Running, trails, and mental health
In the NZ summer of 2019/2020 I will be running/fast packing the length of New Zealand using the vast network of trails that run through the national and forest park, solo and unsupported.
I will be carrying everything I need for the trail, including my tent, sleeping bag, and all my food and water. I'm looking forward to spending my days on the trail and my nights in the wilderness, both in DoC huts and my tent.
Spending time outdoors in nature has greatly helped me with my mental health. Getting outside and being active has helped me through some of my hardest times and I want to encourage others to do the same. Being in the great outdoors has taught me to slow down, appreciate the small things, and helped me garner the confidence to let my guard down and embrace myself for who I am.
Through trail running in particular, I get to spend a lot of time by myself and disconnect from everything else for a while. It's an opportunity to push myself past what I thought was possible, and to step back from the hustle and bustle of society and take a breath of fresh air.
The Mental Health Foundation is my charity of choice for this journey. They have so many resources available for people who are struggling, and I want to help break down the stigma related to mental illness so people feel more confident to speak out about what's going on and to explore the avenues of help available to them.
Nearly half of all kiwis will experience a mental illness at some point in their life.
I want them to know they're not alone, and that help is available.
Please join me on this journey and support this great cause.
Thank you to my Supporters
$50
Eli Someck
$52
Tizzy Pollard
Good on you!!!
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Theo
Kia kaha Mary
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Shamus O'brien
Good on you Mary
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Fleur
Great stuff Mary!!!
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Anonymous
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Kate Murray
Really enjoying reading your posts 😊 Good for you! What an incredible adventure!
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Anonymous
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Pascale Simunich
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Hinewai Pouwhare-anderson
Kia kaha Mary, you are the only person mad enough to do this trip! Get it girl ❤️
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Anonymous
Good luck Mary and good on you for such a huge undertaking and supporting a great cause. I heard sister Eve was keen to tag along for 400-500km...
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Anonymous
All the best for your run Mary.
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Mikayla Vegar
Happy adventuring! :) Look forward to following your journey.
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Anonymous
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Rita Onosa
All the very best Mary! I`ll be cheering you on x x
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Lydia Edwards
Mary quite contrary, your light shines!
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Alison Milne
Mary I wish you every success in this noble venture. What a challenge? Such a worthwhile cause. Lots of love to you on your way.
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Jono Worthington
All the best Mary!!
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Andrea Cadieux
excited to follow your journey! especially because it supports a wonderful cause that is close to my heart. proud of you :)
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Julian Thomson
What a fantastic and bold adventure for a great cause .I look forward to finding out about how it unfolds
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Graeme Williams
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Anonymous
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Olivia Short
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Anonymous
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Charlotte And Dean
You’re inspiring Mary and I’m proud to be your friend.
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Stephen Trainor
Best of luck on your endeavour Mary. Super inspirational and a really important cause!
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Kat Williams
Proud of you sis
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Karen Brough
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Robyn Richards
All the best!
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Anonymous
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Sue And Graeme Williams
We are both so proud of what you guys have achieved 😊👏
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The Jolliffe Family
What a great cause Mary, hope to see you while you're home. Amanda
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Karen Williams
Hi Mary best of luck for this very worthy cause xx
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Erena Mccann
💗
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Jane Cayless
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Stacey Hendriks
You got this chick! Will support you all the way! Such a great cause.
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Hope the weather turns soon!