Rewind to 2011, September is the month. I am fat. There’s no other way to put it. I am weighing in at close to 15 stone, that’s nearly 210lbs. My second kid, Caelan, is a few weeks old. There’s a picture of us. I look unwell. I am out of shape. But I am smiling and I am happy.

Well, or so I thought.

Let’s qualify happiness at the time. I am happy. I have a cracking wife, two boys who are vibrant and healthy and work isn’t a drain on my life. But the travelling was. My diet was horrific. My habits sedentary. I hadn’t played football for five years and I’d given up running completely. Prior to this I was nothing more than a hobby runner, 100 miles per month kind of level of effort.

Life was good. Health was bad. I hated the sight of myself in pictures or videos. But I’d always find a way to put off dealing with it. I’d been busy. A way to ignore the growing shame that was growing with me in both a physically real and an internal way.

Then something sparked. I got into running, big time. I had no idea of the journey I would go on. Prior to 2011 I had never heard of ultrarunning. I found the more I ran, the fitter I got and the more content I became in myself. I began to realise that running was a great thing for my physical and mental well-being.

My stress levels dropped, my focus improved and I stopped looking at myself as being obese (+30 BMI after all) but instead I saw myself improving all the time. I had scope for improvement and I started to enjoy exploring the limits of my potential.

I wasn’t suffering from depression, far from it. I was really happy with life. This isn’t some story about how running saved me. Rather it helped me find my true self. And that’s the point, doing something you love a lot, a lot of times, can only mean you are spending more of your time on this spinning rock being happy.

Just because I was happy didn’t mean I couldn’t be happier.

Pyllon Endeavour

It’s this kind of sentiment and experience that has myself lucky to be part of a team of 8 class runners and people who will attempt an epic challenge on November 16 to raise awareness and funds for mental health, and specifically the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

The #PyllonEndeavour was dreamt up by Paul Giblin. 3x Top 10 Western States finisher and 3x West Highland Way winner. In simple terms, we will run as a relay team on the classic West Highland Way route from Milngavie to Fort William and then back again. That’s 192 miles. We start at 4pm. The run will be in the dark for 75% of it and we will double up on more remote and technical sections to ensure runner safety.

We will be attempting to complete the run in under 24 hours. That’s 192 miles, close to 30,000 feet of ascent, mostly in the dark, across some of the remotest parts of Scotland and from the lowlands to the highlands and back again. Each runner will complete a distance greater than a marathon in the endeavour.

The goal

Our underlying aim is in promoting the benefits of exercise, camaraderie and team work in respect to your own wellbeing, and especially when it comes to mental health.

Yes, we will raise funds too as that is a nice bolt on but if we make one person think more about themselves, if we spur one person into asking for help or finding a solution to their current challenges then we will have made the difference we are truly aiming for.

I am really excited about running with these guys, they are all exceptional athletes in their own right and being part of this team is an honour.

Will we complete the run in under 24 hours?

I’d say it is 50:50. There are so many variables that we cannot control such as the weather, injuries on the day, logistical mishaps, a runner getting lost. It’s what makes the challenge so daunting and thrilling. How we react is as important as how we plan.

Running has been hugely beneficial to my mental health and self-actualisation. I wasn’t unhappy at all, but I didn’t realise just how much growth and opportunity I had physically and mentally.

It has been life altering for me. Getting into the sport has made me fitter, happier and more successful. Just imagine what it can do for you, no matter your own current position.

But it doesn’t have to be running, I would suggest almost any form of physical exercise would likely afford similar benefits. For me, running just works on so many levels. The old maxim about “love what you do, do what you love” applies ten-fold here for me.

Updates and further information about the #PyllonEndeavour can be found here. We’d love to hear from you, and if you can help with goodwill, support and promoting awareness over the weekend we’d be eternally grateful.

James Stewart features in the ‘Fast 10: class of 2018’ and over the course of the year will share his running journey. You can read James’ previous posts here and further information about the ‘class of 2018’ can be found here.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post Finding my true self through running appeared first on Fast Running.

British Athletics has announced a new partnership to provide all members of the World Class Programme with access to counselling and mental health support service.

The partnership with industry experts Cognacity will provide Olympic and Paralympic World Class Programme athletes with rapid 24/7 access to the company’s national team of psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors.

The service will also be extended to support all athletes at European and World Championships and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Cognacity’s team of psychiatrists and psychologists understand the pressures that elite and amateur athletes face and offer a combination of expertise in mental wellbeing and people performance.

