We don’t often do this at RunningSpace, but every now and then it’s good to know where you are so you can see how far you’ve come.

So this morning’s participants completed a challenge, a 5k road run. For some, this was a first attempt, a time to have a go and see if they could go the distance either by walking it, running it, or a mixture of both. For others it was a chance to beat a previous time. The group was mixed, men and women aged between their 20’s and 70’s, all supporting each other and cheering each other on.

They aced it of course, and I loved watching each one of them finish with a final sprint. There’s no limping across the line at RunningSpace! You will learn that no matter how tired you are, you can always finish strong. A life lesson there.

I know how I felt after watching them run, but how about the runners themselves?

“I’m so proud of myself, I can’t believe I’ve done it! Awesome, absolutely amazing” – first time running 5k.

“If I hadn’t recovered down the hill I would have got an even better time…” (next time work hard down the hill, good to have something to come back for) – this person used to walk, but now runs the whole distance.

And my own personal favourite…

“I feel like my eyes are brighter, like everything is clearer” – a young man with a mental health condition who’s learning to run

Many of us, though by no means all at RunningSpace are affected by suicide or sometimes struggle with thoughts of suicide. I think that’s why this last one, and who it came from, really touched me. Running is good for your body but also your headspace.

If ever there was a reason to getup and learn to walk-2-run, this is it.

Come and run with us, it might just change your life.