10 things running has shown me you might not expect

I haven't blogged in a while but recently I've been reflecting a lot on how running has changed me, my life and my outlook. I think sometimes people just concentrate on the fact that they don't want to have to exercise because all they see is the effort you have to put in, and believe me, that bit doesn't get any easier. So I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on my own journey and a few things that running showed me that people may not be thinking about when they're struggling to motivate themselves to start, and that in the end, make all the struggle and effort worth every ounce.

------------------------------------------------------------

1. I left the house without make up for the first time since I was around 13 when I was told people don't wear make up to a Tough Mudder and didn't want to look weird.. and now I've learnt not to care so much and do so regularly. Running also encouraged me to wear shorts (because I didn't want to melt) and I have worn them for the first time since I was made to for sports class in school (my legs it turns out aren't quite as trunk like as I thought)

2. You just look happy when you smile with your teeth (not hideous) so grin and bare them :)

3. I am capable of being fully independent and can brave massive crowds of people at races by myself - while still smiling

4. I gained the confidence to meet new people for the first time in years

5. There's a big difference between needing to stop and wanting to stop (the former is rare), when I acknowledge that during runs and keep going I feel strong, capable and in control, and that's exactly what I am (even if I feel like a phoney saying it now)

6. I don't love what my body looks like - but I'm learning to love what I'm discovering it's capable of for the first time in my life - while still working on the first part :)

7. I'm 100% not competitive

8. I can overcome fear - and run full pelt ahead straight into & through it,
it does not have to control me

9. You can choose to make yourself happier - just go for a run and 99% of the time it works

10. I am not alone

------------------------------------------------------------

That last one is a big thing for me. When we're struggling and feeling a bit lost in any part of our lives, at least for me, there is always a feeling that I am alone. Realising you're not and there's always someone there with you, maybe even running for the same reasons, is liberating. It makes it feel that it's OK to not feel OK, because you're one of many people just trying to get through something, through running. The running community is an amazing thing to be part of. No one cares what your job is, how much money you earn, what music you like or who your friends are. You are a runner and that's all that matters.

My favourite moments running to date has to have been when I have ran with people without any goals in mind but to run. Be a part of a group and soak in the atmosphere of a collection of people gathered together to all do something so inherently natural without any other goals at the end but to enjoy living in that moment and finish the run.

Running provides such an amazing clarity of mind that I've never achieved anywhere else, where I can forget my day, the problems in the world, the anxieties in my head and everything that makes me sad, just run and clear my mind of everything. 

My heart hammers in my chest, my feet hit the ground and my mind is calm.

A clarity that alone is worth every ounce of effort.

All the 10 above are just an incredible bonus.

------------------------------------------------------------

Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

#try20 challenge weeks 3-5

So it's June which means National Walking Month is over for another year along with the May #try20 challenge. 

Along with thesis writing making sure I stuck to the challenge has been just that, a challenge, and I'm going to be entirely honest when I say I missed a day during the 3rd week.

To me that isn't a failure though. 

Only not walking for 20 mins on one day in a month? That's no failure. To be fair on myself I had just done a Rough Runner event the day before and covered 15km and many many obstacles and my body was in some serious pain (if you've never done an obstacle course race you would not believe how much of your body can hurt all at once without you realising the strain at the time). So considering that was the only day I didn't manage to get out I'm so pleased I managed to keep it up.

If you've read the past posts about the #try20 challenge (Taking on the #try20 summer challenge,#try20 challenge week 1,#try20 challenge week 2) you will know each week I tried a different way of making sure I got my walks in and to make it a bit more interesting.

So here is what was on the cards for weeks 3-5:

Week 3 (15-21st May)   :

Tip #19 - Power Walk! 

Week 4 (22-28th May)   :

Tip #13 - Lunch Alfresco not Aldesko

Week 5 (29-31st May)    

Tip #6 - Take the Long cut & discover new places.

My favourite of these had to be taking the long cut. Beautiful places are everywhere and I love finding new places that make me feel calm that I've never experienced before. It makes me feel so much happier knowing that hidden behind so many concrete streets are patches of green, where nature is still taking over and holding back the endless concrete miles.

Lunch alfresco is also always lovely, but unfortunately not something that's always possible with the incredibly changeable british weather. Making the effort to get outside on the rare sunny days though is really worth every ounce of effort allowing you to ground yourself a bit more than sitting at your desk or in the office cafeteria.

