Running for Resilience
Running for Resilience is an exercise campaign founded by Canberra local Matthew Breen, who in the years after his father’s death by suicide used his ability to move as a coping mechanism. The campaign gained momentum towards the end of 2019 and has since expanded into various running events. Breen began by understanding that struggling is a pathway to progression and says that “If my efforts and thoughts helped one person, it would be worth it.” So his message is simple, “just keep moving.” His goal is to reduce the suicide statistics by at least one person, by empowering people to turn their internal struggles into positive ones through movement.
Running for Resilience is about addressing these struggles that everyone inevitably faces at some point in their lives and taking away the stigma of asking for help. Sometimes you want to talk and other times you just need to sweat it out, so why not combine the two?
Running for Resilience includes free weekly running events that are held across Canberra in two locations. On Tuesday nights the crew meets out the front of Gungahlin’s Sport and Spinal Physiotherapy at 6pm. Alternatively on Wednesday nights Running for Resilience also meets on the Kingston Foreshore at The Dock, at 6pm also. It is followed by pizza and drinks afterwards. Breen also credits the commitment The Dock has made to further spreading his message, saying they have been an integral part of Running for Resilience’s growth.
Less confident runners are welcome too, with options for every level of attendee. Whether you can run five kilometres or only walk two, the Running for Resilience crew encourages new members to come along and get involved. The number of attendees has grown massively since the first run, and due to the positive feedback participant’s have given you can see why. Regular attendee Jackson Leckie says that “the aim is to just try and get people moving and healthy in a fun and supportive environment. I only knew one other person when we started up R4R but now I’ve met and made some great friends with thirty or more runners”. Running for Resilience is more than just a running group, it is a community filled with positivity and encouragement. Both of which can help you to keep going when times are stressful and tough.
Due to Covid-19, it looks a little different now, with group events being postponed. However, participants are still encouraged to go out for their run individually and post in in the group afterwards to keep everyone motivated, positive and connected. Of course following all the rules and guidelines for when you should be going outside. So if you’re feeling a little amiss due to the current nature of the world perhaps its time get moving! A little movement goes a long way and what better way to do that then a virtual run with your friends, pizza and beer!
This article discusses topics that could be difficult for some readers. If you or anyone you know needs support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Be the first to comment!