“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” -John Bingham, running speaker and writer
Just signing up for an event like a triathlon is a fleet with in itself. Not only do you sign up to push your body to its limit about 2 months from the day you sign up- but you are also dedicating your days leading up to the event to training. I have been on a sports team since 4th grade, when I signed up for AYSO Soccer, until graduating college as a member for the William Smith cross country team, but there is a different mental push when you sign up to train on your own. It’s important to break that barrier and sign up, see what your body and mind can do when you push yourself!
I broke that barrier and signed up, even though I know it will be hard, I also know how important physical health is to support my mental health. I have struggled with anxiety, especially social anxiety, most of my life but found a comfort in being part of a running team. Running allows me to take the time to think through stressful situations I might have faced and relieve that stress. I am excited to push my body to other limits than just running and hope to continue to keep myself grounded through exercise.
Mental Health Statistics:
- In the US, almost half of adults will experience a mental health
- Rates of youth with severe depression increased from 5.9% in 2012 to 8.2% in 2015. Even with severe depression, 76% of youth are left with no or insufficient treatment
- 56% of adults with mental illness do not receive treatment
Maggie Trys a Tri 