All in all I'm so glad that I took part in the #try20 challenge and made the extra effort for some time in the fresh air, and in all honesty, just taking an extra 20 minutes for myself without the constant distraction of modern technology.

May may be over along with the #try20 summer challenge but I for one will be trying my best to get out and get those 20 minutes of peace from the hectic fast paced life that modern life has become.

Did you take on the #try20 challenge?

I would love to hear how you found it in the comments below & if you have any tips that helped to get you out on the tougher days.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourrmindfree

#try20 challenge week 2

It's the end of the second week of may,  the second week of National Walking Month and
the end of week 2 of the #try20 challenge!

My second week of the #try20 challenge went like this:

Monday - 20 minute lunch wander (gentle)

Tuesday - 20 minute lunch walk & 20 min run

Wednesday - 30 min walk to running track & 40 min track session

Thursday - 20 min walk to shops

Friday - another 20 min walk to shops

Saturday - 15km Rough Runner Obstacle Course Race (lots of walking, running & 20 obstacles)

Sunday - 30 min afternoon walk

This week seemed harder than the first when it came to making myself get out. I don't know whether it's because it's getting to the middle of the challenge or because it's just been a down week for me, which isn't uncommon, but I still managed to get out - and I'm proud of that.

Ending my week with an awesome time at Rough Runner with friends on Saturday definitely has left my week ending on a high (even if my entire body hurts today).

Conclusion : Week 2 was another success. 

My Week 2 challenge was to include some 'mindful meander' walks and get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week. So during some of my walks I tried to think about the positive things in my life right now & tried to soak in the beautiful scenery and truly appreciate the world around me.

For #MentalHealthAwareness week I was also asked to be part of a blog tour for the book 'Loving the Life Less Lived' a raw account of one woman's struggle with severe anxiety and depression and how acceptance changed her life. A Q&A with the author Gail Mitchell as well as a short review are here - take a look :)!

If you want to see what challenges I'm taking on in the next few weeks check out my first #try20 post and you can catch up on week 1 here.

Are you doing the challenge?

If so how did you get on and how are you making sure that you get the time in?

Comment below and let me know - I would love to hear from you.

If you want to get involved why not start walking everyday from now?

You could still make the rest of may or if you want to take on a full month just carry the days you missed over into next month! No excuses :)!

Bring on week 3!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Q&A with Gail Mitchell Author of Loving the Life Less Lived for #MHAW17

When I was asked if I would like the chance to read 'Loving The Life Less Lived' by Gail Marie Mitchell as part of a blog tour for this years Mental Health Awareness Week I was thrilled if not a bit wary to get involved.
'Loving the Life Less Lived' is a narrative self-help book for people struggling with mental illness and anyone else that wants to read it.

The wariness I felt came from my past experience with self-help books. 
Although I am a full supporter of self-help books, in the past many I have read I've never completed, finding the majority patronising and un-helpful.

From the first page of 'Loving the Life Less Lived' I knew this was unlike any previous book I have read and was hooked.

Gail shares here personal journey with anxiety and depression in an extremely raw and true portrayal of how it has effected her life and how acceptance is allowing her to live again. I found this raw approach strangely uplifting, reading the genuine struggles of another human in a way that is not often shared in such an open fashion. 
Throughout the book Gail never downplayed how she felt throughout her experiences and truly made me feel that it is OK to feel the way we feel, and be honest about it. 

As well as sharing her story Gail builds an extensive 'toolkit' of methods that have helped her deal with anxiety and encourages her readers to develop their own with a good foundation of how to do this in place.

Society has a habit of shying away from uncomfortable topics, even when broaching them not truly giving honest accounts of what a huge effect things such as mental health has on many lives.
In truth it's a shame that we shy away from the topic of mental health to such an extent that I believe many people that have, and do, suffer from mental illness almost ignore it to the point that they genuinely believe they have never had a mental health issue. In my experience most people, if you speak them through difficult parts of their lives, will realise that they too have experienced depression, anxiety or some kind of mental health issue. 
It's true that not everyone has a life long battle with mental ill health, but through enabling people to acknowledge their own feelings from past experiences, I believe acceptance of others struggles is just around the corner.

In my opinion 'Loving the Life Less Lived' could be a huge eye opener to many people and an invaluable tool to anyone dealing with a mental illness. I encourage anyone and everyone to pick up a copy if you can. It's well worth a read.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Now to a Q&A with the Author of 'Loving the Life Less Lived', Gail Marie Mitchell.

