Miles for Mind

Let me tell you about a moment of discovery that occurred on Thursday 29th April after one glass of wine and a random scroll through instagram..

I don’t drink much anymore so one glass of wine every now and again is fine for me. If I’m in a bad mood it usually just sends me to sleep and on my way to forget about my bad day. If however I’m in a good mood and decide to enjoy the wine for what it is then my bad thoughts usually turn in to unrealistic power to the world thoughts that never see the light of day. I was ready for dream land when I started the pointless last min scroll through instagram when a sponsored ad popped up. It was a picture of a bright green and pink medal that spelt out “Miles for Mind, Mental Health Matters 2020”. Of course I love an inspirational movement with mental health don’t I so I was intrigued.

After the quickest search of my life within five mins I had purchased my entry in to a 25 mile across May for the charity Mind. I’ve taken part in Strava challenges just for myself but nothing for charity and nothing that iv paid entry to with 2 days notice and no training… I haven’t been back to the gym since its reopened or been for runs properly since my last challenge in December due to my anxiety slowing me down. So why have I set myself what seems like an impossible challenge?

Since last night I went to the gym alone this morning. Jumped straight on the treadmill with a 5k running setting. I ended the session after 20 mins with only having one mile to complete because I’d forgotten my water like an idiot and I started getting anxious as more people arrived around me. Upon reflection after calming down I realised just how much I had completed and how much I could have carried on if I had my water and had something to focus on rather than hearing myself breath or listening to different bpms in my repeat playlist on Spotify. 25 miles is a lot for me but to do it across May I’ve worked out that even if I only completed the challenge on my days off of work I would have to do 8 5k runs with a little extra. That after my attempt today is completely doable in my eyes if I focus enough. You can walk as part of the challenge but I will be running as much as I can. Even if I have to do it in sprints and travel further to complete the miles.

This is very spontaneous for me but I almost feel like it was presented to me at the right time. I need something to focus on right now and I want to help others. Im struggling to help myself so why not have this challenge as my step up. Not only is it going to get me back in to training and promote my wellbeing but I’m also going to contribute to one of the best charities to support and give someone that support and chance they deserve. I needed this.

I’ll be asking for a lot of verbal support as there will be days I want to give up or feel like I’m struggling but I WILL be achieving this challenge. I can’t let others down as well as myself which is my motivation. I can keep up you up to date on my progress across my social platforms if you know me well enough. But I’ll keep a track on here as well! I’m hoping by the end I’ll have a medal and will be writing a success post that I can be proud of.

Thank You for everyones support with my general life as always. If you want to learn about the cause the event is organised by RUNR and is called Miles for Mind. Give it a research and I’ll post links maybe in this post or on my instagram when the event is live. Make May your month!

It’s the best month already because I was born in it but you know there are other things…

Big Love x

Picture credits to RUNR and Mind. Taken from the fundraiser page.