Athletes will have direct and immediate access to vital psychological resources, that will help to minimise some of the barriers that can prevent those from seeking help, such as the stigma of mental illness.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer WCP athletes immediate access to renowned mental health experts who understand high performance sport,” said British Athletics Chief Medical Officer Noel Pollock. “We are also delighted to be able to support British Athletics staff and athletes at those major international competitions with this important service.”

Athletes can expect the very best treatment pathways from Cognacity’s clinical team, who have extensive experience in the assessment of the full range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, specific performance related issues, depression, addictions and eating disorders.

British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black added: “Thanks to the partnership, help and support will always be available, and we would encourage athletes to utilise the expertise and guidance offered by Cognacity as and when they feel the need to.”

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post British Athletics to offer athletes mental health support appeared first on Fast Running.

The impact of parkrun on mental health extends far beyond physical activity and has the potential to support people outside of traditional mental health services, according to new research conducted by Staffordshire University.

The research coincides with the launch of an online community aimed at encouraging more people with mental health difficulties to participate at parkrun.

People with mental health difficulties are among the most socially excluded people in the UK, and social exclusion is associated with poorer physical and psychological health. They are also more likely to have a poor diet, smoke, drink alcohol or be overweight.

The study, which involved parkrunners who identified as having experienced mental health difficulties, concluded that volunteering, being outside and participating in a community activity can be beneficial.

Participants reported that parkrun gives them a sense of identity – being part of the ‘parkrun community’ and reducing the stigma associated with mental health difficulties. Each participant in the research reported that parkrun was beneficial to their mental health.

The research reveals that parkrun increases confidence, helps to reduce isolation, depression, anxiety and stress, and gives participants space to think. Volunteering opportunities at parkrun increase inclusivity as people who do not want to walk or run, or are unable to, can participate by volunteering.

Photo: Paul Stillman

The benefits of exercise on mental health have long been acknowledged, however this new research identifies three key themes:
– ‘sense of achievement’ referring to feelings of accomplishment;
– ‘connecting with others’ referring to a sense of belonging and community;
– ‘it’s for everyone’ referring to an equitable, welcoming and non-threatening environment.

Sense of achievement

Participants reported a sense of achievement through participation leading to improved mood and self confidence. The flexibility of parkrun – which can be for whatever purpose an individual chooses – means goals include simply attending, getting faster, visiting different parkrun venues and regular participation.

In addition to achieving at parkrun, it generates a sense of self confidence to achieve in other areas of life.

Connecting with others

Participants described a strong sense of community and shared experience with other parkrunners, helping people to feel acknowledged and valued.

There was a sense that parkrunners genuinely invest in and care about each other, and support others as they have been supported, leading to improved self-esteem and sense of worth.

It’s for everyone

Participants found parkrun inclusive and welcoming in a safe and familiar environment. The 5k distance was considered manageable, and the fact it is free, nationwide and doesn’t require specialist clothing or equipment demonstrates its accessibility.

Participants reported feeling a genuine sense of equality at parkrun regardless of ability.

“This study highlights the importance of community and belonging to participants and demonstrates the potential to support people outside of traditional mental health services,” said Paul Morris from Staffordshire University, who co-authored the report. “The sense of community, friendship and camaraderie was more important to participants than physical exercise, suggesting that initiatives emphasising a sense of community and support may be beneficial to mental health and wellbeing.”

Photo: Paul Stillman

What the parkrunners say

54-year-old Kay from Newcastle Upon Tyne said: “Before I started parkrun I was at an all-time low in my life. I now have a spark and buzz that people comment on and, with every run, I’m becoming more confident with myself both mentally and physically.”

43-year-old Katie from Solihull said: “I started parkrun three years ago today. It has changed my life. When I am in a low place I can guarantee going to parkrun I will see someone who can put a smile on my face. I no longer feel on my own and have made so many friends through parkrun.”

70-year-old Doug from Redditch said: “As someone who has suffered episodes of anxiety and depression over the past 30 years, I cannot overstate how much running has helped me. In particular, parkrun has not only helped my mental and physical wellbeing, but has provided a welcoming social environment that you can rely on for support during the darker times.”

43-year-old Sumi from Surrey said: “parkrun is such a positive start of the weekend for me. After all the drudgery of work and stress, it cleanses my soul, helps me reset my body and start afresh. I like the fact that parkrun is not about competition, time, expectation or performance. In a world where there are so many ‘must to do’ lists in the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) it gives me a sense of simply what I am about.