I love the title - did you always have this as the title or did you have any others that nearly made the cut? Why did the final title make it and if there were others why didn't they?

It was literally a flash of inspiration when I was feeling particularly fed up and hiding under the duvet. I don’t know where it came from but there were never any other titles up for contention. I knew it was perfect and summed up exactly what I wanted to say. 

What question do you wish you had been asked in your time of deepest struggle? 

Probably ‘what can I do to help?’ I wouldn’t have known how to answer but I would have appreciated the question. I think more than any question I just needed people to accept me as just the person I was at the time, even if that person was troubled and imperfect. 

In your book you encourage people to cut ties with people they consider to be 'toxic'. What advice do you have for people who have close family that are toxic (and they can't just walk away from them)? 

That’s a difficult one, and one I struggled with it when writing my book. I always say you don’t need toxic people in your life but sometimes you love toxic people, and/or are related to them and cutting ties with them isn’t realistic and isn’t always the right thing to do. The ‘toxic’ person may be on their own journey and it may not be that they are toxic at all, just not helpful to you at the time. You can give yourself space, while still maintaining the relationship. Either physically taking time away from the person, or mentally by not giving too much weight to the things they say and the way they act. It’s hard work but you can create barriers and boundaries to protect yourself. Sometimes a course (or a book) on assertiveness might help, to ensure your needs are being met whilst still being close to the person. 

Do you regret cutting ties with any of the people you considered to be 'toxic'? 

No, I must say I don’t regret anything. I do sometimes regret the way I did it (which so many times was just to run away and hide!) Life is short and there are any number of people who need your time and attention. That’s not to say I surround myself with ‘perfect’ or ‘together’ people, far from it! I love people who are mixed up and messy and struggling to make it through life, but I look after myself first and I don’t have time for people who are spiteful, judgmental or ‘toxic’. 

Have you found any old 'toxic' friends have tried to re-contact you since you broke ties and if so did you stay away? 

No one has ever contacted me! They probably thought I was toxic too, and it’s true in my worst days I must have been hard work to be around. If someone did contact me in good faith I’d probably reconnect but I’d be wary. I genuinely believe people change, nobody is completely toxic and I’ve changed so the way they react to me would be different. Having said that I’d keep a definite distance between us… just in case. 

Isolating ourselves is something very common in people with anxiety. What's your no.1 tip for getting yourself to step out of the house? 

Small steps. That’s how I did it. At first I’d just walk to the post-box and back, or I’d go out with a friend or my Dad so I wasn’t alone. Then when I felt up to it I’d go a little bit further, say to the swimming baths which were just around the corner, or I’d go to my friend’s house because I felt safe there. Also congratulate yourself for your progress, it’s all too easy to focus on what you can’t do, or give yourself a hard time if you have a setback. It helped me to have a list of ‘steps’ which I ticked off as I achieved them, this way I could see how far I had come. Even now I have phases where I’m tempted to hide, it doesn’t last long but I am quite gentle with myself and just stick to ‘safe’ places like our local country park. I don’t avoid going out now when I feel like this, because I know where that leads, but I am more aware of my anxiety and I know when to go easy on myself. 

It appears that you've always excelled in academia and professionally despite your anxiety. Did it not affect your self confidence in that area of your life? 
What advice would you have for someone with impending exams or assessments? 

Just do your best. That’s all you can do. I was very lucky that my Dad always encouraged me just to do my best. Remember you are not being judged as a person, failing an exam doesn’t make you a failure. It might mean you have to change your plans or adapt but sometimes that can be wonderful and liberating. Do your best today, by taking time to work, but also to rest and play. I always found that the people who did well in exams were those who knew when to revise but also knew when to stop. Exams never gave me anxiety, I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet of sitting writing! However if they do give you nerves I would recommending practicing mindfulness in the run up to the exam period. If you read the question and panic take 2 or 3 minutes to concentrate on breathing slowly and listen to the sounds around you then look at the paper again and do your best. Panic is great when you are being chased by a tiger, not great when you are sitting your A levels, it takes all the blood from your brain so you can’t think straight, so just slow down, breath and just do your best. 

Do you have any tips on standing your ground when you see a GP about getting help if they are dismissive and just offer a website and no further support? 

