Talking about our mental health isn’t always easy. This is why looking into helpful ways of making this more approachable is important, instead of discarding it completely. With this in mind, we spoke with Running Therapist, Ciaran Graham, who uses running as a tool to enable people to open up and speak freely in a natural environment.

Was there anything that inspired you to start running?

After deciding to go down a route of sobriety after drinking for over 20 years I faced new challenges in exploring who I was, where I would fit in, how could I socialise and how could I cope with the issues that were still there after soothing them with alcohol for so long. It was after about 18 months when a friend challenged me to take part in a race some 3 months later. Somewhat reluctantly, I accepted and began my training to try and get in shape. I realised, after a very short period, that I was enjoying the training, the improvement in my fitness, the new people I was meeting and the faster times I was producing. I ran the race in a faster time than expected and found a new awakening. I was running this race with thousands of people, all doing the same task, running in the same direction, encouraging each other and celebrating each other’s achievements. This was a new healthy environment where I felt I belonged. Thereafter, I continued to run and joined a running club. Here I was met with a community of people who I soon realised had their own personal stories and reasons for running. I fitted in, I belonged!

What is about running that gives you joy?

Running gives me connection, engagement and challenge. I have met many good friends through running who provide support, advice and much laughter. I love the freedom running allows me, there is nothing better than getting out in nature and noticing how change is possible. I have participated in races all over the country and abroad. I’ve enjoyed each and every one of them.

Once I began to move through running, I began to move and grow in other ways too. I returned to studies and achieved a first degree in counselling. I was more alert, hungry for knowledge, fulfilling potential. Running releases endorphins and helps relieve stress. It allows me to take a break from everyday challenges and responsibilities and helps emotions move through my body.

What is running therapy?

I specialise in running therapy where the environment of the counselling room is replaced by the great outdoors. This model of therapy recognises the powerful link between the physical and psychological self. It is best suited to those who are struggling to successfully manage their lives due to many issues including addiction, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. The location of therapy is flexible and chosen to suit client needs. I am a keen runner who has experienced great progress and growth in my own life. This has been supported by running with others whilst talking, sharing and working things through. I believe that small steps can help lead to big changes in your life. Movement in one area of a person's life can empower them to make positive changes in other areas.

Have you faced any challenges with this type of therapy?

I am very fortunate in that, I believe, I am the only running therapist in Ireland and have never been short of work. My referrals come from several agencies and also a lot of private clients arrive via word of mouth (the best kind of referral!). My challenge is, being a sole worker, not accepting too much work, keeping my waiting list at a manageable length always being mindful of not burning myself out.

Looking at the work you do it is clear that exercise helps people open up and have clearer thought process. Why do you think this is?

As we move to a tempo, it allows for conversation to flow. As you share a run with someone it is easier to share our thoughts. Things that have been bothering us have a way of coming to the surface and as we learn to explore them, we learn to move with them and eventually move through them towards new perspectives and new opportunities. Running in itself benefits decision making, soothes stress and low mood, sleep and allows us to enjoy nature.

I believe that if we’re stuck in life, we should move!

Do you have an inspiring story from your journey?

My running journey has had many highlights. One that comes to mind is my very first marathon. I had started running in 2010, only able to run 1km at best. As my training increased, I began to run faster and longer distances. I moved up in distances from 5k to 10k and then shortly after to the half marathon distance. In 2012, I signed up for the Dublin Marathon, joining a local running club to help provide a proper training schedule and company for the task ahead. As my fitness increased, my targeted time became lower and lower. On the day, despite advice from many quarters to just try and get round the course, I decided to attempt the holy grail of a sub 3-hour marathon (this is only achieved by around 2% of those attempting the marathon!).

I crossed the line in 2hr 59 mins and was overjoyed at the achievement. I followed this up by also running sub 3hrs in the Derry and London marathons.

There are so many benefits to running including improving your physically health, being more resilient to life’s ups and downs and discovering a healthy environment and community. Running gives you freedom, connection, engagement, motivation and challenge – here’s Ciaran’s top four tips on starting your running journey:

1. The first bit of advice is to get a decent pair of running shoes. These do not have to be expensive – choose a shoe that is comfortable with a reasonable support.
2. Start slowly – do not aim to run distances as this can seem daunting. Run to time – e.g. one min run/one min walk for 10-20 mins.
3. Download a Couch to 5k plan which will give guidance, challenge and motivation.
4. Choose a local park run for the 5k challenge – Parkrun is a collection of 5-kilometre events for runners, walkers and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries across five continents.

If you or you know someone who would be interested in this type of therapy, you can take a further look at what Ciaran does here . You can also explore other similar organisations within the UK such as Run, Talk, Run.

With so many free organisations and challenges out there, why not take a look at these options to get you started?

Parkrun
Couch to 5km

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