Out-running anxiety

“Running is about finding your inner peace, and so is a life well lived.” – Dean Karnazes

Sometimes in life I think everyone feels alone and that no one else could understand their problem or situation. There are just too many of us crammed onto this small planet to make that true but when sitting by oneself, or dealing with fears, crisis or struggle, it can seem that way.

Michelle Greensides is a runner who offered to share her story of anxiety, running and her addiction to a new lifestyle that has changed her outlook.

Michelle

Michelle Greensides is a fit 32-year old Air force wife (just married last October) and stay-at-home mom to a busy toddler named Jack. Michelle grew up in a small community in Newfoundland but as part of a military family was posted to Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley from Victoria B.C., where her running story begins.

Michelle says she has always been a walker but never dreamed that she would ever be a runner. She says that her doubts and anxiety that have plagued her since her teens would not let her try running.

Arriving in Nova Scotia as a new mother and sporting a few extra pounds, Michelle decided to lose weight.

“My husband, who is my biggest supporter, was right by my side for my nightly 5K walk. One night while on the trail he said “Just try to run a little bit.” Thinking I would show him just how much I sucked at running, I gave it a shot. I ran, no jogged, for about 45 seconds before having to stop. I chuckled thinking that I looked like a basset hound bounding up the trail. But there was something gratifying about it once I stopped and caught my breath. So the next walk I tried it again, but this time twice and for a little longer. Within a week I was hooked.”

“I’ve suffered from panic attacks and anxiety since I was a preteen and its amazing to how much running has helped me. At first I noticed a decrease in anxiety in everyday life, but I noticed I would always be hard on myself while running. By saying things like “Why are you trying to do this, you aren’t a runner” or “You’re going to end up halfway through your run and have a panic attack and look like an idiot out on the trail”. But I’ve learned to hush those voices and‎ it’s carried through my life in other ways. I feel running has taught me self-control, in a way it’s been my therapy. I still have days that I doubt my abilities but I just run through them; it’s not my legs I worry giving up on me but rather my mind.”

Becoming a runner

Michelle latched onto running, enjoying that she could see and feel results almost immediately. She did not use a complex program or sign up for any running group. She just ran with her husband and a friend. For them it was run, walk a bit and repeat.

She vividly remembers the first time she was able to run for three minutes straight and says it felt like she had conquered the world. Within seven weeks she ran her first 5K race. Four weeks after that Michelle did a 10K race. Michelle runs with her husband and with her son Jack in his stroller at every race.

Tell me about the Facebook group you have started.

Nothing special about my Facebook page, just a place for me to share motivational quotes and pictures, as well as a few healthy recipes I have tried and feel are worth passing along. I want to inspire others, for them to feel how amazing it is to be healthy and active. I wish someone had inspired me sooner. Maybe I can help one of my friends.

Why did you first start running?

Honestly, because I didn’t think I could. I wasn’t an athlete; just a mom. I wanted to prove my mother right, that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and try hard enough.

What does running do for you?

When I’m outdoors running on a trail alone with my thoughts, I have the chance to wash away all the chaos from everyday life. With every stride I become less stressed. It’s time I get to spend focused solely on myself. I’m a very faithful person and running has brought me even closer to God. In the beginning I prayed simply for strength to continue (often out loud), then I prayed for thanks of reaching each mile. Eventually I just found myself talking to God while on each run. Running gives me a sense of pride in myself, and confidence that I always struggled to see in myself.

With a busy life and children, what advice do you have for others who are in the same situation that want to run?

Don’t over complicate it. Just lace up, open your front door, and go. It won’t be easy but I promise it will be worth it. You don’t need an expensive gym membership, or fancy equipment. You just need an hour of your day to say the dishes and laundry can wait, I need time for me.

Michelle has not only lost weight but gained control of her life and her anxiety. Sometimes running does more than just make someone thinner and fitter.

In six months Michelle has run four 5K races and a 10K race. She is currently training to run The Bluenose Half-Marathon in Halifax next May. Proud to have you join the community Michelle. Run on.

See you on the roads or in the blogosphere.

Do you have a running story to tell?

runningwriter@hotmail.com

* Canadian Mental Health Association says Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild to severe impairment.