Oh that is such a nightmare. I always encourage people to visit their GP knowing full well that some GPs will try to fob you off with a website or a library book. You really need to be persistent and go back if you’re not happy or go to see a different GP. If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression though just visiting the GP once can be a herculean task, let alone going back if it didn’t go well the first time. I would advise writing down what you want to say to the GP, if all else fails you can just hand him the piece of paper, even better take someone who you trust who can advocate for you, and be more assertive than you feel able. Just be persistent. You could also ring 111 for more advice, sometimes it’s easier to speak to someone on the phone and you can speak to them immediately. They will probably tell you to visit your GP but they might also be able to give you advice on what to ask for. Remember we have a wonderful NHS in this country which is there for everyone to receive support and treatment, just because your illness is mental rather than physical doesn’t mean you have any less right to support. 

Did the process of writing the book re-open thoughts about parts of your life and make you re-think the way you processed events at the time? 

In parts, some of the more recent events especially the ending. I do tend to reflect and think about my anxiety a lot (too much?) so I had processed a lot of the events already but certainly looking at them from the distance of time, and trying to describe them to someone else, tended to put a lot into perspective. Sometime now if I’m tempted to panic or over-react I do think ‘how will I write about this in a book five years from now?’ It helps me realise that things always pass. 

If yes - do you think people should reflect on certain parts of their life that were difficult and how should they approach it?

 Carefully, and for most people with the help of a counsellor or therapist. I don’t think we learn and progress without looking at our failures and disappointments but it isn’t an easy process and there is a risk of opening old wounds. It’s really important to be gentle and kind with yourself and recognise that everyone makes mistakes, has weaknesses and goes through bad times. It’s human. 

Will you be writing another book? 

I’m finishing the first draft of a young adult fiction novel which has the themes of self-harm and suicide (cheery!) I think child and teenage mental health is a huge problem in our society, I have toyed with writing a version of Loving the Life Less Lived for young people, I may still do that, but for the time being I am turning my hand to fiction.

I for one will be keeping my eye out for the next book!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Gail and RedDoor Publishing for the opportunity to read the book and get involoved with their #MHAW17 campaign with this Q&A.

If you'd like to see a full response piece about the book, head over to @theasthinkings, she's also running a giveaway as part of the blog tour!


This Mental Health Awareness Week remember, it's OK to not be OK.
Don't stand alone.
#MHAW17

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

#try20 challenge week 1

It's hard to believe we're already a week into May & National Walking Month! 

Where does the time go?! 

So how's the first week of the #try20 challenge gone and how am I feeling about it?

My Week :

Monday - true to the challenge 20min evening walk

Tuesday - 30 min evening walk

Wednesday - walked 30 min to work (+ 20 min run before work)

Thursday - 30 min walk from work to the station

Friday - 30 min evening walk (+ 30 min after work run)

Saturday - walked around town & got a lot of errands done

Sunday - Ran a Half marathon & walked home (55 min)

So I'm pleased to say I managed to keep up with the challenge! I also didn't take my runs as the 20 minute walks for this week. Running and walking for me have a completely different feeling (physically and mentally), and so I wanted to stay true to the challenge (at least for this week).

How has it made me feel?

The things I've enjoyed most about this is getting outside & getting fresh air every single day of the week. I never normally do this and it really helps me unwind, even if only briefly, while I'm out walking.

One thing I really liked too which I guess I wasn't really expecting was that nearly every walk I went on there was some people that said hello in passing. I really like it when this happens, as it really doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes I smile and say good morning/afternoon and get no response or even looks of slight disgust. I get it that I'm a stranger, but what happened to saying a friendly hello to your neighbours?! So anyway, I loved that there was a few friendly hellos thrown in and it made me feel a bit lighter and uplifted.

Conclusion : Week 1 was a success! 

My Week 1 challenge was get snappy this weekend - so here is my compulsory half marathon pic from this weekend :D! 

If you want to see what challenges I'm taking on in the next few weeks check out my last post :)!

Are you doing the challenge?

If so how did you get on and how are you making sure that you get the time in?

Comment below and let me know - I would love to hear from you.

If you want to get involved why not start walking everyday from now?

You could still make the rest of may or if you want to take on a full month just carry the days you missed over into next month! No excuses :)!

Bring on week 2!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Taking on the #try20 summer challenge

I'm taking on the #try20 summer challenge organised by the charity Living Streets.

So what's the challenge?

