I said I’d never run another half-marathon, to many people around me 😂

So, on Sunday, October 19th, I’ll be running my next half-marathon as part of a local group, The Royal Oak team, raising money for two life-changing causes: Bristol Mind and Cancer Research UK.

This is a personal one for me in particular. I’m not a runner. I don’t enjoy the long distances or the mental load of getting myself out there. I’ve even said I hated the last half-marathon I did back in May. However, I do love what running gives me after, it reminds me that I’m stronger than the voice in my head that says “you can’t” or “I can’t be bothered”, or even comparing myself to others with “you’re not even running that fast”. It’s such a mental battle, but as soon as I’m out there and feeling good in myself (which isn’t always), I’m so much happier.

Mental health is unfortunately invisible. You can’t see it in people, even if they’re you’re closest friend/family member. This is the sad reality, we don’t talk about it, until it’s too late or it’s affected someone close to home.

I’ve struggled, I will admit that and I do reach out to those I feel I can trust, but sometimes that’s not always there. That’s why I am supporting Bristol Mind, they offer FREE online resources, articles and tips which help support those that don’t have people they can be vulnerable with.

For the next 9 weeks, I will be keeping up my training, running 3x per week and weight training 3x per week to ensure my physical self is prepared and so I can tell my brain that “I can do it”. All I want to do is support those who need it.