Within the wider running community, the people I converse with usually fall under two main reasons as to why they took up running. The first is to improve their physical health. If you were to search for #TransformationTuesday on social media you can see some amazing changes. Hours of blood, sweat and tears involved. Not every journey is the same. But what’s also great is that there isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to running. This is something I see a lot at Parkruns and races. Running is about inclusivity and encouragement at grassroots level. You need to have role models for everyone to aspire to. Girls and young women, in particular, are constantly bombarded by advertising that says you all must look and dress the same in order to fit in. Being a Chinese person born and living in the UK, I didn’t have any sporting role models that looked exactly like me. But the ones I did look up to were athletic, strong and challenged what women in my culture were expected to do, i.e. stay at home and look after family. I’ve been very lucky to meet some of them in real life too. It’s a big thing meeting someone who inspired you as a kid. I should also note that my mum and dad encouraged myself, my brother and sister to pursue what made us happy. For me that was playing sport. It’s a habit that has followed me through my life and I don’t intend to stop any time soon.

The second, which has been quite prevalent in recent years, is to help improve mental health. Research shows 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 8 children, aged 8-19 years old, experience mental health problems. Anxiety and depression are amongst the most common ones. Documentaries, such as Mind Over Marathon and Skidrow Marathon, have shown the positive impact running has on those in need and helped to break down some of the stigma surrounding mental health. Opening up a conversation and lending an ear when someone wants to off load is very important. By admission, I can be a bit stubborn not taking my own advice at times when it comes to asking for help. But I will always advocate lending an ear when someone wants to talk without fear or judgement. In some ways this is what led me to applying for the role of Women’s Programme Coach earlier this year. I love running. I’ve always had a drive to help others. The switch in focus on my own running to that of others keeps my days varied. It also drives home that it’s not always about PB chasing but rather helping others realise their potential.

The young people I have met so far are testament to how effective running can be. Both mental and physical health go hand in hand together when developing as a person. Those we support come from difficult backgrounds but it doesn’t mean they are any less driven than the rest of us. Conversations reveal some interesting hopes and dreams for the future. Their progress during sessions is a joy to witness. As with life, there are and will be setbacks. But when you see the progress from day one to when they achieve their goals and finally graduate the programme, there is a massive change. They are more confident. Their resilience in the face of hardship and adversity is so much stronger. They will have picked up healthier lifestyle habits. Hopefully, they will have found somewhere they can call their own home. But most importantly, they will have gained a family for life through The Running Charity.