Reading a blog by Giovanna Fletcher this week and listening to her Couch to 5k podcast, we were inspired as she was talking about how for her, running is nothing to do with physical health but everything to do with mental health. So, ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, we spoke to one of our charity runners and supporters, Aura to discuss how running has positively impacted her mental health and why running for charity helps. Here’s what Aura told us, thanks Aura for sharing your story.
“I never set out to be a runner. In fact, for most of my life, the idea of pounding the pavement sounded like punishment. But when I switched to a desk-based job in 2023, I realised my body and mind needed something more.
At first, I was dragging myself out in the cold to do the Couch to 5K programme, gasping for air and wondering what I was doing. But something shifted when I signed up for the Rainforest Run, a 5K virtual race to raise money for International Animal Rescue. Suddenly, every ache had meaning. Every mile helped an animal in need. It wasn’t just about fitness anymore; it was about purpose.
As someone who’s worked in emotionally demanding roles, campaigning for animal rights and exposing animal cruelty, I know how easy it is to carry the weight of suffering. Running became my release. Fundraising gave me drive. And knowing that each step could create change kept me lacing up on days when I just wanted to stay in bed.
Now, I‘ve run a 10K race and a half marathon, raised much-needed funds for causes I care about, and even joined the Vegan Runners UK club. I’ve also registered for another half marathon later this year, and an additional 10K run. But more than the medals or the miles, the mental clarity and sense of contribution keep me going.
If you do one thing for your mental health this Mental Health Awareness Week, I’d start Couch to 5K and maybe, as a motivator, sign up for a charity run.
Start small with The Rainforest Run, where you run when it suits you and for the distance you set yourself – minimum pressure. Then, in two years, you could find yourself like me, aiming for a half or even a full marathon. You don’t need to be fast. You just need to start. Your mental health (and the animals) will thank you for it.”
https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/get-involved/fundraise/running-events
Thanks again, Aura, for sharing your story.