Outrunning the Demons

There are countless happy runners, I am sure, but I suspect far more than we imagine are running through their own dark hinterlands. I have shared mine here in these words. In this book, it is my immense privilege to celebrate the tales of other runners who have been to hell and found that the surest, quickest way back is to run. This book is my story. It is theirs.

...when it comes to mental health, we are finally as a society starting to get it right. The next chapter will be how our future governments respond. ‘We are heading in the right direction in terms of attitude and the breaking down of stigma. My worry is that as that happens, more and more people come forward and admit to problems but then find the services are not there. I worry politicians and policy makers see the progress in attitude as a substitute for resources when it should be the impetus for more.’ [Alastair Campbell]

It is the perfect circle, and therein lies the beauty of running. It is the great connector, the great solver of problems. It offers safety and inclusivity, a sense of value and a sense that we are giving as well as taking.