Most of ye who know me or read this blog on some sort of a regular basis will know that I don’t take myself too seriously. I’ll always take the piss out of anyone, mostly myself, or any situation. I’ll try to find humour in most things. For me, life is better when you and the people closest to you are laughing or smiling.
Always smiling
But I’m going to be serious here for a while. In my last blog I spoke about being diagnosed with ADHD and ASD. The positive support I have received since has been nothing short of overwhelming. From personal messages, messages on Facebook and from speaking to different people in the weeks since, it’s been a special time. Thank you to each and everyone who got in touch, I really appreciate it.
In writing about being diagnosed, I tried to write from the heart and let the readers know what I was going through, in the hope that it would help others, and judging by the positive reaction, I believe it did. People have spoken or reached out to me about a whole host of different issues that they are dealing with or issues that have been on their mind.
You never know what someone is going through, so it’s always good to open up, always good to listen and to hear other people. What I didn’t expect is how beneficial it has been for me. It’s been like a weight off my shoulders. Getting it out there has been a hugely positive and liberating experience. I started medication for my ADHD and life seems a whole lot easier since. I’ve more clarity and calmness in my mind, to be honest it’s night and day the difference I’ve felt and long may that continue.
What I have learned over the last few weeks and months, is that I need support and guidance in certain areas of my life. My diet, weight and relationship with food is one area that I needed help with. I rejoined my local Slimming World group and have started to eat a better quality and balance of food in the past weeks. This has resulted is me losing a few pounds and allows me to to make healthier choices for myself. The support of the group has proven invaluable. In my place of work, they have also been very supportive. Once I disclosed my diagnosis, I was put in touch with an occupational therapist (OT) whom I have met a number of times. The OT has helped guide me through different strategies and techniques to help both work and home life. They have also helped in letting me know of other groups and support networks that are available both in person and online.
I’ve joined a running group, set up for ADHD runners by ADHD Coach Ailín Kennedy. Ailín is someone who I have followed online for a while and offers huge support for the ADHD community. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I’ve yet to meet the group for a run but I know, going forward, the group will be there. I’m putting these supports in place to help me on the journey ahead and I’m sure there will be other supports and help that I’ll find and need along the way. Running in races and in groups for training runs with fellow club members is also a huge support to me personally.
Speaking of running, this is supposed to be a running blog after all! I have been running and racing since the Cork half marathon. While I wasn’t in the right place mentally to be on Strava a few months ago, I am back active on it again, and find that it is another support. I’ve put down a few decent weeks of consistent training, which will stand to me with the Dublin Marathon on the horizon. I’ve also ran a few BHAA races, Musgraves, DePuy Synthes, Gas Networks 5kms. All very enjoyable or as enjoyable as a 5 k can be for me, I prefer the longer distances. I’ve ran a few parkruns in Ballincollig. I ventured to the Dunmanway 10km for the first time and loved running there on a challenging course. Another first was the Courtmacsherry 10km, this stunning course is certainly one I will return to. Most recenty, I ran the Tracton 4 mile, on a hilly but enjoyable course.
What all these races have in common is the great community spirit that drives them all. The organisers and spectators at these races appreciate we runners turning up, racing and supporting their cause. In turn, we runners, love turning out, competing, suporting the cause, socialising, chatting and supporting each other. Between BHAA races and community and club based races, we really are spoiled for choice here in Cork. Let’s continue to support these races and let’s continue to support each other.
Until next time, stay safe, support each other and enjoy your running.