Why Run?

The physical benefits of running are well-documented, but how does it aid our mental health and well-being? In each show, host Diane Church talks to a different guest about how running has helped them through a particularly difficult or challenging time. Life feels better after a run. If you are interested in how people overcome adversity and/or are looking for inspiration and motivation to go running, subscribe today. For more information visit: www.whyrun.uk Follow on Instagram at #whyrunpodcast on Facebook @whyrunpodcast

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Why Run?

Running...with gratitude

May 25, 2023 • Diane Church • Season 2 • Episode 8

Mark White founder of Run Grateful - a movement that links gratitude with movement.

On this episode, Mark candidly shares his story of how he went into rehab for drug and alcohol dependency at the shockingly young age of 18. At the time, he didn’t want to go, but once there, rehab gave Mark the opportunity to reboot his life: to get clean; to make new friends; and to learn about the importance of gratitude.

Mark started running more than ten years ago and, over the years, has consistently used running as an opportunity to meditate about gratitude. Like me, Mark has experienced serious ill-health, having once been so ill he was in hospital with pleurisy and pneumonia and unable to get out of bed. The fact that he recovered and his body is now strong and healthy is something he often returns to when he 'runs grateful'.

Today Run Grateful is a movement that inspires runners (and walkers) around the world. The concept is simple: when you go for a run or walk, dedicate a mile to someone or something that you are grateful for in your life.

At the heart of Run Grateful is the importance of how hope is vital element in our lives - however difficult times may be - and how focusing upon all the good things in our lives that we are grateful for, can transform our mood and state-of-mind.

During lockdown, Mark launched a phenomenal personal challenge. He ran a mile - every hour - for 24 hours and dedicated each of his runs to something or someone, he was grateful to have in his life. His posts and the stories around them attracted worldwide attention and now runners in more than 80 countries have connected with the Run Grateful movement.

Mark is also host of the Move with Gratitude podcast which can be found on Spotify, Apple podcasts and all podcast providers.

Instagram - 1gratefulrun
YouTube - Run Grateful
Facebook - Run Grateful

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