Niamh's Story
Seven months ago, my friend messaged to me to show me Frankie’s post on Facebook and told me to hurry up and sign up before all the spaces were filled. This post could have not come at a more perfect time. My friend (who is married to the girl who messaged me) had just lost his dad to suicide, and it really was a horrendous shock and a horrible time for everyone. We had already spoken about wanting to do something to raise money for a local charity that works with depression and suicide victims.
I had also wanted to take on this challenge as I have always been very insecure about my body. I am always so unmotivated and have such a pathetic willpower that I often start things and never continue with them. Another reason was, at the time, I was convinced that I was suffering from depression. I was in a shitty place in my relationship and just felt like I was never myself any more, and never truly felt happy.
In typical fashion, I went home for summer and after a miserable attempt at one run, I never ran or did any exercise again for the two months. I returned to Singapore thinking I would get back into things and after constant visitors, nothing materialised. At half-term I felt like shit because I was just doing what I always do. I spoke to my mum who told me to enjoy my week off work, and just come back and knuckle down. Thankfully for once in my life I did – although changed my full marathon to the half.
Frankie was beyond supportive and so calm that I felt able to say how useless I had been. The run was 7 weeks away and I almost cried after trying to attempt only 2k that day, so I wrote in the group so I wouldn’t try to keep making excuses. This was really the first time I ever actually spoke to anyone in the group. Everyone was really encouraging and friendly and I found some people were also behind so that helped me get in the mindset. Unfortunately I only went to two group runs because I can be very socially awkward when I don’t know people and I didn’t feel like I was fit enough.
I met most people either at the Christmas meal or on the morning of the race and everyone was amazing. We had a good laugh and we were all in the same boat, so it was so nice to have a support system. I loved seeing everyone during the run and even though I had been absent through most of the training, I felt part of the team. I felt a little emotional a few times during the race. Once when I remembered what we were doing it for and thought of my friend’s dad, and the other when I realised I was actually about to finish and felt proud of myself for the first time in a very long time.
The last km was a real struggle for me and I had to walk some of it, but I was able to have a final push for the end. Unfortunately, my boyfriend and my friends slept in and missed me at the finish line, but I was able to phone my mum who was on a work night out so she did enough cheering for everyone!
I don’t think there is anything Frankie could do to improve on what she did. It is absolutely insane to think that 28 people who would have otherwise probably been asleep, ran a half or full marathon because Frankie made it possible. In the WhatsApp Frankie had millions of messages, questions and had to repeat herself often, but was always so friendly. I only wish I had started sooner and I’m hoping there is a part two so I can get involved, and also help my friend to get involved as she is in a really low place at the moment and I would like to help her like Frankie helped us. While I haven’t lost any weight, I definitely see an improvement in my mood and my outlook on things. Considering I only started in October, I’m hoping that if I keep it up then I’ll start to feel more comfortable in my skin and my self esteem will improve.
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