In November I had the privilege of running the 10k over the harbour bridge in the ASB Auckland marathon . I did this to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation of NZ – and running for a charity was a great way to make sure I trained!

As I was struggling my way over the bridge, I got to thinking of about all the ways running a race had parallels with what I need to do to keep myself well as I run through life. So here’s a few thoughts that I wanted to share.

1.Your race is your own.

Although it might look like we were all running the same race with our pinned on bibs and flushed faces, not only were many of us running different distances, going different routes and some walking rather than running but the runs themselves were very very different.

At some points I noticed judging myself for “only” doing a 10km run, when I have run half marathons before, but I began to think about the way my race was influenced by, my dodgy calf muscle, my running history and by my commitment to train in a “mentally healthy way.” I had a bout of depression again this winter, and although I haven’t regularly run for nearly 10 years, I committed to the race and the fundraising to help me get back my fitness, balance and energy for life.  Likewise I couldn’t see the complex journeys that brought the other runners to their particular race. When facing challenges around our wellbeing, the same is true. Unless I know you very well, I am not likely to see the factors influencing your race, even though it looks like we are covering the same ground.

Comparing our journey to another (and even past versions of ourselves) is often really not helpful in- I think this particularly happens when we see someone we know have a similar situation to us who seems to cope better. It is not the same race- this one is yours alone.

2.Who says you can’t rest for a bit?

As a kid I remember the goal was to “run without stopping” as if any stopping was somehow cheating. For children this is probably important part of learning perserverance and how to pace themselves. However in my run- and in my training, sometimes a brief rest, or a stretch, or a walk is enough to keep me going in times when I feel knackered or completely out of breath. Honestly, I started out too fast, and running for 50 breaths, walking for 20 was the only thing that got me over the Bridge! While yes, I will work on my pacing in life and in running- sometimes life crises require us to speed up beyond what is useful long term- and slowing right down or stopping for a bit after is a great idea. What ideas are you holding about what you must do that might be preventing you from listening to what is useful for your wellbeing?

3.Don’t look too far ahead- one bit at a time.

Goal setting is really important- I know that. But in times of struggle big goals are just too big. Running is a great metaphor for wellness, because on some days  when I have been training for a while it just feels easy ; I can go the distance, the endorphins kick in and I feel fit and strong. On other days, it’s hard work. Sometimes it’s even too hard to do anything but walk. When you know the long term direction you are heading in, there is a lot to be said for focussing on the bite sized goals that get you there. (At the beginning of the race on Sunday, for me these bite sizes were a good 50m in front. Going up the hill…. well, five metres or so was big enough.) For people really struggling with their mental wellbeing, some days this might be as little as getting into the shower, and trying not to beat themselves up. Go you! Every little bit helps, and there will be other times when you are able to do more.

4.It’s all easier with a team

We run our races alone- but the hard parts and the hills and especially the good bits are enhanced when you have people around you. As the Mental Health Foundation puts it with one of their “Five Winning Ways to Wellbeing”- we need to Connect. I believe human beings are designed to support each other;  we flourish when we are in communities where we feel there is some understanding and unity. It is easier to run knowing others are also puffing and sweating beside us. It’s easier to keep going in the hard parts when people are cheering  from the sidelines.  It was more significant taking part in the race on Sunday knowing that I was raising money for wellness- and that a large community of my friends and facebook followers were there to hold me accountable. (Thank you all so much- we reached over $700!) And it was fun hanging out at the end, clapping the many different runners all celebrating their achievements. Thanks MHF for letting me be part of your team and may you have Auckland Marathon Golden runners for many years to come.

You can still sponsor Sheree for this event at http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/ShereeVeysey/