A chat with Libby, Run Talk Run Victoria
Run Talk Run arrived in Libby’s life at a time when she needed it most. Find out more about her journey as we discuss what brought her to Run Talk Run and how it has helped…
Tell us a bit about your running and/or mental health journey so far.
I love running! I went through a really difficult time last year when I hurt my back and needed back surgery. It hit me hard, it was also coupled with losing my job and in turn having to move countries. I have always used sports, specifically running, as an outlet to sort of re-set my brain, to let it have it's own moment, to just wonder and relax whilst my feet are rhythmically hitting the pavement. Having to stop that due to pain was pretty shattering to be honest. I had my back surgery, lost my job, moved countries and tried to re-build. After finding a job I was ready to start to re-introduce running and working on my mental health which was still in a whirlwind of mess! My friend told me about Run Talk Run and it immediately made me smile that there was something out there like this. I went along to the Victoria meet ups every time I could, I loved them. I spoke to different people, sometimes I did all the talking, sometimes they did and sometimes there was just silence for a while whilst concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other!
I am having therapy, my back is still sore so I have to be careful, I am still working through some things but generally on the up and up!
What brought you to Run Talk Run specifically?
My friend had mentioned it and I jumped at the chance to join in. I felt so lost and I thought it may help me find a little something!
In what ways does running (and RTR!) help you?
When I am able to run it lets me have my moment to myself, to be thankful, to let my mind wonder. With RTR there is just something so therapeutic about talking through our weird brain activities whilst running, you start to run and somehow a barrier is already broken so why not go all in and just natter about anything and everything. Knowing you are not alone is a massive part of mental health and mental health recovery!
What would you say to someone who was nervous about coming to a Run Talk Run?
I get it, but you really don't have to do anything but turn up, just to get yourself there is a massive achievement, we never left anyone behind so no worries about fitness, if you don't want to talk you don't have to if do you it is so welcomed.