This week is Mental Health Awareness week, so every day, we're sharing a blog written by a student about their experiences of the benefits of sport for your mental health and wellbeing. Our first post this week comes from Chloe Taylor, an Adult Nursing student who is part of the Running Club. 

I have used running by myself as a ‘stress-buster’ for many years now. I love the fact I can have as little or as much time as I need to get out and get moving, listen to some music and have some alone time. It is a time where I can focus on putting one foot in front of another to organise my thoughts without any distractions. It also can be used to reflect on the positives of the day and enhance an already good mood; I really find running to be a huge mood booster for myself and can notice the difference if I am unable to get out regularly.

Of course, since joining the Running Club I have learned to run with others as a group and the benefits that brings. I have enjoyed the socials we have organised, to the sweaty ad-hoc pint in the SU as a run round Media City was not enough time to put the world to rights. I feel very lucky to have this club in which I have met likeminded people who don’t necessarily study the same subject as me.

Running Club has built my confidence up enormously, as before I started university I ran around a field or the local park. The thought of parkrun was daunting as I had little self-esteem and was terrified of coming last. I have just completed my first marathon and have quite a busy year of events coming up. It is safe to say I have caught the bug!

The Running Club meets every Monday and Thursday during term time. You can join their Facebook group here, which has details of all their runs. 

The Vice-Chancellor's annual 5k Fun Run is taking place on 25th May. The route takes you around Peel Park, and it's all in aid of Kidscan Children's Cancer Research. Click here to sign up!