It's simple.

Add 20 minutes of walking to your everyday for the month of May.

Why May? 

It's National Walking Month - the best time to start.

This may sound like a simple task, and the important thing to remember is that it can be & I believe it can be hugely beneficial for both your general and mental health.

I'm relatively active as a person but as many of us are it's not consistently on a daily basis.

I normally run 2 to 4 days a week but on the other days, sometimes when I'm working from home I don't leave the house and in all honesty I can get a bit stir crazy. 

I think most of us have at least one day that we don't move much - maybe for you it's your Pyjama sunday, or maybe that's your normal work day. You drive to work, you sit at your desk, you drive home and then you relax on the sofa.

I'm not saying this is a bad way to live but just getting 20 minutes of walking in, either to work, at lunch, or any time you feel you can could make a big difference to your life.

Getting outdoors and active always helps me relax and reconnect and I'm always happier after I make the effort.
Even on those days when I don't want to, or I'm finding it difficult to leave the house, I always feel better when I do.

So I'm taking on the challenge to try and add 20 minutes of walking a day to my EVERYDAY routine, and I'm dedicated to it!

I'll be posting weekly updates about how I got the twenty minutes in everyday, how it's making me feel & any thoughts I have along the way.

To keep myself motivated through the month I'm going to be taking some #try20 tips from Living Streets and trying a different one for each week of the month. 

Here's my plan for the month:

Week 1 (1-7th May)      :

Tip #5 - Get Snappy Happy this weekend

Week 2 (8-14th May)     : 

Tip #15 - As it's going mental health awareness week - A Mindful meander.

Week 3 (15-21st May)   :

Tip #19 - Power Walk! 

Week 4 (22-28th May)   :

Tip #13 - Lunch Alfresco not Aldesko

Week 5 (29-31st May)    

Tip #6 - Take the Long cut & discover new places.

Get involved and take the #try20 challenge yourself! 

You won't regret it.

To keep you motivated why not rope a friend in and get them to take on the challenge with you.
I've teamed up with theasthinkings so that we can keep each other on track.
Head over to her post to see what challenges she's decided to take on for week 1!

I can't wait to start on 1st May! 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Stepping on to the track

Since I moved just over a year ago I wanted to join the local running club. For the last year I've been living in one place with my partner and working in another (a 3 hour commute away). I don't work here so the only people that I know that live here are my partners work colleagues and some of their partners. Until a couple of weeks ago I I've literally met no one. I don't have children so I haven't met people through other parents, I don't work here so I haven't met local colleagues. I've literally made no friends. 

Don't get me wrong I don't want sympathy, it's just the truth. I know no one here. Luckily my partner is my best friend and sometimes we both almost feel as if we don't really need anyone else because we have each other. But deep down I know that it's healthy to have friendships outside of your relationships and to socialise, even if I am slightly inept when I try. 

My first attempt at meeting people was around a year ago, when I tried my local parkrun. I thought it would be a good way to meet people and maybe my partner would come too. The trouble is I turned up that first time (to this date I've only been twice), and there was just so many people! On average there is around 200-300 people at my local parkrun. So I turned up and everyone already had their groups and their friends. So both times I went I just ran around the course and then left. I just didn't know what to say. 

I know parkrun is supposed to be a friendly local thing, but having to interrupt one of the already established groups of friends just seemed strange. I was pretty sure I would just come across as rude or weird as I'm not the great at sounding casual at the best of times. I probably would have come out with something a bit unusual to ask, or something deadly obvious, that clearly I didn't really need to ask.

(Disclaimer: Don't get me wrong I think parkrun is great, and I encourage everyone to give it a go - just if you're going to make friends maybe it's not ideal for everyone.

So long and short. I've lived here for over a year, and I don't know anyone.

That is until a couple of weeks ago. I finally made the decision to send a message via facebook to the local running club and ask what would be the best day for me to come and join in a session. I nearly didn't go, but I arranged it all and when it came to it I just made myself leave the house, and as always, that was the one thing that once I'm out, I can't turn back. To me it takes more willpower to give up once I've set my mind on something than if I just don't attempt it in the first place.

It was recommended I went to the local track session as it's one of the main club nights. One of my goals of joining a club is that I want to get faster, and to me that means track is probably going to be the best thing for me. Having structured training rather than me trying some random speed intervals myself I have no doubt will be a great benefit, so this sounded perfect.

