I mostly write about my running activities in my blog and not about what's been happening to me. Today's post will be a bit of both.
Over the last year I have experienced depression and anxiety, which culminated in me undertaking cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling as well as taking antidepressants. I wouldn't say that all of these have been universally effective and I still have occasional bad moments but in general this has helped me to see things from other perspectives and to cope better when I get anxious or have low mood. I am seeing my doctor next week and will talk to her about the process of coming off the medication; I don't want to relapse but I am aware that the pills have had an effect on my personality over the last year and I would like to try to get back some of the more positive aspects of myself that I feel I have lost to the drugs.
I have learnt that running is one of the best ways to keep these negative feelings at bay, but also being active and doing things, even getting up and having a shower, really help to dispel the blues. I find writing really helps too, so I will be updating this blog more regularly about more interesting things in future.
My running achievements over the last year have been considerable; my ability to only live in the moment means that I often forget what I have done, so I want to summarise this here so that I will remember. In 2015 I run four half-marathons (Reading, Surrey Badger, Porto and Royal Parks) and I feel that I have grown in stature and experience with each one. Porto was the most challenging, having never run in such hot conditions, but it was also great to run with my fellow London Frontrunners. I have done lots of training with them over the year and I think I have really improved my stamina, cardio and speed during this time. For proof of the improvement in speed, my time for the Royal Parks half was nine minutes faster than my time for Reading! I also ran a few cross country runs and hope to do more of this, as I found them challenging but very fun, enjoying as I did running with my fellow Frontrunners. I have also decided to take more of a part with the running of the London Frontrunners, so this year I am getting involved with the organisation of our annual international trip. The destination is top secret but needless to say it will be an amazing experience and I am really looking forward to being a part of that!
So I have a lot to look forward to this year, and while last year has had its ups and downs, I feel that I have learnt and grown in a lot of ways. I look forward to having the opportunity to have more fun, learn more about myself and improve on my running in 2016.
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