52-year-old Jonathan from Tunbridge Wells said: “I have been a parkrun participant for over three years. Before and during this time I have suffered from severe episodes of depression. parkrun has helped considerably with my recovery as I have gained physical strength, a purpose for exercise and above all a community of kind, supportive and non-judgmental individuals. Involvement in parkrun boosts your own energy, happiness and feelings of self worth.”

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us and become a patreon. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post Research reveals benefit of parkrun on mental health appeared first on Fast Running.

The summer may well and truly have ended, weather warnings for wind are back in effect and it is only a matter of time before we move from summer pastures to our group’s aptly named ‘winter loop’.

At least I managed to get myself back to racing, with some feel of a summer road race, before the winter set in – even if it was an overcast Sunday morning on a windswept motor racing circuit.

My main goal in return to racing was simple, go out hard with the leaders, hang on and see what happens. All things considered, it went well as I took second place after sheltering the eventual winner from the wind for close to two miles.

A change of tactics is probably needed for the next race, but I made myself hurt again which was my purpose that day.

Photo: Pop Up Races

The mixed Raheny team took a valiant second place finish behind a team made up of the pre-race first and second favourite on the men’s and women’s side. Realistically we never stood a chance given the rules at play. I can just hope that road races moving away from classic club teams to anybody putting together a team for themselves doesn’t become a trend.

A break from running

The immediate post-race recovery was put on the back burner in the name of football. With the first race taken care of, I headed almost straight to the airport to fly to Poland and watch Ireland play a friendly in Wroclaw. Thankfully an international football break in early September every year gives me a chance to get away with my friends and see some different parts of Europe.

Three days of leading the exact opposite life of an athlete is not exactly sustainable, but being able to switch off entirely and take a break from thinking about running is necessary. I fooled myself into thinking I might get some runs done over there. My shoes never emerged from the bottom of my bag.

No long-term damage was done while away and normal service of training resumed when I got back. In other stages of my career I would’ve been very stressed out about taking three days off for a holiday, even days I wouldn’t be training hard anyway.

Accepting that in general, my training has been going well in the past months means I can allow myself a little respite and kindness when it’s appropriate.

As I’ve come through the past few years I’ve learnt that things won’t be perfect, things will come up, that means I have to be a little flexible. While previously slight changes in routine could play with my mental health, a big part of my journey has been learning to be less black and white in my thinking.

I’m progressing with my mental health

It is not always a winning battle but the general progression is going well. For the first time in some while, I can generally say I’m happy with where my mental health is at.

That isn’t to say I don’t have bad days, but for me, the largest victory is in smoothing out my mood graph and understanding when it is I feel down and being able to deal with it accordingly.

Opening up about this on Fast Running was a big step for me in actually admitting that these are things that I needed to address. In the past, I would hide any efforts to work on my mental health because that would be admitting to having a problem to begin with.

Now I have no fear of being fully open about going to see a counsellor, working with a sports psychologist, meditating daily (or as close to daily as I can). Journaling is the next tool I need to add to my routine. It is strange to think that I meticulously log my physical health on a daily basis but make no effort to keep a better tab on my mental health.

This blog gives me a great opportunity to write once a month about where I’m at but very often proves a more high-level exercise rather than examining the day to day feelings.

It is nice to have some time now to reflect on these things when the going is good. Having a race under my belt means I can fully move on from the spring and summer gone by. There is also time until I get fully back to the cross country so I can enjoy my training now and feel some of the old fitness returning.

Up next I have got the Rathfarnham 5k on Sunday (September 30), which is generally a good fast race and a chance to open the legs out. After that, I am very fortunate to be taking part in the Izumo Ekiden in Japan on October 8, so I should at least be guaranteed material for the October blog already.

It is great to feel a sense of optimism about where I am at and not just in a running sense. There is plenty to look forward in the coming weeks and months but for now, I can just happily live in the current day.

RELATED: Mental health: If I spark one conversation it was worth sharing

Kevin Dooney features in the ‘Fast 10: class of 2018’ and over the course of the year will share his running journey. You can read Kevin’s previous posts here and further information about the ‘class of 2018’ can be found here.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post Progress: back to racing and looking after myself appeared first on Fast Running.

When asked if I wanted to be part of the “class of 2018” on Fast Running, I felt that I did not want to become another athlete who goes out there and complains about mental health issues. I did, however, vow that if nothing else I would be honest in my writing, and as such this is a topic that I cannot avoid.

It has been a part of my life for so long now, that to avoid writing about it while writing about a year in my life as an athlete, would be a glaring omission.

