“…somehow she [my neighbour] talked me into signing up for my first 5K race…the thrill of crossing that finish line in just under 30 minutes was so exhilarating; I was hooked. I had no idea I was so competitive. Running has unleashed a side of me I never knew existed.”
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Two key aspects and associated quotes about movement via Dr. Doug Gleddie. Aspect #1: Movement for the sake of Movement! For the full and inspiring article, please click here.
“I needed to showcase my elite running to the people of the Arctic to teach the youth what it’s like for me to run. Maybe spark some kids to do running, running marathons. Or maybe I can inspire a youth with addiction to come to his breakthrough moment" "I am a survivor of multiple incidents of abuse. As a small child both home and school were dangerous places for me. Edmonton's river valley became a place of sanctuary, peacefulness and safety for me. I walked the trails as a kid and young adult. Then (insult to injury) I was shot in the back of the head while walking in the river valley one autumn afternoon-a random incident of stranger violence. Back in the "olden days" there was no knowledge of PTSD [post-tramatic stress disorder] and its longterm effects-dissociation from one's own self, severe anxiety, insomnia and social isolation are just a few and so I lived for a long time in a kind of void. About a year after being shot I realized I had not been outside other than walking to my car. I began slowly--by jogging around and around the schoolyard in front of my house. I had never run before--I wasn't an athlete by any means. But, I just had to move. Then, I got a dog and, with a bit of company, I began to run the river valley trails I missed and loved. I just couldn't have them taken away from me. Over the years I ran longer and longer distances gradually reclaiming the entire valley as a place of peace for myself. And, when my son became old enough, he became my willing jogging companion. Moving was a lifesaver, and I mean this most sincerely--those of us who live with PTSD know it's darker side, the compulsion towards isolation, self-harming and suicide. I would run, when I felt those urges. I now realize that this was an instinctual coping strategy that kept me connected to my physical body--present and helped me feel safe in the world, something that is challenging for me. I have also, in my adult years, taken up yoga, and sought the help of a personal trainer (as well a a good therapist). Feeling strong in my body helps me to be present--to not dissociate when my out of whack stress response is triggered. It helps me to feel safe, and it helps me to deal positively with a challenging condition--to make some darn good lemonade. "It [running] gave me hope and it helped me gain faith in myself and others." "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." "The elevator to success is out of order. You'll have to use the stairs...one step at a time." "I move because it makes me feel strong and reminds me of how blessed I am to have a healthy body. I move everyday because it has become so integral to my mental and physical well-being. I move everyday so that I model a healthy relationship with my body for my three girls. As a woman, the appreciation I have developed for my body is essential to a healthy relationship with my mind, my perceptions of strength, possibility and motivation. Moving makes me feel like I can do anything. Moving shows my daughters that they can do anything. Moving is strength. Moving is power. Moving is determination. Moving is a gift." "I first worked on my mental health, but my physical health was still suffering. Now I am stronger and know to continue to strengthen myself." |
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