Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
With so much opportunity, starting to run has never been so easy. The great news is, it massively benefits our mental health.
Michaela Owen, from Holyhead, uses her experience of exercise and mental illness to support others to start running. Here is her story
After the birth of my son in 2006, my weight ballooned to 16st 2lb. I knew I had to do something about it.
My mother, sister and stepdad all ran. I thought it was a strange sport to do after leaving school, but seeing how fit and uplifted they were, I decided to give it a go.
I managed to drop 7 stone and went on to run many races. In 2013, I was proud and overjoyed to represent North Wales in road racing events.
In the beginning, I would run at 5am by myself, so nobody would see me.
The more I ran, the more my self-confidence grew. Running toned my body. I was able to wear clothes I had longed for, instead of hiding away in black, shapeless clothing. But finally, and most importantly, running improved my mental state.
I have suffered with depression and anxiety since high school. Running really helped me control my mood. I also experimented with CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and mindfulness.
Exercise is one of the easiest ways to pick up your mood, even if it's a walk around the block or to the shops. I highly recommend it. The endorphins released make you feel good, as well as all the other health benefits. My children and boyfriend know when I haven't had my run for the day, as I tend to be a little short with them. They encourage me to get out running for the benefit of all of us!
I came off a six-year stint of medication last September and I now manage my depression with exercise and healthy thought processes. I've learned to suss out what affects my mood in positive and negative ways, and just keep around positive people. I try not to stew over any of life's hiccups!
I also set up ML RunFit, my own running business, to encourage and motivate others to begin something they won't regret!
A friend of mine said that depression is something that doesn't go away, a bit like grief, you just learn how to deal with it. This has helped me a lot.
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