Episode 190 - Running can be a positive mental health tonic if you let it

In this episode of the podcast we hear from retired nurse Karen Bentley.  As a young person she enjoyed staying fit on the hockey field but when she started training as a nurse sport took a back seat in her life.

Karen's life took a significant turn when her son was born with profound multiple disabilities 40 years ago. She and her husband became his carers while holding down their respective jobs - there wasn’t much, if any free time for 30 years.  At one point her back started to play up with the demands of work and lifting her son - she went to a physio who said she should get some exercise.  She then went from the gym to running and hasn’t stopped running/triathlon since (about 20 years). 

She believes running has given her meaning and a sense of identity, as well at the strength to cope with adverse situations.

Karen’s Tips - start at the absolute basics, don’t focus on the distance and don’t compare yourself to the person who’s running 10 or 20kms.  Just focus on time on your feet, believe in yourself and finally give yourself permission to do it even when its a struggle.

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