Running a marathon requires a powerful mind. It is well known that after a certain number of kms we run with the mind, not with the body.  Running also strengthens our mind. Certainly, this was my personal experience with running helping me to cope during the lengthy lockdowns, a period during which mental health issues only increased. I ran since September 2021 a marathon or ultra marathon distance every month for several consecutive months. The most challenging marathon distance was on a freezing January Saturday in my neighbourhood, 42.2 kms in a single neighbourhood was certainly a mental challenge. I am grateful for having the mental strength to pursue such challenges but this should not be taken for granted.  For 1 in 4 of us, every day is a fight. And yet, we often ignore mental health issues because they are often invisible. They are though  omnipresent and painful. 

We all have been there, either directly or indirectly by endeavouring to support a family member or a friend facing mental health problems. MIND offers invaluable support to everyone  experiencing a mental health problem by providing life changing support. I am thus so grateful to MIND for offering me the chance to run the London Marathon in October and so delighted to assist their invaluable work with all your help and contribution.