GUEST BLOG: Anything is possible!

Fuelled by fun is the perfect phrase to describe how exercise feels to me. Running is my thing, and I didn't expect to fall in love with it as much as I have done, it's been hard work with plenty of bumps in the road. I’m a single mum with three Autistic children. Running is my saviour, I run off the crazy, I run off the upset, and I run to feel like me again.

Now, I’m not perfect, and I’ve realised mental health is so important. Throughout my years I’ve suffered with depression and anxiety, never quite feeling like “me”. I’ve gone through a lot, always blaming myself and feeling pretty guilty about what I should and could be doing, never feeling I reached my full potential.

I let people walk all over me, made mad decisions, and felt trapped in general. I started to take control, and with the help of clearing my head with exercise, I’m now the full free spirit I always felt was there inside of me.

I started running properly 3 years ago, gave up smoking, and began the best phase of my life so far. All my children were diagnosed within the past few years with ASD, I fought for them, had to give up working, and went through a hell of a journey to get the best support for them all.

Running has helped me keep a level head and showed me that anything is possible. I had a hysterectomy in November last year and had to start my running journey from the beginning again in February. In March I was diagnosed with ADHD, which made everything fall into place for me, and I now understand my behaviour and struggles over the years.

What did I do next? I ran, and ran some more!

I have just completed 75 miles in July, ran a 10 km PB, and I am also fundraising for an autism charity. Absolutely anything is possible. Running is much more than just keeping fit, it’s a way of life for me. It helps me with excess energy, helps me de-stress, has introduced me to some of the most lovely people, and I feel happy and free.

Definitely fuelled by fun :)