With the MD Communications Legal 5k coming up in April, our Communications Director Donna Black discusses how running has become an important part of her wellbeing toolkit.
I feel a bit uncomfortable writing a blog about running. At best you could classify what I do as slow jogging. I took part in a 10k race in Edinburgh years ago and people were actually walking faster than me as I ‘ran’ around Arthur’s Seat (although in my defence, it is quite steep!)
I’m not going to set any course records or even crush any of my own PBs as I’m running with an ankle injury now, but nevertheless, I’ve grown to love jogging because of the way it makes me feel.
Wellbeing benefits of running
And it seems I’m not alone in experiencing the wellbeing benefits of running. Last year Runner’s World ran a Twitter poll and 90.5% of people who responded said they run to look after their mental wellbeing.
Getting your heart rate up changes your brain chemistry, increasing the availability of important anti-anxiety neurochemicals.
Spending time in nature is also an important factor for me. My favourite spot to run is along the prom in Penzance. Partly because it is flat, but also because I love how running beside the sea makes me feel. No two days are the same. Sometimes the sea is flat calm and other days the waves are crashing up onto the prom and I run along like an excited child dodging the spray (those are my favourite days!).
And the benefits of running don’t stop there. When I’ve been out for a jog, I sleep so much better that night. Jogging helps my busy brain calm down, and over the years I’ve come to realise running is an important part of my wellbeing toolkit.
The one-mile doorstep
Despite knowing that running makes me feel good, I almost always don’t want to go out for a run. But what I’ve also found to be true, is that I never regret a run – and I always feel much better for it.
I read an article with Olympic rower Helen Glover talking about the ‘one-mile doorstep’ and describing how hard she finds it to go out for a run. I’m in good company finding getting my trainers on and getting out of the house the hardest part of every run! As Joe Wicks says, your motivation will come at the end of your workout.
I’ve also found it helpful to change my thinking from ‘I’ve GOT to go out for a run’ to ‘I GET to go out for a run’. Being able to move my body (however slowly) really is a privilege and an act of self-care.
So, if you’re joining us for the MD Communications legal 5K in April, I’ll be the one near the back of the field – with a huge smile on my face!
Legal 5k
The legal 5k is a fun and friendly race for anyone in the legal sector, organised in conjunction with LGN Wellbeing. There is a competition element as we are looking for the fastest law firm and Chambers in the land, as well as prizes for the fastest individuals.
All profits will go to autism charities.
Running webinar
If you’d like some more training tips, join our free webinar on the power of running on Tuesday 5 March.
Hosted by Partner James Hayhurst, the panel will include Alistair Foster of ASICS Corporation, Che Odlum of Clyde & Co, and Ben Pochee of LGN Wellbeing.
