David Robertshaw asks: “Why didn’t I find running years ago?!”

We know that running and exercise has huge physical benefits but running as one RunTogether community also brings many mental benefits.

We recently asked the community to share their RunTogether journey, and we were delighted to see just how many people joined RunTogether as complete beginners and have now truly caught the running bug!

We heard from David Robertshaw, who during the various lockdowns was struggling with his mental health and isolation.

“During lockdown as with many others I began working from home and found this really isolating, especially when things returned to the new normal and everyone returned to work, school or college. As I continued to work from home, I spent many hours alone and without interaction and this had a real impact on my mental health.

“Knowing I needed to do something, I began looking for activities and found a local RunTogether group, Trail Snails Bingley, who were running a Couch to 5k programme, and I joined it in July 2021.”

Beginning as a non-runner in 2021, David now runs 5km plus 2-3 times per week, and has also completed multiple 10km races with his next target the London Landmarks Half Marathon taking place next April.

Speaking on his RunTogether group David celebrated:

“I absolutely love running with a group and Trail Snails Bingley is perfect for me. 

“Running is now a massive part of my week, and I am actively encouraging everyone I can to get involved. When I’m not running, I am part of the local parkrun core team of volunteers and love seeing the joy parkrun brings to runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators.”

Although only just at the start of his journey, it’s incredible to see how David has embraced running into his lifestyle, both volunteering and participating with Trail Snails Bingley as a newly qualified leader.

“I was fortunate enough to be awarded a free LiRF (Leadership in Running Fitness) course during a competition having completed 22 runs in March. Now I have completed my course I am running sessions each week and love giving back to those who supported me last year.”

It is certainly inspiring to read how David has taken his loneliness during lockdown and proactively combatted this head-on, finding a new love for running and RunTogether in the process!

More

• If you would like to tell us your RunTogether journey, please send an email to hello@englandathletics.org and we would love to share it with our fantastic community.
• If you would like to help support other runners at the start of their running journey, why not consider becoming a Run Leader? There are currently spaces available on our Leadership in Running Fitness qualification.