Running

[NicoleP]

Just wanted to share one way I have dealt with my anxiety - running. I had a rotten day at work yesterday with my nemesis being her normal self. Anyhow, rather than letting her ruin my evening, I went and did what I often to - I went for a run. Put on the headphones and got out onto our local cycling paths along the river and ran. 14km later I felt much better.

Running has become a huge part of my life. I decided at 41 to take up running to help manage my anxiety -decided that I would do a marathon (42km). I am now 48 years old and I am signed up to do marathon number 23 in 2 weeks time. Running is one thing that I use to manage myself and it has the added benefit of helping tire me out and helps me to get a good nights sleep. Often I look at what my anxiety has cost me, but it got me running and I have gained a lot from that - physical fitness, friendships, sense of achievement. It has also enabled me to see some pretty beautiful parts of Victoria that I would not have taken the time to see.

Just wanted to share this because it is something that has helped me so much and I would like to inspire people to get out there and give it a go.

[AGrace]

Hi KezzaA,

A very inspiring post indeed. Wow, marathon no, 23, good for you!!

Exercise is definitely a great way to help keep anxiety at bay. I'm glad it's working for you, and I agree others should give it a go. Sometimes getting the motivation can be tough, but each time you need to remind yourself how good you feel afterwards.

Keep running:)

AGrace

[HelenM]

Hi KezzaA

That's really good. I was going to the gym but in April developed arthritis in my knee. It's a lot better now and I intend going back. I didn't spend ages there - twice a week for 45 mins. I would say it helps though it didn't stop my depression returning in February. Sounds daft but I need to be having a more stable week than I am just now even though this week is all about anxiety.

I love to hear about different solutions.

Thanks Helen

[NicoleP]

Thanks AGrace and Helen. I am sorry to hear about the arthritis in your knee - is it possible to try something that is kinder to your knee? Swimming?

I am a strong believer in self care. I run, go to the gym, try ant eat healthily, and limit myself to 1-2 coffees a day. I have recently taken up yoga, as well as road bike riding. I have started contributing to these forums and see my psychologist on a regular basis. I work really hard at my physical and psychological health. However, like Helen has said, it doesn't necessarily stop the demons from returning. I do think that it helps keep them at bay. I have learnt to accept who I am and that part of that means that there are going to be ups and downs in my life - and that I have to work hard at minimising the number of downs and the impact that they have on me. I am obviously on a bit of a downer at the moment - given that I am posting here frequently but I am working hard to keep my head above water and not go to the dark places I have been before.

KezzaA

[sadgirlhappy]

Hi KezzaA, I love your story. I think it's inspiring to hear of someone doing what I have pipe-dreamed about doing for myself to help anxiety/ depression... Exercise! I miss doing something physical, that releases endorphins, makes you feel good, look good and keeps your body fit.  

One of the hardest things on my pysche is that prior to experiencing depression I worked out 3-4 times a week. I kept it up for years without breaking from this commitment to fitness. Spin, Pump, Running, Yoga, Boxing, big long walks with friends... I used to get comments and positive feedback all the time, wow you're a machine, you look great, you're toned, etc. Now I am lucky if I manage a walk around my neighbourhood. Not to mention the weight I've gained.

I'm on the mend but I still find it hard to pull my finger out. It's like I've awoken from a daze and I'm a completely different body. I have more energy than before but I just don't have the same power in me to exert. I don't know how to get it back. How did you get started with all the running especially when feeling low and maybe preferring to just hide at home in trackpants escaping through the TV? 

S x

[NicoleP]

Basically I just decided that I was going to. I set myself a goal - that in 12 months time that I was going to run Melbourne marathon. I found a training program and stuck to it no matter what. I ran rain, hail or shine. I started off by entering 10km events, then 21 km, then the marathon. I have met lots of inspirational people along the way and have made lots of friends. Funny thing though, I didn't reach my goal when planned - I completed my first marathon 6 weeks before Melbourne. 

I think, although it is hard, sometimes we just have to make a commitment to ourselves and do it, no matter how hard. The first step is always the hardest.

[Magyarok]

Hi Kezza,

That's awesome, i really admire your dedication and commitment to running.  To complete just one marathon is a great achievement but to be lining up for marathon no. 23 that is a phenomenal achievement - Well Done, i hope it all goes well!

I was running (road and trail) for a few years and i really enjoyed the solitude and the meditative rythym of running and the physical and mental health benefits that came with it.  Unfortunately i never ran a marathon but i have completed several half marathons including a 27km trail run in the Perth Hills which was my most challenging.

But unfortunately about a year ago i succumbed to injury - hip flexor problems which resulted in a sciatica with associated lower back and leg problems.  I recovered after about 8 or 9 months of rehab during which i discovered pilates which is fantastic for core strength and flexibility which i am continuing with.

I'm a bit nervous about getting back into running but for the time being cycling fills the void that running once did.  Cycling is great but it's not quite the same as running.  Hopefully one day i may get back into running?

I hope you continue to enjoy the challenges and benefits of running.  All the best to you:)

Take Care

ignoP

[Neil_1]

Hi there Kezza

Great post and congrats on chalking up so many marathons.  Am I reading it correctly though?   You've been running this time approximately 7 years and in that time, you've chalked up 22 marathons?   Man, that's awesome.

I'm an exercise junkie - although at the moment am having a lay off from the gym due to injuries - which irks me massively.

I'm also a very keen runner - never done a marathon as such, but I have participated in two ultra marathons - both were for 6 hour events.  But always when running, my body gives out and I succumb to injury - that dreaded "i" word.

I do have major dreams for running, but at this stage, they're locked away because of the real danger of injury.  No matter how easy and slow I take it.  But I'm to start up again very soon.

May I ask what your best time for the marathon is?    And do you travel to other places apart from Victoria to participate?

One marathon if I ever do one that I'd really LOVE to do is the Great Ocean Road one.  I think it would be absolutely incredible.  Have you done it?

Neil

[NicoleP]

Sorry I have not posted in the last few days but I flew to Sydney to do the City to Surf run - it was a lot of fun.

Yes - you did read it right. Seven years and 22 marathons (and 5 ultras of 50km). I am involved with a group who are pretty dedicated to the distance running. Best marathon time 3hours 26 minutes. Slowest 4 hours 15 minutes.

I did Great Ocean Road this year for the first time. It was spectacular.

I, like you, am facing injury and will be having my feet operated on in one months time and will not be allowed to run for 3 months. Not happy about that but happy to be having 6 weeks away from work. Am concerned that time off running is not going to be good for my health, but am hoping to be able to do some swimming during the recovery process. I think it is often a matter of trying to find an alternative that you can do while you are injured. I am a gym junkie too and because of my feet have not been able to do the classes that I would normally do such as step and attack. I decided to give yoga a go and have found it enormously relaxing.

I love the fact that you seem to have skipped the Marathons and gone straight to the ultras. That is awesome! It amazes me what people can do. My own strength of mind amazes me too - I can run a marathon and defeat the games that my mind plays with me on the run. When it tells me that I can't do it, I ignore it. When it tells me to stop, I don't. And yet, I find that strength of mind really hard to apply in everyday life - I guess that is why I like marathons - it is the time that I have control over my mind.

It is good to hear that so many of us are active but it seems that the dreaded 'i' word (injury) keeps interfering. What alternatives have other people come up with?

KezzaA

[elouisef23]

Inspiring post!! I will try to go for a run tomorrow!