2020 Half Marathon for Mental Health Awareness!

Hello!!

So last year was a pretty tough year for me... I was diagnosed with severe anxiety around August time- and had been suffering from it since about mid way through 2017. This has affected me in so many different ways whether it be socially, emotionally and physically. A lot of you will know me (if you know me) as the bubbly, friendly, passionate chick who just won’t stop talking... but unfortunately that’s not always the case. And I know for a fact I’m not the only one. Luckily- I have the most amazing social circle of friends and family who have been more than I could ever ask for and have put up with things most people wouldn’t.

This year, my New Years resolution was to really improve on myself physically and mentally. I am a pretty active person, I’ve always loved sports and being outdoors- However never set myself a goal to achieve, and so my activity became a chore and my motivation started to lack- resulting in me becoming lazy and kicking myself for it. Over the last 6 months or so, physical exercise for me has become my happy place. My place to escape. I go to the gym if I’m feeling low, or take a walk, or drive to the beach; and no matter what, I’m always able to find the good through exercise and nature. I have acknowledged that I am lucky to have this “happy place” to escape to, as I know so many don’t...

Which is why, as a result... I have decided to enter myself into the 2020 VW Wellington half marathon race. In doing this, I am wanting to raise funds which I can put towards other young people experiencing mental health issues. The I AM HOPE organisation created by New Zealand comedian, Mike King helps fund things like free counselling to young people at schools and is an amazing opportunity to get word out about how common it really is! I want other young people like to me to be able to find their happy place, a beautiful circle of relationships and know that they’re not alone in this!

So please, if you’re interested- every little bit counts. My marathon is on July 5th 2020, so I will be fundraising from now until then.

I am also looking for anyone who would like to enter with me! Currently I am doing this on my own but would absolutely love if other people wished to do it too! (Or are crazy enough to do it too...)

Thank you so much- hopefully this wasn’t way too long and you didn’t stop reading half way through 😂😂

Alexandra Gray