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Lacing Up With Purpose for Mental Health and Charity
Being part of a safe, positive is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that reminds us, we are not alone.
This couldn’t be more relevant to Imogen’s story.
For Imogen, being part of a supportive running community – and running for causes close to her heart – has been key to maintaining her mental wellbeing, especially during busy periods of work and study.
Finding Her Stride
Imogen was a keen runner when she was younger, training with Halifax Harriers. Although she stepped away from it for a time, she rediscovered a love for running at university as a way to de-stress, clear her head and to take time for herself.
She comments:
“It became a type of ‘me-time’. It gave me space to process things, take a step back (or forward, in this case) and look after my own mental health and wellbeing.”
Now, between working at MWA and studying for her master’s, Imogen still manages to fit in three to five runs a week as part of her training – sometimes more in the lead-up to a big run or race.
Imogen running for Overgate Hospice at the 2023 Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon.
Motivation, Training & Giving Back
What’s the hardest part of the training? For Imogen, the answer is simple – getting out of the door.
“Once I’m running, I know I can do it. It’s just the starting that’s the challenge, especially in bad weather. But knowing I’m often running for fantastic causes gives me the nudge I need.”
Imogen has completed a full marathon before, with her training combining short runs, long runs and tempo runs to prepare her body for different paces. But even with training under her belt, race day brings its own challenges.
Imogen explains:
“Pacing at the start of a race is tricky – the adrenaline and excitement can get the better of you when you set off!”
However, what keeps her on track is knowing her efforts are making a difference.
She adds:
“The thing I always tell myself is that the short-term pain is for a long-term impact. What I go through during a race doesn’t compare to the challenges that others are facing. That thought really keeps me going and pushes me through the hardest miles.”
To support this, Imogen wears Overgate Hospice branded laces during training and on race days – creating a visible reminder that she’s not just running for herself, but for others too.
Overgate Hospice holds a special place in Imogen’s heart, as the team here supported her family after the passing of her grandad.
Race Days
This year, Imogen is running:
- 5K Colour Run in Halifax for Overgate Hospice in July.
- 10K Race for Life at Temple Newsam for Cancer Research UK in July.
- The West Coast Half Marathon in October.
Your Reminder this Mental Health Awareness Month
Imogen’s story is a great reminder that looking after your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s running, walking, reading or simply taking time out for yourself, finding something that helps you reset is key.
Like many of us at MWA, Imogen has found that carving out time for something personal and meaningful is essential to staying grounded.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, take a moment to check in with yourself, talk to others and take a look at what helps you feel good – physically, mentally AND emotionally.
Follow Imogen’s Journey
Imogen’s next races are in July, and we’ll be following her progress throughout the year.
Keep an eye on our social channels – @Martin Walsh Architectural on LinkedIn and @mwarchitectural on Instagram – for updates and ways to show your support.