The first time I ever laced up a pair of trainers and ‘went for a run’ I struggled to even reach the end of my road. I vowed “never again!” because I found it so physically and mentally difficult. However, a few days later I tried once more and somehow didn't hate it quite as much. "Just run to the next lamp post" I used to tell myself.

Four years later, I have completed two half-marathons, a dozen 10ks and nearly 50 parkruns. Running has become a huge part of my life, and it's fair to say that I couldn't imagine managing the last year or so without it. It has been a constant in a time of uncertainty, grounding me when the world seems out of control and helping me with any anxious thoughts which linger a little too long (because, when you're concentrating on your breathing and putting one foot in front of the other, your worries simply have to take a backseat for a while!).

It has long been a dream of mine to run the London Marathon, and after several years of failed ballot entry and charity applications, I was over the moon when I secured a place with Eikon. Eikon are a small mental health charity who work with young people, providing support both in and out of school, through workshops, one-on-one mentoring and counselling. 

As a teacher, I see every day the scale of the mental health crisis in this country. It's one thing to say "it's ok not to be ok" and "mental health matters", and another to actually put the hard work and practices in place, to have difficult conversations, and offer tools and resources to those most in need. In a world where waiting lists for counselling can be months, or even years, Eikon provide free and confidential therapy to young people, improving access and easing pressure on the NHS. 

Lockdown has only exacerbated the mental health problems young people today face and it's skilled professionals like those at Eikon who work tirelessly to ensure no child goes unnoticed or falls through the gaps. The conversation surrounding mental health has come a long way since I was at school myself, and I am proud to work with students who can confidently articulate when they are struggling and what they need- something I still need to work on! 

In fact, I strongly believe that I would have benefited from some of the services Eikon provide when I was a teenager, since it often felt easier to conceal my grief and push aside any feelings of being different. It's only in the past couple of years that I have recognised, accepted, and started to talk openly about my own mental health, feeling empowered having done so. I really hope in the future, early intervention will mean no child has to carry the burden of mental health trauma alone through to adulthood.

I am equal parts nervous and excited to begin my marathon training, as I know what a personal challenge it will be. As someone who doubts myself a lot, I am looking forward to trusting the process and seeing what my mind and body can achieve! 

Any support you can offer, no matter how big or small, (financial or emotional) will mean the world to me, and more importantly to the countless young people Eikon help. Thank you.

P.s. I promise to update you with the good, the bad and the ugly of marathon training as I go!

Sinéad