What running can do for you and how it has helped me.

Having struggled with my mental health and having hoped to get fitter, I set up a treadmill in my garage to see how long I could run for.

Now, having unlocked the garage and stepped on the machine many times, I have seen an improvement in my mental health, physical health, stamina and resilience.

And running might help you too.

At first, I dreaded crawling out of bed in the early morning and into my running shoes, but I eventually learnt to watch certain exhilarating television programs or blast powerful energising music.

Over time I began to find sports easier, my lunch capacity grew, I run further than I had before, and my mental health started improving.

I could run solidly for about ten minutes when I started, and now I am reaching thirty. 

Running had helped me, and it can help you too.

There will be loads of running groups and park runs close by to try out, test your limits.

I found motivation especially difficult at the start, there was often an excuse like being unsure what to watch while I ran, feeling a bit ill or wanting another 20 minutes in bed.

However, I turned this mindset around.

I rewarded myself for completing my run, and I felt better and more ready for the day each time I ran in the morning.

Running for fifteen minutes or so, before the day starts improved my concentration levels and I felt more awake during school or when revising.

Running could have the same effect on you.

You don’t need a treadmill, find a good pair of trainers and run on the streets, listen to music or run with a friend and each time try to run another metre or maybe go ever so slightly quicker, and before long your body can withstand longer more challenging routes.

See what your limit is, and try push past that and you never know, you could end up running for miles, raise money for charity, all because you put on some trainers.