sequels stating: “'Nothing beats the scene of Rocky running up those steps or even the scenes of Rocky training in the snowy wilderness in Rocky 4”. We totally agree Heather, when it comes to a movie that really moves us, it doesn’t get much better than Sylvester Stallone in grey sweatpants and the soundtrack Gonna Fly Now!
Pickle (aka Katy Nicholls) – Sports Physiotherapist and Outdoors Nut
When it comes to a rousing soundtrack and an inspirational true story, Chariots of Fire is definitely up there with the best. And that’s why this film is Pickle’s choice. Based on the true story of two British athletes in the 1924 Olympics – Eric Liddell (a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God) and Harold Abrahams (an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice) – the film went on to win four Oscars in 1982, including Best Original Score for the famous soundtrack from Vangelis. A classic that’s truly moving in its use of spiritual and patriotic themes.
Kate Giles – Former Elite Rower and Founder of Crewroom
Now if you’re in need of a little more light-hearted motivation to get you moving, Will Ferrell, the king of comedy, is the man to do it. Blade’s of Glory is Kate’s top pick this week and what’s not to love about two middle aged men in sequined lycra?! After a scandal finds them banned from the ice and the sport they love, rival figure-skaters Chazz Michael Michaels (Ferrell) and Jimmy MacElroy (Heder) find a loophole in the rules which allows them to unite in glacial harmony as the only male pairs team. Definitely a good giggle to get your wiggle on.
Ben Vigneau - Adventurer
Ben’s flick pick is Invictus – a biographical sports drama based on the events in South Africa before and during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The film explores how newly elected President – Nelson Mandela – uses the event to bring blacks and whites together after decades of an apartheid-torn nation. Featuring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, this is what inspirational movies are all about.
