In 2006, at 21 years old, I started running because I wanted to lose fat. 

Little did I know that running had the power to change my life.

When I started running, I was a loner and suffered from an intense fear of people. I couldn’t point to a single activity I was good at. 

Running might seem like the perfect sport for a socially anxious person. However, I overcame my severe social anxiety through the lessons running taught me. Today I am confident about my abilities. I can hold a conversation. I can go out with friends and enjoy myself thoroughly.

Running was the catalyst for me to turn my life around. The self-confidence I gained through physical exercise spilled over into all other areas of my life and set me on a path of self-development and growth. Through running, I learned how to set goals, implement good habits and make choices that benefit my current and future self.

Coaching others and raising money for mental health research are my attempts to give back. Please visit my fundraising page if you want to support me, or check out MQ Mental Health – the charity that receives all of the funds I raise.