Today is Global Running Day, a day that celebrates the sport of running. It is held annually on the first Wednesday of June.
I started running in 2015 after going through some turmoil in my life and losing my dad, (having lost my mum a few years earlier.) Running was (and is) total therapy for me, it gave me a place to escape, reflect, meet new people and was an absolute tonic for my anxiety and low mood. I became addicted to the endorphins and soon learnt that the ‘runners high’ is totally a thing!
In 2016 I completed my first Comrades. I went in totally undercooked and naive (maybe it was for the best..) I had no idea what I was in for from the 70 km mark; this gave me a whole new comprehension of ‘digging deep’.
I was running with a friend of mine, Sunil, he was an absolute godsend during this dark time, keeping me encouraged and talking (a lot, too much 🤭) when I was in a seriously dark place, my vision had started to blur and my legs didn’t want to go.
3 looong km's later, the dark side had lifted, I got a second wind, a semi-smile and I just knew I was going to make it! 🏆🏅
Following my first Comrades in 2016, I
went on to get my back to back medal and then completed my 3rd Comrades Marathon in 2018. 🏃♀️🏅
Running has taught me so much; discipline, mental and physical resilience and the ability to graciously let people help you out! Hyper-independence has always been my thing, and I can battle asking for help. 🥸
Having started my own Recruitment business just under 2 years ago, I can draw many parallels in this career journey – to that of a Comrades run:
🤓🏃♀️
1. Pace yourself and enjoy the journey
2. Resilience and optimism are pure gold
3. Use your support structures / lean on the people close to you – whether a close friend, mentor, or other industry professionals. 👭
4. Share your challenges and victories!🏆😤
