Paul Greening, attendee of Run Talk Run Totnes

This week we are delighted to be sharing Paul Greening’s journey with mental health and his path to discovering Run Talk Run Totnes. It’s a relatable read, and we hope you enjoy…

Paul Greening, attendee of Run Talk Run Totnes

I first became aware of my mental health somewhere around my early thirties. After 12 or so years working for the same company in a variety of different IT roles, the whole department was TUPE'd to another company as part of wider changes happening within the energy sector at that time. In reality for me it meant a significant reduction in workload, a feeling of being abandoned by my previous employer and resentment towards my new employer. Job satisfaction dropped off a cliff, the work I did have was not very stimulating and I would often return home very disengaged and unmotivated. Having joined my initial employer from school I had worked and grown up there, making finding a new job a very scary prospect indeed. Ultimately I took the plunge and haven't looked back since.

That experience has subsequently shaped my approach to work, and perhaps in a smaller way, life generally. I'm now one of a team of volunteers that deliver an annual business skills competition in secondary schools, where I am able to share my experiences as necessary. The lessons I try to impart to the students are, No one is looking out for you; Take on new challenges when opportunities arise; You need to drive you own destiny

What inspired me to try Run Talk Run for the first time was basically a need to get up off the sofa in the dark evenings of winter. I work from home sat down in front of a screen, it is a very short commute to the sofa, some evenings I can find myself spending a further 5 hours sat down in front of the TV or Ipad. I needed something to get me out of the house and burn a few calories. I have always previously run alone around the lanes close to home, but they are unlit and hilly. The opportunity to run in a group mostly off-road was much more appealing and offered less excuses for not doing it. Thankfully my wife spotted Run Talk Run and pointed me in Emily's direction.

Having not run for a few months I was expecting to struggle to keep up, so was pleasantly surprised the pace allowed me enough breath for talking too. Add in the very warm welcome and good company, I couldn't ask for more.

I take care of my mental health by keeping busy mentally, have things to do and have objectives to focus on, whether that be work or personal. For me that means becoming a beekeeper and subsequently taking on support of their website, changing jobs from full time with a large multinational to part time working for a university and beginning to restore an old car that will undoubtedly be a retirement project.

My advice for a new Run Talk Runner would be :- I understand why you might feel nervous, can I keep up? what am I going to talk about? will I fit it? Well that was me 3 weeks ago. However scary it might seem, everyone there has experienced the same thing so come and give it a try. There is no pressure to do anything you are not comfortable with and I'm sure the leader would be happy to meet you beforehand so you don't need to meet everyone all at once.