At the age of 49 I was far too macho to seek any help for my bouts of anxiety and depression, which almost cost me my life. I came very close to pressing life's Control Alt Delete button. Seven years on I think differently and would say that if you suffer with stress, anxiety and depression, seek professional help from organisations and charities like MIND at the earliest opportunity. 

It's well documented that suicide in men over forty is increasing year after year. I was so close to becoming a statistic myself. My wife like many women her age also suffer in silence with the symptoms that menopause brings. That imbalance of hormones that often results in the onset of anxiety and depression. Sadly yet another subject we still sweep under the carpet.

Fortunately for me I found that running and keeping physically fit helped me to cope with my bouts of anxiety and depression. Creating FAST AT 50 turned things around for me. The general idea being that if I could encourage others who like me where approaching those midlife crisis years, to be Fit and Still Training, at 50  and beyond by taking up some form of physical activity, it may help. More importantly I was helping myself. 

"Running with you in mind" is the title of a post I have written on my blog. I found that running and physically challenging myself was a way to clear my mind, to focus.

When we run for charity we do it for those who can't or are no longer with us.  I always run with other people in mind, thousands run for charity each year for loved ones. The money we raise plays it's part, and I would welcome the support you can give today. Even if you are simply sharing this on Facebook with the #FASTAT50 I would be grateful. 

Thanks

Mark xx

P.S. Forgot to mention that I will be running in both the Manchester Half Marathon and the Great North Run.

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