So it’s here! Day 31 of #REDJanuary or ‘Run Every Day January’
#REDJanuary is a movement started in 2016 by Hannah Beecham who saw the positive difference physical exercise made to her mum who experienced depression when she encouraged her to be more active. She clearly wanted to encourage others to experience the same benefits. With 1 in 4 of us experiencing mental health issues, suicide being the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK and research overwhelmingly confirming the benefits of physical exercise on not only our physical health but our emotional wellbeing, putting the spotlight of the impact of being more active is hugely welcomed. Since 2017 the charity MIND have also supported @REDJanuary, encouraging people to fundraise too to help raise awareness of mental health during January often a particularly challenging time of year for people.,
So alongside #NHS1000miles, @REDJanuary provided a focus for getting me out each morning in the darkness of January mornings prior to work for a gentle jog, and my weekends have offered the chance for a bit of @ParkRun tourism, and Sundays have included adventures with the Long Distance Walkers Association @LDWA, a local 10miler, cross country, and a navigational 50k ultra from ‘Cold Christmas to High Easter’. It’s certainly been an active month!
Am I fast? no! Have I had fun, and raised my endorphins regularly to boost my mood during the dark days of January, most definitely!
Thank you Hannah, #REDJanuary has certainly helped me keep a focus on being active this month!
Kath Evans Connecting 