Words Rachel Ifans
Running packs a punch when it comes to links between exercise and mental health. It is so well recognised now in combatting stress and anxiety that schools are advocating its powers to pupils as a way to look aft er their mental health, and using it actively as part of their wellness programmes.
For many of us, it’s the combination of putting one foot in front of the other, the repetitive pounding on the ground, being outside, feeling adventurous and empowered as a woman, covering ground, using our bodies in a very basic physical way and also, to be frank, running away from our homes and the jobs, kids and demands it holds.