The Power of Running: Mental Wellbeing, Body Positivity, Community & Race Excitement | Anna Harding
In this episode, Anna and I discuss our running journeys, and the countless mental health benefits running has to offer - the endorphin hit, the opportunity to be outdoors, the time away from life's stressors, the sense of purpose it provides and overwhelming sense of accomplishment.We also discuss the value of community integration within running. How immersing yourself within a supportive social network of like minded others provides a sense of togetherness, belonging, and allows for countless uplifting conversations!Although we reiterate that you don’t have to race/compete to be a runner, we talk in length of the excitement of race participation - the energy, the atmosphere, the spectator support, the excitement the travel opportunity, the short yet invaluable relationships you form with other runners. Anna shares some of her incredible experiences - from the Berlin, New York, and Boston Marathons, to her 6 day, 260km ultra trail in the Azores, to her experience of running the London 10k in her underwear. She has some truly remarkable stories!We also discuss the concept of body positivity, celebrating your bodies ability, learning to love our bodies for what they can do - how running is a celebration, not a deprivation!Finally, we provide advice for potentially new runners - from goal setting, to building confidence, beginner friendly session suggestions, and listening to your body.