A story to tell
As I look back, I have had two great passions in my life. One of those is my fascination with people’s stories and the other is running; both of which came together in a glorious fusion in a podcast episode from July 2022 with Rob Hutchings. Adventure triathlete, wild swimmer, yoga teacher and now author of ‘Downriver Nomad’.
I’m a proud introvert, but I also love meeting people from our community. Everyone here has a story to tell, a different perspective, and an approach to life that won’t mirror my own. It’s why I love being on this podcast and why I adore being a counsellor. I’m naturally curious about people and love discovering what makes them tick.
And then I’m a runner…well, a plodder actually. And I’m ok with that because my love of running has kept me on the mental health straight-and-narrow. Running got me through some really tough times, not least my childlessness. It’s no exaggeration to say that I owe running my life. Without it, I would likely not be here.
It’s given me focus and control when my life spiraled in the wrong direction, seemingly lacking both of those things. I’ve achieved a lot with it. I’ve been running for 21 years (flipping, heck!). I’ve traveled up and down the UK for races – participating, not winning like Rob. As a result, I have had the pleasure of running in some fantastic places because my running kit goes where I go. It’s also given me mental, emotional, and physical health that I wouldn’t have possessed without it.
And I think this is why I chimed with Rob’s drive and passion, which are so evident in both his book and his words when he spoke to us. His use of his sport to help him claim control and focus while dealing with so many difficult things in his life were apparent. My heart sank when he spoke about childlessness, but perhaps that was because I could share in the shattering of the viewpoint that if you focus and work hard enough, you can achieve anything. Alas, not when it comes to all things.
The key thing I take away from speaking to Rob is that life is to be lived and that we can work past the shattering of our viewpoints. It doesn’t mean that life is over, but that a shift of perspective is needed, and there are adventures where we choose to find them when we’re ready. Whether swimming the epic Clutha River, plodding through a race to get a bit of bling to show you turned up or listening to a podcast that helps you feel part of something, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is you’re here, you have a story, and you’re still showing up.
Sarah
x
