A 21.1 km Journey for Mental Health
Earlier this year, while living in London, the sheer cost of a gym membership was enough to steer me toward running, so I bought some bouncy new shoes and set off around the city’s sites.
It was an escape from the hecticness of London life and this persistent feeling of empty loneliness where I could literally run away from the sh*t going on in my head.
It’s safe to say 2024 was a very turbulent and ultra marathon-worthy brain battle to feel good again.
So I made the decision to leave and returned home to Australia in July. Despite hoping it would solve all my issues… it didn’t and I found myself in a battle with depression.
I was gaining weight, had no motivation, saw no progress, compared myself to others, and stopped enjoying running.
I remember running 5km with my brother one morning and asking him to help me push for a faster time, and while we did it and he powered me to the end—I broke down afterward, wondering why I felt so weak.
But something about the support of loved ones around me trusted me to know it was going to get better.
Things WILL get better.
I’ve been fortunate to learn more about the true meaning of community, discovering that there is nothing quite as powerful as the support of those around you to help you reach your goals. Without a shadow of a doubt, my community, my strongest support, rests firmly in the hands of my family.
Mum, Dad, and George— there are no three other people who could have supported me to run 21.1km and still be smiling at the end of it, the way you have. Period.
Blue skies, 2 podcasts, and pump up house music – she did it.
I got over myself and my self-imposed pressure to ‘run for pace’, ‘not stop’, or be consumed with what everyone else around me was doing—I was ready to just ‘see what happens and let it be what it will be.’
I never thought I would say this, and whilst the hips started to give in around the 15km mark - it was a really enjoyable experience. It is not meant to be easy and the one thing I have had to learn is that you HAVE to be kind to yourself and keep up the positive self talk.
My heart swelled when I saw my family run past and I was reminded of the real reason we are here, because we are STRONGER TOGETHER.
Though it may take a few days for me to walk normally again, participating in the 2XU Wellness Run in support of Beyond Blue marked a significant milestone in my journey this year, encapsulating the triumphs and trials of mental health, community, and self-confidence.
Each step we took raised awareness and support for mental health, reminding us all of the importance of community and collective strength in our journeys.
I am so grateful to have been a part of this day and contributing towards a total AUD$388,000 for mental health support.
📅 01/12/24
📍St Kilda, Melbourne
🏃 2XU Wellness Run
💙 Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is an Australian organisation dedicated to supporting mental health and wellbeing. They offer programs aimed at helping individuals cope with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health concerns.
📞 If you or someone you know is in need or support – call 1300 22 4636
