Running and Wellbeing

Thanks to all of you who had nice things to say about my efforts in yesterday’s Sydney Marathon. I had been putting in early morning training all through the winter months, so having the opportunity to run around the streets of Sydney, unhampered by traffic, and in spring- time daylight, was a great reward. 

I have been running regularly for about ten years. When I first started I would go around the block, alternating between running  and walking the distance between telegraph poles. After a few weeks I managed to run the whole block without walking. Then I just kept trying to run a little farther each time. What I really liked was that there was no special equipment or costs (except shoes), I could do it any time of day or day of the week, there was no skill to master, and I only had to open my front door to get to the training venue. 

Since then I have really come to enjoy running and it is definitely an essential part of my life and one of the ways I maintain balance and wellbeing. Apart from the obvious benefits to physical health, running also has many positive impacts on memory and learning, mood, anxiety and sleep. Its for these reasons that I always encourage people to give running a try if  they struggle with feeling down, unmotivated, anxious, or low in confidence. So if this sounds like you, why not give it a try and let me know how you go. Jon