So my first track session was on the 27th April at 7pm for around an hour, and I'm so glad I went. I'm not going to lie that first day I spoke to two people for around 10 seconds, and that's the best I did. It was awkward, I don't even remember their names (not because they weren't nice people, it's just that my memory tends to suffer a lot when I'm anxious) and they haven't tried to speak to me since, so I didn't do too great that first day socially.

Just 2 weeks on though and I've now been to two road runs & another track session and I'm speaking to more and more people each time I turn up. Sure I'm not doing great at the conversation yet, but a few people already know my name & say hi! Progress, and for me a giant leap into social situations that make me terrified, but also elated, knowing I'm getting there. 

Here's to new acquaintances, great training and a great deal of running.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

How to get out there when your mind is saying 'no'

Considering I manage to persuade myself to lace up and run a minimum of 3 times a week you'd think I have no problem with motivation. That's almost true. But when it comes to that moment when I'm supposed to be getting up, ready and out that door, there is something more over powering holding me back. 

I love running, I know that. So why do I still struggle to get out? 

I think this is something that the non-runners don't always get. They see this image of us presented on social media where we're always pumped, enthusiastic, happy, and raring to go. They see the completed runs, the excitement at our next run, our happiness in all of the above, and sometimes, just the joy of talking about running. 

What they don't see is that at the end of the day we're still like everyone else, struggling to stay motivated and sometimes just wanting to stop and say no.

My biggest challenge of the week is not the shorter runs I do during the week, even though they too are sometimes a struggle, its the weekend long run.

It has taken up to two to three hours for me to just get changed and start getting myself ready for a long run. This isn't irregular either. The quickest I've probably ever got myself out the door is probably 30 minutes, and that was impressive for me.

When it comes to long runs I don't know what it is, but the self doubt and fear always sets in.

Why?? I mean I've never not completed the distance I set out to do. I've never felt like I was going to collapse because I have pushed myself too far. I've never been severely sick, passed out, or had to dive into a bush to relieve myself (crossed fingers that streak continues ;)..), and I've never truly hated any run I've set out on.

At the end of the day I think the reason I find getting out on that long run so difficult is just pure simple fear that I can't do it. I can, and sitting here now, I know that. But when it comes to that time when I need to tell myself I'm going to do this, I'm going to get ready, I'm going to step out the door. That fear is there and is always blocking the exit, until at some stage something clicks and I can break through that barrier.

-----------------------------------------------------------

So here is what works for me, and what might work for you when your mind is saying 'no'.

Ask yourself these three questions:

Q 1: Am I sad? 

A: Yes - Run; No - Run

Q 2: Am I Bored? 

A: Yes - Run; No - Run

Q 3: Am I injured? 

A: Yes - It's OK to take it easy, go for a walk ; No - Run

Plan your route.

If you're not excited about running your usual routes,

try planning a new one and make it interesting. Can you run through a park you haven't been to before? Can you run a road you've never been down? Can you find a trail? Can you run somewhere you're fond of? Anything that sounds appealing - give it a go.

Tip : So I don't get lost I use a free map app on my Garmin and plan the route online then follow the route when I'm out. I use the dynamicwatch app which puts route maps on your Garmin - you can get it through the Connect IQ store.

Rope in a Friend.
Sometimes it's easier to get out if you're meeting someone. The pressure of not wanting to tell someone else you don't want to go is sometimes just enough to get you to step out.

Get changed.

Sure that sounds simple but it doesn't always feel that way.

Wear your favourite stuff, your most comfortable stuff, or something new you've been wanting to try out.

Once I've got my gear on, normally I find it hard to find an excuse not to go.

Be easy on yourself.

Acknowledge that its OK if you can't do what you planned earlier in the week. Getting out there is getting out there, and that's awesome in itself. Sometimes I just tell myself to run around the block, see how you feel after 5 minutes, and if it's awful, go home. And hey, you still did that one loop of the block. You didn't have to.

Ask yourself what's the worst that can happen?

The worst that happens is you stop and you turn back.

On the other side you could come back feeling a million dollars and a league away from all those worries and anxieties.. 

and it won't have cost you a penny :)!

-----------------------------------------------------------

I hope this helps some of you get out there on difficult days, and if you didn't get out today, don't worry, because tomorrow is a new day.

If you have some go-to things you do to get motivated and out that door leave a comment below - I would love to hear from you.

Always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away. 

