A chat with Michelle Flynn, Run Talk Run Brighton and Hove

This week we were able to catch up with Michelle from Run Talk Run Brighton and Hove. Take a read…

Tell us a bit about your running and/or mental health journey so far. 

Hi, I am Michelle Flynn and I have recently joined RTR Brighton & Hove having moved into the area during lock down.

If I am really honest I started running to impress my boyfriend (now husband) as when we met he was super active and loved running, now I understand that he uses running to help manage his mental health.  

I am not a natural runner but over the last 6 years running has really helped with get through a challenging time with my health (both physically and mentally).

This is my story…

"Are you ok?" my husband, Matt, asked through the closed bathroom door.

Sadly, the answer was a “No”.

I was lying on the bathroom floor having passed out from being ill for the 12th time that year.

That rock bottom moment made me realise I simply HAD to take time out of my busy life to find out what was wrong and to try and get my health back.  I was working so hard building my career, I had forgotten to take care of myself.

I committed the time and energy to look after myself with the #1 focus being on strengthening my mental health, as this was what was ultimately making me ill.  Knowing how much running helps my husband I thought I would see if it would work for me.  Running has become a part of my every day routine and I eventually worked my way from using to couch to 5k to running my 1st half marathon.   

I am happy to say that since I started looking after my health I have not been ill once, have more energy than ever before and have even retrained to be a Health Coach so I can help support others on their journey to wellbeing.

What brought you to Run Talk Run specifically?

My husband introduced me to RTR as he had been speaking to Jess about becoming a run leader in London but then lock down happened and we moved to Brighton.  Once we were allowed to meet in socially distanced groups we found that there was a RTR group locally to us and we knew we had to go, not only did it mean we would get to run regularly but we felt it would be a great way to meet new friends.

In what ways does running (and RTR!) help you?

Running helps calm my mind as I cannot focus on the stresses of the day as my attention is on taking the next step.  Meeting new people to run with has made running even more enjoyable.  Social connection is something that really affects my happiness so moving to a new town with no friends was a daunting thing to do but now I know every Tuesday I can meet up with a great bunch of people to have a run and a chat.

What would you say to someone who was nervous about coming to a Run Talk Run? 

Please do not be nervous, everyone I have met through RTR is so friendly.  Remember at one point they came on their first run too so they know how you feel and will do their best to make you feel welcome.

Hope to see you on a run soon. Meeting at The King Alfred Leisure Centre 7pm every Tuesday.