During the week in conversation with my brother Conor, I told him that after four years I am completely fed up with being depressed. He knew it was something that affected me but did not fully understand just how wearing the whole thing is on me. It is not something I talk about very often with him, or ever with most people. It is something that I’ve kept mostly to myself for four years, with the exception of those who have lived with me for whom it was an unavoidable fact of my life.

There is no set date or moment when I would say I began feeling this way, more of a gradual slide into more frequent occurrences of feeling down without any explanation as to way.

A distinct memory of crying after the Ivy Leagues Cross Country Championships in October 2014 marks somewhat of a beginning, but the feelings were there before that. I put my heart and soul into my racing, so I while I found it an odd overreaction to one race, I didn’t necessarily think there was something more sinister lurking in me. As the weeks and months passed, the same feelings of emptiness and loneliness continued to return.

As the problems increased I eventually spoke to my mum and cried down the phone as I tried to explain how I felt. Perhaps the worst feeling was how seemingly impossible it was to articulate these emotions. The spiral of words escaping me, only to be replaced by choking back tears, which meant the call had to be abandoned and continued later on. Thankfully I have a supportive family who arranged for me to see a professional who I work with to this day.

While I’m now better able to understand the causes and triggers of my sadness, I would by no means say I have emerged from the other side.

The present

If there is one upside to being injured, which I have been since the World Half Marathon in March, it is that I at least now have time to step back and truly assess what I’m doing with myself. It is not an easy process, but it is one that I need to go through.

For the past number of months, running has become increasingly more of a chore in my life. To the point where nights I was supposed on the road training were instead spent in bed trying to hold in tears as they attempted to escape my eyes. For the most part I fought them, held them back, laced up my shoes and went out into the night. Each of these days took an emotional toll on me, and as the gaps between days came closer and closer, it became increasingly self-evident that this could not and should not continue.

While I say this is something I am now working on, I actually don’t know what that looks like. To be honest I’ve felt just as down in the past month while not running as I did in the preceding months while running at an international level. I do however take some comfort in the fact that as I go through this process I am becoming more aware of my health and at the very least becoming more accepting of myself.

Looking forward

There is never really an easy or a right time to write about this subject but mental health and depression have been particularly on my mind of late, not only through my own experience, but equally two incidents have compelled me to take this moment to write about my own issues.

Firstly, there was this piece written by the father of my friend and former teammate Hale Ross who tragically ended his life in October 2016. Secondly, there was the death of Frightened Rabbit lead singer Scott Hutchinson, a man whose lyrics have been a frequent source of comfort over the years.

Both these incidents only serve to further highlight that when dealing with mental health issues we need to be open and honest. Hiding my mental health issues has definitely done me no favours over the past years other than perhaps protecting some form of ego I felt needed to be guarded.

If this article sparks one conversation about mental health then I feel it is a positive. Hopefully, someone going through his or her own issue might find some solace in another shared story. Perhaps the person who benefits most from this may well be me. I’m very much ok with that. As Jack Ross said when writing about the death of Hale: “as you go through life, try to be open-minded and flexible. Be kind to others, and, most importantly, be kind and forgiving to yourself.”

Kevin Dooney features in the ‘Fast 10: class of 2018’ and will share his running journey throughout the year. You can read Kevin’s previous posts here and further information about the ‘class of 2018’ can be found here.

The post Mental health: If I spark one conversation it was worth sharing appeared first on Fast Running.

A stress in itself but Alex remained resolute, and last Saturday (November 25) at the European Trials the prolonged wait for a first British vest was no more.

Finishing second to Ben Connor and ahead of Sam Stabler, it was a repeat of English National XC championships podium earlier this year. A déjà vu moment – only this time with his dream now a reality.

Like many athletes, he has experienced highs and lows in his career, and with this comes the associated stresses – sometimes good – sometimes not so good. The stresses associated with being an elite athlete is a subject the 25-year-old is keen to share and in particular how he manages it all.

Being an elite athlete is a real privilege – I will make this point right from the start

Other than the immense feeling of satisfaction from achieving one’s goals, there is widespread admiration from the wider community; friends, family, colleagues who appreciate the dedication, commitment and effort required to reach and maintain the level of ability that is associated with an elite athlete.

However, it is not all honey and roses as any athlete will tell you. Other than the physical pain and exhaustion from undertaking the necessary training to reach this level, there is another, often concealed enemy to the athlete: the mind. It has the capacity to make or break you. When wielded successfully, it can draw reserves from the body it never knew were there, which can make all the difference in a sport with such fine margins.

However, it can also be an athlete’s worst nightmare.