#runyourmindfree.

#runyourmindfree

So here it is, my first blog post.

I should probably start at the beginning, with the title.

What does it mean to #runyourmindfree?

For me it's simple. It all started one summers day in 2015 when I realised I needed to make sure I can run when I had been convinced to sign up for a Tough Mudder a few months away. I had no idea if I could even put one foot in front of the other continuously for a reasonable interval of time (hopefully not at snails pace) and not die.

At the back of my mind before that first training run was regret at signing up for the Tough Mudder (the reason I was having to start training in the first place), a complete lack of faith in my ability to run, climb and conquer and a general apprehension at even attempting a first friendly 5km run with my friends. Luckily the person that had convinced me to sign up was a regular runner, knew what they were doing, and had no doubt that that first 5k run to start training was just going to be a definite. I don't think she ever even considered I wouldn't be able to do it, and that kids, is the kind of confidence we need sometimes.

It might sound a bit dramatic. All I was planning to do is meet two friends and go for a run for around half an hour. That was it. But it seemed so much bigger than that.

At this point you may think starting a fitness journey is difficult and daunting and everyone feels like this at the beginning. The thing is, I wasn't 'unfit' I did several hours of power yoga a week and cycled 15 minutes too and from work everyday as well as walking everywhere else (I still can't drive at the age of 25) and having a favourite recreational sport of hiking means I was definitely at least your average fitness level. I enjoy sports. I enjoy the outdoors. I enjoy being active. So why the anxiety?

Anxiety is my crux, my enemy, by unrelenting demon, my oldest friend and my biggest foe. 

I don't think I ever remember not being anxious. I was always a bit different, a bit weird, awkward and generally the odd one out, so just daily communication, socialisation and getting on with things has always immediately brought me anxiety. Will I make myself sound stupid? Will people like me? Will people want to hang out with me? Will anyone make rude comments? Will I have anything to talk about? Will I stumble on my words, say the wrong words, or say something to be funny that's just a bit weird? 

All of the above probably happened the majority of days in my younger life. The anxiety just exacerbated my slightly unusual way of thinking and communicating.

Although now in later life I've managed to contain my weirdness, I'm still awkward, say the wrong thing and people don't really get me, but now at least in adult life it's more accepted and rather than being rejected I guess people just accept that I'm slightly odd. 

Despite this the anxiety is still there, and controls a considerable portion of my daily mental capacity. I think I'm quite good at concealing it - but it gets very overwhelming and causes me to have a short attention span and I'm constantly in my head over thinking. 

That is until I run.

My mind quickly becomes focused and calm, almost emptying itself of the build up of thoughts tumbling around, and genuinely becomes free, open and spacious (imagine a new white unfurnished room, or a grand empty cathedral, or a peaceful meadow in the dying light of day). 

Running is my safe place, and I am always happy there. 

I never expected to find anything in running. I'd never found solace in anything else, so why would I think pounding the streets would do any actual good? I expected to hate it. It is after all pretty hard work. The key for me I guess is from that first run, and increasingly on every run since, once I start running, once I manage to persuade myself to make that step out of the door, it isn't really work anymore. The serenity and freedom I get from running is unbelievably liberating for me. Allowing me to relax and return to me. That freedom outdoes any negativity, any muscular twinges, or breathlessness caused by running to the point that compared to the cage of anxiety, running is childs play. 

I think I almost forgot who I was and running helped me find me again - and its a good me. A happy, healthy, smiling, grateful and ultimately free me.

And that for me is the meaning behind #runyourmindfree.

I've started this blog in the hope to share my experience with running, what it has done, and continues to do for me, and share a bit of myself (which has never been my strong point). 

I'm not miraculously anxiety free. In truth I'm far from it. But, I want to use this space to share what I learn with you. I'm currently training for my first half marathon and I hope to be writing regularly with my running goals and endeavours. Talking about how I approach my challenges and what my weekly training has looked like, as well as race reviews from the point of view of a pretty average amateur runner. I will also be reviewing other new techniques I hope to try and use to further develop my running and what I gain from it both physically and mentally. 

I hope you've enjoyed this blog, and please come back for more.

Share your stories of how running, health, fitness or anything has liberated you and helped you find yourself again in the comments down below and use the hashtag #runyourmindfree on social media. I would love to hear from you.

You can follow me on Bloglovin to stay updated with my posts. :)
https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18498415/