A chat with Sarah Murray, Run Talk Run Mile Oak
Some stories leave you feeling understood, inspired, and like you want to reach out and give the author the fattest RTR hug. This one does all that. Sarah started her Run Talk Run journey in Eastbourne and now runs with the Mile Oak community.
Tell us a bit about your running and/or mental health journey so far.
I started running for the first time 3 years ago to do a sponsored 5k with my work friends in aid of mental health and suicide prevention charities- CALM, Winstons Wish, Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team and FSN dragonflies bereavement project. I then signed up for a tough mudder that night after getting a buzz from the run, and went on to raise £400 as no one believed I would do it. Unfortunately just a week after the tough mudder I discovered that my brother had lost his battle with mental health and taken his own life aged 32. Running then became my coping strategy. I would run along the seafront after a hard day, crying until I felt better. Since then I have completed 3 half marathons, a marathon and the 3 peaks challenge as well as lots of mud runs, and raised over £5,000 in my brother’s memory.
Running had been a largely solitary thing for me as I found running clubs to be clicky and pressured for PBs which is not why I do it. I’ve always loved park run for the atmosphere and supportive people, and then I heard about RTR and had to give it a go! I have done the Eastbourne RTR but recently moved to Brighton and I’m currently attending the Portslade RTR.
What brought you to Run Talk Run specifically?
The fact it is a safe space. People are there run but also to talk, and every RTR I have ever done I have had an interesting and enjoyable conversation with more than one person. It’s a hugely supportive group and there is no pressure to be faster all the time. I have brought friends along who would never have done a running club with me, and they have absolutely loved it too.
In what ways does running (and RTR!) help you?
Running gives me endorphins and a reason to be proud of myself. I find it meditative and it shifts me out of whatever funk I’m in- I literally feel myself smile the further I go! RTR being a regular slot in my calendar gives me motivation to actually turn up whatever mood or funk I’m in because I know people will understand and I’ll feel better at the end of it.
What would you say to someone who was nervous about coming to a Run Talk Run?
I would recommend this to absolutely everyone. Honestly such a wonderful bunch of people have been at every RTR I’ve attended and the group is super understanding. No matter how slow you go, you won’t be made to feel like you’re hindering anyone and you might even make some great friends! Running was one of the best things I could have done for myself and gave me back a purpose when all I could see was sadness.