The power of the brain

The brain itself can have a dramatic effect on performance, both in the short and long term of an athlete’s career. During a race, for example, it is the first organ to suffer, entering a phase called hypoxia (an apparent lack of available oxygen).

It is this process that makes an athlete believe the current pace is “too fast”, and yet the legs are capable of sustaining that pace and potentially even increasing it. The sensitivity of the brain to oxygen is far more than anything else in the body, and justifies the well-known phrase “the brain will give up 1000 times before the body will”.

This is the most significant way the brain impacts performance, and the ability to push through those feelings of anxiety in a race are crucial to maximising performance.

The brain has another part to play in this theatre of fun though. The mental state of an athlete is hugely significant and paves the way to fulfilling dreams or falling short of them.

An athlete is susceptible to a number of stresses and it can be a daily battle. It is crucial that these are handled appropriately or they can lead to serious health disorders, not least depression.

Running at an elite level is inherently stressful. Pushing your body to its limit will always have its repercussions but that’s not to say it’s not a worthwhile pursuit – far from it.

On the main point, people either associate or dissociate to stress in times of pressure. Being subjective for a moment, I definitely associate to stress; taking it on and embracing it. I recognise that it is beneficial and an important aspect of my life (in small measures).

Riding the dragon

Metaphorically speaking it’s like riding a dragon; once controlled makes the rider more powerful and protected, but unless tamed the dragon is a serious threat. But as they say, diamonds are made under pressure! There are many though that see stress as a hindrance and attempt to remove it from their lives through calming means. Carrying on with the animal analogy it would be like performing a hike with a monkey on one’s back; it has little benefit and merely impedes performance. Take a moment to think about which type you are before you read on.

Managing stress is tricky; there is no magic cure for it. For most people, stress is typically associated with day-to-day life, and ironically going for a steady run would be one of the best ways to alleviate the problem. But for athletes, it is the running itself that is the problem!

So for myself, the opposite applies, and I often immerse myself in my work to take my mind off. Elite athletes often work part-time and invest a significant amount of their workday to their sport, which has its obvious advantages in terms of performance but it introduces pressure. For them, athletics is in part an income and with that, any physical irregularities put a threat to that. I’m actually glad I’m not a full-time athlete; it can get a bit much at times! So my PhD helps distract me in the day.

Race week

The week prior to a race is always a particularly stressful time. The brain starts to develop doubts and “creates” pains in your legs. The odd bumps and pings you wouldn’t think twice about in usual circumstances suddenly become career-threatening injuries in your head, but the most important thing to do is stick as close as you can to your usual routine.

I significantly reduce my mileage in that week but I still believe it’s worth running a little each day, with one rest day if you’re that way inclined, just to reassure that you’re fit and healthy.

On top of the physical jitters, there’s the worry that you haven’t prepared enough and that you could’ve done more to achieve your target. But let’s be honest; that’s yesterday’s problem. All you can do is ensure you get to that start line in the best condition you can be in, so early nights, good nutrition and ensure you don’t pick up a bug! And plan; plan your meals, plan the journey, plan the race, heck plan what you’re going to listen to on your warm up if it helps! But prepare.

I was incredibly nervous going into the European trials last week, but writing about it helped. Perhaps then I could recommend that athletes talk about these things to calm the nerves. I could look back now and think it was unnecessary but that overlooks a crucial point; that stress is beneficial! I may well have needed those nerves to really deliver on the occasion.

In just over a week I will be representing GB at the European XC and that brings a very different nervous feeling; one of expectation. In the trials, the only person I could disappoint was myself.

Now, that prize is much, much larger. This is, of course, my first GB call-up, but I remember my first England international in 2013 well. I will use all my experience of that and other appearances in Slovakia.

And I can take comfort that I was stressed before the trials and had “the race of my life” as the commentator put so well, so am I well set for another blinder? Time will tell.

The post Alex Teuten: managing stress as an athlete appeared first on Fast Running.

I’m a runner, so why are we talking about mental health? While benched with an Achilles injury, the ultrarunner Scott Jurek once said me, “injuries are our best teachers”.  As frustrating as it was to not run, he was right.

My injury was teaching me that I was overloading my Achilles tendons, caused by me adding additional mileage to my weekly training too hastily. So why do we not listen to our mental health in the same way when we overload it?

One of the main reasons why we tend not to approach mental illness, in the same way, is perhaps due to the stigma attached to it. Lack of public awareness and the fear of being judged can add to the feeling of being overwhelmed when in the throes of a mental health crisis. Increasingly, however, the discourse is changing and for the better. In the past year members of the royal family have tried to encourage people to talk about their mental health with their Heads Together campaign.

