This is what we need. Let me say that again with caps lock and an exclamation mark. THIS IS WHAT WE NEED!!!. In the last last few months I have been reading everything I can on Psychology for the last 6 months in particular about how to help people win the fierce battle that rages between their ears. I'm convinced we are on a frontier here battling to save as many people from loneliness, isolation and depression as possible.

Physically I have two degrees in biology, I can describe what that battle looks like neurologically but lately I'm starting to think that these descriptions are cold that they somehow strip a human being back to just a machine and the brain is simply the high power computer waiting for commands. If it was that easy to help another human being I would be a multi millionaire. It's not.... but I think we're starting to finally get at the problems of loneliness ,isolation and depression. The Lee Fields 4 Mile run that I ran at today was organised in conjunction with these organisations below;

As most of you know from having heard about Portugal's pioneering approach to drug and alcohol abuse the main reason for a lot of drug and alcohol abuse is that the client/patient feels detached from society. Humans are sociable creatures uncoupling that takes it's toll on us and can lead to us looking for an escape. Human history shows that escaping this feeling of isolation through drug and alcohol abuse results in more isolation as family and friends slowly step away and get out of the way of their loved ones path of self destruction. This leads to a vicious cycle and coupled with addiction can lead to all kinds of hardship and suffering. The Portuguese treat this problem by re establishing the connection between the client/patient and the rest of humanity. The results so far are promising.

Enter the Lee Fields 4 Mile Run. Why did they offer a competitive run? I know what your thinking running is a solo sport why would anyone on their journey away from Drug and Alcohol abuse or misuse, try to reconnect with humanity by opting for the biggest solo sport in the world. I can tell you why because running might seem like a solo sport but it's a great equaliser. Nobody gets left on the Bench and told at the end of the game 'maybe next day we'll put you on'. If you enter a run, you put on your number, lace up your shoes and you get out there and do the best you can. In case you haven't heard it before it doesn't matter how slow you go, you're lapping everybody on the couch. If another runner feels that you're struggling they will urge you on. Remember these guys are supposed to be your opponents you're competitors even but they all understand the picture below.

Literally when you are running you are striving together with 100s, 1000s if not 10s of thousands. The spectators want to see you finish. You competitors want to see you finish. I want to read how you decided to write a blog about mastering mental health through running. So yes running is the hyperloop away from isolation and depression.

The main idea behind this 4 Mile Run is to take back Sunday morning and slowly decrease excessive alcohol consumption. The perception I got from having run in the race this morning (June 17th) was that this was working. I saw the usual runners who attend every race and I also some new faces. I also saw a slick operation. Unlike other services associated with the HSE this was a well crafted operation. The registration was easy, the volunteers were friendly, the race gun went off at exactly 10:31 am, the route was tough but well marshaled (One marshal blared motivational music as he passed on his bike urging the runners on), the finish line had water and the tea, coffee, sandwiches (at the Kingsley) and shirt made the €15 I spent on this race an absolute bargain.

The Race

Ok I'll talk about the race. I apologise for the digression but at the time of writing Julie is in election mode (Don't worry this isn't some kind of leak it's just a convention were she wants to be selected as a general election candidate) and I couldn't help but include Public Health strategy and information in this blog. As I said digression over.

The start was great we were well warned about the curb which we took in our stride. I fist pumped Julie uttered our famous motivational line 'It's hero time' and got on with it. I had gone for a long run the day before so I wasn't looking to tear up trees in this race but the atmosphere was so good I got a little carried away.

I settled within the opening kilometre thankfully because there was a tough hill coming up.

I got over the hills relatively easily because I paced myself. The was not other reason. I was operating in second gear until I reached the first hill just by Eden Hall. I had home advantage here in that I run here almost daily so my legs were well used to the strain. I found myself passing others on the hill. I urged them on if they had stopped. At 4.5 km the rollercoaster began. Once I turn down hill at Dennehy's cross, headed for Victoria cross knowing full well that the Carrigrohane straight and flat is next I cut loose. It was racing time and my heart and legs were in the mood.

I tore after the runners in front of me. I love a target even if it's unrealistic. I looked ahead and picked a shirt and made it my mission in life to finish in front of them. I needed them as much as they needed me. They would hear me coming breathing like a horse at Cheltenham, muttering to myself to find more and they would either rise with me or hold on for dear life. To me this is where you get to know yourself. I was moving so fast my heart was bursting through my chest, my legs were on fire, one side of my head was yelling red alert this is too much back off, the other side said you still have more in you....GO FASTER.

I came over the line and recorded this video on Instagram. Interpret it as you wish. To all involved well done.....Stay involved.

Lee Fields 4 Mile Road Race 2018

The Race