For Enter Shikari singer Rou Reynolds, it's an essential part, so he's running the London Marathon to help raise money for mental health. Also: how slow is too slow??
It is certainly in the tool kit but it isn't the only tool.
What I have found out through running is that I am more capable of talking about my mental health (struggles and all) because I have learned I can do hard things.
Connecting with people, like yourself, allows for the free flow of a conversation in which there is a trust built based on going through those hard times together.
This brings out emotions that in the past, would have been stuffed down and not allowed to see the light of day.
That means a lot. I find that sharing my thoughts / journey provide me relief because I am better able to connect with myself. I don't force the posts or write things to generate clicks.....maybe that would be better for an instant dopamine hit but I know that getting things off my chest is better for me over a lifetime and not a moment on the internet.
I have a big group that I coach on Wednesday nights at the track that features a very wide range of experience and ability levels. When we head out to warm up (10’ jog on a paved loop above the track and inside the stadium), I encourage everyone to run with someone(s) they wouldn’t ordinarily run with, ideally a few people, and keep it conversational the entire time. Then we split into 4-5 smaller groups for the main workout so that folks are running with others who are around their same pace. (This can involve a little trial and error.) Every workout we do is by time, so everyone in a particular group is starting/stopping at the same time even if there’s a little separation. The smaller sub-groups are starting/stopping their intervals at different times so when you’re NOT running it’s expected you’ll encourage the other groups that are and this keeps everyone connected, breaks down walls, and just generally makes it a supportive environment.
Before joining a run group it's nice to find out the group 'why?' and the individual 'why?'
The first running group I joined was focused on training for half and full marathons whilst raising money for a local charity. We did timed runs for the most part instead of distances, had clearly marked routes, and even got friends to set up small aid stations along the way. For someone new to racing it was incredibly helpful to have at least some structure to the group and members who would hang with those of us at the back and give us encouragement. No one was ever left behind and it encouraged a sense of community that has continued long past the original few races.
Now as a trail runner, I find the sense of community even stronger. Our group runs are all set up so that everyone has a buddy and if anyone feels the need to run ahead they double back and pick up with the group after a few miles.
At my wife’s running club, which I help at, we try and flip the situation.
Everyone runs at the pace of the ‘fun bus’ at the back and shooting ahead is stigmatised - if you have to do that, you must regroup.
It possibly means we get less ‘speedy’ runners coming along, but then again that’s not who the group is for!
Hope you had a good birthday!
That's a great way to do it! Thanks, Craig.
It is certainly in the tool kit but it isn't the only tool.
What I have found out through running is that I am more capable of talking about my mental health (struggles and all) because I have learned I can do hard things.
Connecting with people, like yourself, allows for the free flow of a conversation in which there is a trust built based on going through those hard times together.
This brings out emotions that in the past, would have been stuffed down and not allowed to see the light of day.
Oh....and Happy Birthday!
Yeah, buddy! I love seeing/reading your journey through your thoughts, which means that loads of others also do. It's inspiring.
That means a lot. I find that sharing my thoughts / journey provide me relief because I am better able to connect with myself. I don't force the posts or write things to generate clicks.....maybe that would be better for an instant dopamine hit but I know that getting things off my chest is better for me over a lifetime and not a moment on the internet.
Everything in your own time. I try to apply that principle to as many things as possible. Doesn't work in the kitchen, mind.
I appreciate the advice....especially the kitchen part.
I recommend reading Slow AF Run Club
Can you believe that I've even interviewed Martinus? I should call him
https://www.runningsucks101.com/p/martinus-evans-slow-af-struggle-2xl-singlet?utm_source=publication-search
He is amazing. And you should call him. tell him Kin said to call...
I have a big group that I coach on Wednesday nights at the track that features a very wide range of experience and ability levels. When we head out to warm up (10’ jog on a paved loop above the track and inside the stadium), I encourage everyone to run with someone(s) they wouldn’t ordinarily run with, ideally a few people, and keep it conversational the entire time. Then we split into 4-5 smaller groups for the main workout so that folks are running with others who are around their same pace. (This can involve a little trial and error.) Every workout we do is by time, so everyone in a particular group is starting/stopping at the same time even if there’s a little separation. The smaller sub-groups are starting/stopping their intervals at different times so when you’re NOT running it’s expected you’ll encourage the other groups that are and this keeps everyone connected, breaks down walls, and just generally makes it a supportive environment.
Heard, coach. They're gonna take some convincing haha
Before joining a run group it's nice to find out the group 'why?' and the individual 'why?'
The first running group I joined was focused on training for half and full marathons whilst raising money for a local charity. We did timed runs for the most part instead of distances, had clearly marked routes, and even got friends to set up small aid stations along the way. For someone new to racing it was incredibly helpful to have at least some structure to the group and members who would hang with those of us at the back and give us encouragement. No one was ever left behind and it encouraged a sense of community that has continued long past the original few races.
Now as a trail runner, I find the sense of community even stronger. Our group runs are all set up so that everyone has a buddy and if anyone feels the need to run ahead they double back and pick up with the group after a few miles.
Thanks for your insight into all things running.
Big time on the why. I've been very clear about being a comfortable, dependable place for new runners from the start.
Many happy returns!
Merci, Martine!
Habe a great birthday this week!!
Danke schon, Jens!