The journalist Mark Austin and his daughter Maddy, a talented national level 800m runner, bravely took to Channel 4 to talk about her battle with anorexia in her teenage years. The running community is starting to address mental health issues and not before time. Research has shown that half of all adult mental illnesses start before the age of 14, so it is never too soon to focus on your mental health and that of your family.

What are the benefits of running for mental health and how does it work?
Dedicated runners know that the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other, ultimately, leads to great things in both our running and non-running lives.

Movement is our holy grail; short-term euphoria is common and anxiety is reduced following a boost in the brain opioids which is understood to activate dopamine in the brain.

A recent study identified that simply walking is powerful enough to improve low mood. When you factor in the social aspects of being part of a community of runners, often in the uplifting great outdoors, and the boost to self-esteem from achieving personal milestones of losing weight or getting faster, you have a phenomenal tool at your disposal for strong mind, body and soul.

Contrary to claims by the ancient philosophers, Aristotle, Plato and Seneca, exercise has been found to benefit the brain. While these famous Greek and Roman philosophers believed that athletic physical pursuits meant the mind and soul were ignored, studies have shown, on the contrary, that physical activity encourages the creation of new neuron connections (known as neurogenesis) in the area of the brain related to memory.

Not only this but that the quality of those connections is also qualitatively better. Getting up off the sofa to go for a run can quite literally boost your brain capacity. It was also found that more neurogenesis was found in the brain regions vital for spatial memory. This type of memory is typically the first to suffer in the early stages of dementia. It, therefore, is worth trying to keep physically active where there is a family history of dementia.

Downsides of running to mental health?
In today’s increasingly visual world and the powerful influence of social media, it has been shown that looking at images of athletic and toned bodies increases personal body dissatisfaction among males. With women, body self-esteem scores are found to go down after looking at images of slimmer females. It doesn’t take much to see why eating disorders are increasingly common among both males and females, with an inherent risk in the running community where self-esteem is tied up in body image.

Lize Brittin was a successful high school and collegiate athlete in Colorado. She was one of the best cross-country runners in the US setting a women’s course record for the Pikes Peak Ascent and coming in 9th in the Bolder Boulder 10K, at the tender age of 16.

Lize tells her story in her e-book, Training On Empty. “I struggled with anorexia for over 20 years. Throughout this long battle I had periods of relative health and periods of severe illness, but what is most surprising is that for approximately eight of those years, I was one of the top runners in the nation, setting records and winning races around the country. Though I survived, my story isn’t pretty, and I suffered long-term consequences from starving myself while training intensely.”

However, there is a fine line between fuelling to train and restricting fuelling to lose weight. “Training without proper nutrition can lead to many complications, yet it’s common for athletes to restrict their nutritional intake in order to achieve a lighter weight. According to world-renowned running coach Bobby McGee: “From a plain exercise physiological point of view, the lighter the runner, the higher their VO2 Max. This is their ability (measured in millilitres) to utilize oxygen per kilogram of body weight. This is a key performance factor in endurance events. The lighter the athlete, therefore, the better they perform – hence the warped ‘reward’ that these athletes receive for losing so much weight. Of course, this period of heightened performance is finite as the effects of the illness start to shut down the system with its all too often inevitable outcome – terrible, terrible illness, anguish and even death.”

Alarmingly, her book talks about the profound long-term effects of nutritional restriction which continue despite a runner recovering from the eating disorder: “The ability that the athlete displayed as a result of an increased VO2 Max due to weight loss in the early stages is rarely regained fully. The focus becomes the disease and the running a fantasy that harks back to a time when the condition was insufficiently advanced to warn those able to help.” According to Bobby, it is also evident that women can suffer erratic menstrual cycles and ill health long after normal eating habits have been restored.

The “female triad,” the condition to which Bobby alludes, is a term coined by The American College of Sports Medicine that comprises three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea, and the loss of bone density, or osteoporosis, with the first two derangements leading to the third. The body is resilient, but not immune to self-abuse, especially the longer the abuse continues. If an athlete continually trains or overtrains on too little nutrition, it’s possible she may never return to normal health.”

As with all exercise addicts, despite her anorexia, Lize was seemingly oblivious to the harm she was causing to herself, displaying the disordered thinking which is so common to sufferers. “At the time I was running well, I felt indestructible. The thought of a compromised body or ill health later in life never crossed my mind. As with any addict, even if I had some concept of what life might be like, I was too caught up in my compulsive behaviour to truly grasp the possible outcome. Like a rebel teen who knows that smoking can cause lung cancer but does it anyway, I was too dedicated to my addiction to change my path. There were people who tried to warn me that I was heading down a dangerous road, but I refused to listen.”

