Each week we will feature one of the ambassadors from the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon Challenge 13.1 team.
The group consists of five people who will be taking on the challenge of running a half marathon for the first time. We will also be sharing some top tips from the Official Coach Stuart Kennedy and Official Nutrition Partner Framar Health.
Name: Alex Murdock
Weeks to race day: 4 weeks
Charity: Action Mental Health
Why you’ve chosen the charity:
Not only do I work for Action Mental Health but having experienced my own issues with mental health over the last couple of years, as well as watching family and friends struggling, I wanted to take on this challenge so I could share my journey. By showing the positive effects physical activity can have on emotional wellbeing, I hope it might inspire others to kick-start their own positive mental health journey.
Tell us a little about yourself and why you are running the half marathon?
The past couple of years have been tough. Low mood, anxiety, insomnia, poor diet. Having the opportunity to join the marathon Challenge 13.1 Team felt like it was supposed to be. It came at exactly the right time and it is helping me address some of these issues. Hopefully it will help me on my way to getting me back to me!
Were you an active person before you signed up?
Of late, unfortunately not! Over the past few years I have taken on three charity treks, the last of which was in May. Up until then I was taking on a lot of mountain walking and my fitness levels were great! Following that however, struggling with mental health, things slowed down so this has been a great opportunity to get out again and remember my love for the outdoors.
Longest run to date: 8 miles
What has been the biggest struggle?
Energy levels for sure! With my poor diet and sleeping pattern, it has been hard to have that ‘get up and go’.
What are you enjoying?
Being outside, getting fresh air and even feeling the slight aches and pains of training! It really makes me feel like I have accomplished something.
Has your diet changed?
Thankfully, yes! Not massive changes, but I am getting there and slowly building back up my appetite. A massive thank you to Sarah Trimble at Framar Health for her help!
RUNNING TIPS OF THE WEEK
Courtesy of Stuart Kennedy, the Official Challenge 13.1 Coach for the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon
With 4 weeks to go, here are a few tips that will help you cope with race day nerves:
1. Nutrition and hydration: Over the next 4 weeks try out different meals & drink the right amount of water to fuel your long runs. Once you’ve found the right fuel for you, don’t change this leading up to the Half Marathon . On race morning, do not try anything new - eat and drink what your normally do before your long runs. Check out our partners Framar Health for nutrition advice and information.
2. Night before the half marathon: Try and get a good sleep and leave your gear out ready to put on in the morning. Make a check list of what you need so you are not wasting nervous energy trying to find anything on race morning.
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