Not every runner will succumb to a mental illness and not all eating disorders have the same underlying cause
Everyone is unique and each story relating to mental illness will have its own underlying causes. We can learn from those bold enough to share their personal stories and stay aware to identify any warning signs.

Maddy Austin spoke with exceptional clarity about the stress of being a teen in the current climate with all the pressure of exams and high achievement that comes with being a successful national level athlete. In contrast, Lize references something that was lacking in her upbringing that her anorexia seemed to address. “The addiction was feeding something lacking in me. My running success gave me the attention I didn’t get growing up, and the compulsions distracted me from my past. Though I did suffer several minor injuries early in my career, such as a pulled Achilles tendon and several sprained ankles, I didn’t consider the long-term consequences of what starvation can do to the body.

“My sole purpose in life was to run and feed my addiction of eating a certain way while exercising intensely. Despite knowing some basic physiology of the human body, it seemed impossible that I could actually die from not eating enough. In the end, I came close to dying, but I was fortunate enough to survive. Whether it was my will to live that eventually made an appearance or something out of my hands that caused me to last, I consider myself lucky in terms of remaining on the planet.”

Your mental health
Whether you are relatively new to the sport or an experienced elite runner, we are all composed of the same body and mind. Staying vigilant for signs of stress and not being afraid to acknowledge there may be a mental health concern is crucial in order to seek the appropriate help. Increasingly, we are recognising that mental illness should be regarded in the same way as physical illness. Only when addressing the issue and accepting the diagnosis can you find and follow the protocol for recovery in order to live a fulfilling life.

If you are a new runner it is important to be kind to yourself and not compare yourself to others. Don’t berate yourself for your lack of achievements but instead look at how far you have come to get to where you are now. The running community is well aware that having a mental health problem can make it difficult to get started or to continue with running. Many runners have had mental health challenges themselves and may continue to have them.

World Mental Health Day
The recent collaboration between England Athletics and the mental health charity, Mind, #runandtalk, aims to lend support to those very individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges to start or continue running. There are numerous runs organised throughout the week that you can take part in, whether you are a runner or not. Mental Health Ambassadors will be present to help and guide you so look out for the hashtag #runandtalk on social media, and join in to remove the stigma associated with mental illness.

People can look for local Mental Health Ambassadors who are affiliated with run groups and clubs to inquire about getting started or for help to stay moving. Ambassadors will be able to offer non-judgmental support and guidance to help you back on the road to running and stay there.

Resources
Heads Together, the mental health charity aiming to tackle stigma and change the conversation on mental health – headstogether.org.uk.
Wasting Away: The Truth About Anorexia. First shown on Channel 4 on 24th August 2017.
Mind, the mental health charity. www.mind.org.uk.
BEAT, The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity. www.b-eat.co.uk.
Samaritans, a charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone suffering from emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide – samaritans.org.

About the Author
Wendy Roberts has a MSc in Psychology and acts as an England Athletics Mental Health Ambassador.  She offers run coaching and, as a partner with Dogfit UK can take clients with or without their dogs.  She can be contacted on surreyhillstraining@gmail.com.

The post I’m a runner, so why am I talking about mental health? appeared first on Fast Running.

In support of World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10th October the events follow the successful #runandtalk events in October 2016 and January 2017, which both saw over 100 organised runs to support mental wellbeing through running.

You are often told that physical activity is good for our bodies and our minds, but having a mental health problem can make it difficult to get started, for a number of reasons, ranging from negative body image, or a lack of self-esteem through to practical reasons such as having no one to go with, or not knowing where to get started.

During the week of 6th – 13th October 2017 England Athletics is encouraging people to run one mile or further and to have a chat with friends, family, colleagues or other runners. This can be done at a time and location of their choice or by joining one of the organised runs at an England Athletics club or RunTogether group.

The event is supported by a network of over 350 volunteer England Athletics Mental Health Ambassadors who are active in affiliated running clubs and registered running groups across England to support those of us who are experiencing mental health problems. The support available includes helping people to start running, get back into running, or continue running as well as to improve the mental wellbeing of their existing members.

The #runandtalk campaign aims to improve mental health through running in England by:

• getting people talking about mental health, sharing their experiences and removing stigma.
• raising awareness of mental health problems.
• supporting people experiencing mental health problems to be physically active through running, whether that is to support them in starting, returning to or continuing to run.

The campaign is being supported by the mental health charity Mind. Hayley Jarvis, Community Programmes Manager (Sport) at Mind, said: “Mental health problems are more common than people think with one in four people experiencing one each year. #runandtalk is a great initiative that everyone can get involved with to support their own mental health, while meeting others in their local community.”

Helen Newberry, Inclusion Manager at England Athletics said: “We are really pleased to be supporting World Mental Health Day with #runandtalk, along with our Mental Health Ambassador Programme. We are passionate about the benefits running can bring to both physical and mental wellbeing and ensuring it is an activity that is accessible and beneficial to all. We hope that #runandtalk will help to break down some of the stigma attached to mental health and support people to access the social, physical and mental wellbeing benefits that running can bring.”

Running is one of the most accessible and low-cost ways to be active and meet government recommendations to be moderately active for at least 150 minutes per week. Whether it’s to get fit, improve health, make friends or take on a challenge running has something to offer everyone.

Sign up on Facebook here and join the conversation on social media using #runandtalk.

World Mental Health Day 2017 is on Tuesday 10th October and is an internationally recognised day with the objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world. Find out more here.

The post England Athletics hope to improve mental wellbeing through running #runandtalk appeared first on Fast Running.

It was over two years ago when I first decided to write about the positive role running had on my battle with depression. At the time, I was going through a lot, it was a dark point in my life, and I struggled to cope with my illness.

Like most with depression I tried various anti-depression prescribed medication, but it was running that provided me with the biggest boost, the simple ritual of putting on my trainers, wrapping up (well it was the winter) and heading out the door became my medicine to picking up my mood and it encouraged me to feel better about myself.

Sometimes I would run alone, but mostly I would try to run with members of my running club Salford Harriers. I didn’t divulge what I was going through to many fellow runners at my club, but by just running in their company, in that almost family-like environment, I found the strength to battle on.

For me, running made the difference in my life, it has brought joy to how I feel about myself, and it has improved my confidence ten-fold.

Unfortunately, as you get older, as I have found, injuries do crop up, so running isn’t always possible, so I would encourage you also find other coping mechanisms when running isn’t possible.

Two years later, running is something I share with my almost three-year-old daughter (a future Olympic medalist by the way). Mimicking her father, she runs around with a big smile on her face, and her pride and joy is the little medal rack she hangs her achievements on.

This year, the link between mental health and running has been much more prominent and the charity Heads Together was the official London Marathon charity for 2017. There is always help available if you are feeling down, the important thing is not to face the battle alone. So, whether it’s an official charity like Heads Together or a fellow runner at your local club, don’t be afraid to talk about what you are going through.

I’m still far from 100%, and there are days when I don’t like being inside my head, but then again there are days when I don’t like running. It’s about overcoming the barriers, asking for help when needed and continuously striving for those PB’s in all forms of life.

Below is my original blog post that I wrote on February 9, 2015, titled ‘Running with depression’.

For the past 3 years, I have been suffering from depression. It’s not something I’ve openly admitted to a lot of people but it’s something I’ve come to accept as being apart of me (for the time being) and live with daily.

There’s a number of reasons why I feel this way, some are because of who and how I am and others are just life, but one of my biggest coping mechanisms has been running. I don’t just do it to keep my body healthy but over the past few years, it’s been to keep my head healthy as well. And for the most part, it has, simply because I am still here.

At my lowest times, I’ve had to make the decision to run or harm myself. It’s not been easy, but so far I have always chosen to run. Not run from my problems because I know they’ll always be there but to take advantage of the fact that I can, just for a short while, enjoy being outside doing something that I love.

Running has given me the motivation to get outdoors, meet new friends at my running club and various running events, travel the world, gain medals and set personal bests. Whilst I don’t always enjoy physically running, (who does like running 26.2 miles?) it’s given me a chance and helped to better my mental health. And as much as I have gained from it over the past 6 years I now want to start giving back.

One of my favourite quotes/stories is of ‘this too shall pass’, which an old friend told me about. The basis of the quote is that we shouldn’t always hold close to us everything in life, good or bad, as it can leave as quickly as it came. It’s how I now view life and have it tattooed on my shoulder in Arabic as a daily reminder.
I’m hoping that being honest about my depression will help me to keep moving forward. I know running isn’t the solution to making me feel better but I know it’s been a lifesaver at times.

If you would like to know more about Paul, he can be contacted on Twitter here, and if you or someone you know is struggling with depression or mental health issues, visit Heads Together for important information and resources.

The post Running with Depression: “I Found the Strength to Battle On” appeared first on Fast Running.