Dear Friends and Supporters,
I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out to share some exciting news and to ask for your support in a meaningful cause.
Glasgow to Edinburgh and Thames Path Challenge
I am thrilled to announce that I will be participating in the Thames Path Challenge 75km this September and the 55 mile Glasgow to Edinburgh ultra in October. This challenge is not just a physical feat for me; it's a deeply personal journey of healing and growth. After struggling with depression and weight gain following my mother's passing in 2021, I found solace and purpose in my training regimen. Each step I take towards the finish line is not just a test of endurance, but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope.
Alongside my training where I've passed over 800 miles so far after a long period of inactivity, I've also started working on a social network website called Mindflow Run which is designed to help people who find themselves in the same position I did over the past few years.
The Beginnings of Mindflow Run
For six years, I ran every single day. I even ran from Land's End to John O'Groats in 38 days, using what would become the basis for the Mindflow Run social networking website I've been developing.
During the John O'Groats run, I refused to walk and would stop whenever I needed to, resuming from the same spot again. This approach made me cover less ground each day. If I were to do something similar again, I would combine walking and running to cover more distance and gain better mental health benefits.
Recovery was a lot more difficult than expected
I tried to get back into running the way I used to, but joyless, slow running wasn't cutting it. It just didn't stick.
In 2022, I found myself in the Algarve. I started running again, but it was when I combined running with walking that things clicked. However, I slipped back into old habits and spent Spring and Summer of 2022 not exercising and sinking deeper into depression.
On a whim, I booked a flight to Vienna. I traveled through Slovakia to Budapest, where I began walking and running again. I started to really enjoy it and realized that being outside doing anything was better than being indoors doing nothing.
I moved to Spain, found joy and peace, and even started learning Spanish. I became somewhat proficient and lived there for five months before returning to the UK.
I moved to Liverpool and quickly fell in love with the city. Despite having full-time employment, I struggled with purpose and found remote work isolating. My mental health deteriorated rapidly.
Starting Mindflow Run
In 2024, I decided to restart my contracting company, this time focusing on mental health, fundraising, fitness, and addiction-based apps. I also decided to formalize my walk-running system in my head, which became the foundation of Mindflow Run, a Laravel-based, AI-powered running and mental health support site. This system saved me from depression, and it can help you too if you're feeling alone out there.
Some of my best runs in Spain involved stopping mid-run for little meals at restaurants. It added so much to the experience compared to joylessly plowing through a workout with gels. By mixing running with fun aspects, you're more likely to stick with it and make it a social activity.
Mindflow Run differs from Strava in that it is tailored to those who are trying to get back into walking/running long distances after a long time off. There's no better time to start than the present, and you'll be surprised how far you can go by just doing a little today and following up with it tomorrow. At Mindflow Run, we are all about the growth mindset and less about competitiveness. We have lived experience with depression and want to help as many people escape its grip as much as possible.
If the puritanical outlook on running has put you off, Mindflow Run can be your gateway into a world of long-distance running where the only limits are what you think is possible.
Training for the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon
I'm excited to announce that I’ve been training for the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon over the last few months, putting in over 1,000km around the streets of Liverpool while fundraising for Marie Curie.
What is Mindflow Run?
The Mindflow Run Wave Technique is a holistic running approach inspired by the Maffetone method. It focuses on maintaining a specific heart rate range to optimize endurance, performance, and overall well-being. This technique is particularly beneficial for those looking to improve their running experience by listening to their bodies and finding a meditative rhythm in their runs.
Key Principles of the Mindflow Run Wave Technique:
Heart Rate Zones:
- Identify your personalized heart rate range. For example, aim to stay between 130 and 150 beats per minute (bpm).
- Continuously monitor your heart rate to ensure you remain within this target zone as much as possible.
Wave Pattern Running:
- When your heart rate reaches the maximum value of your range (e.g., 150 bpm), slow down to a walk.
- Once your heart rate drops to the minimum value of your range (e.g., 130 bpm), begin running again if you feel capable.
- This wave-like pattern of speeding up and slowing down helps manage exertion levels and promotes a sustainable running pace.
Time on Legs:
- Prioritize the duration of your run over the intensity. The goal is to spend as much time on your legs as possible, which enhances endurance and builds resilience.
- Take as many breaks as necessary. The key is to keep moving and stay positive throughout your run.
Mental Focus and Positivity:
- Maintain a positive mindset. Enjoy your time outdoors and appreciate the physical and mental benefits of running.
- Embrace the journey, focusing on the joy and satisfaction of running rather than just the performance metrics.
Listening to Your Body:
- Trust in the technique and allow your body to guide you. Pay close attention to how your body responds to different paces and make adjustments accordingly.
- Over time, you will find a meditative flow, effortlessly synchronizing your movements with your heart rate and achieving a state of physical and mental harmony.
Supporting Marie Curie
Through this challenge, I aim to raise funds and awareness for Marie Curie, an organization that provided invaluable support to my family during a time of great need. Their compassionate care and dedication made an immense difference in my mother's final days, and I am forever grateful for their presence in our lives.
I invite you to join me on this journey by supporting my fundraising efforts. Your contribution, no matter how small, will help Marie Curie continue their vital work, providing care and support to individuals and families facing terminal illness.
With gratitude,
Matt
At Mindful Code Labs, we believe in leveraging the latest technology to improve our operations and customer interactions. Recently, we've implemented two innovative solutions to enhance our call process: Air Landline and ElevenLabs AI voice generator. Here's how these tools are making our call experience smoother and more efficient. Air Landline is a service that allows us to use a local Liverpool number that redirects to our mobile phones. This means we can maintain a professional presence with a local number, while still having the flexibility to manage calls from anywhere. For a company like ours, which is dedicated to PHP web development and creating fitness and mental health apps, this flexibility is crucial. Answering calls promptly and professionally is key to maintaining good customer relationships. However, it can sometimes be challenging to manage all calls personally, especially during busy periods. This is where ElevenLabs AI voice generator comes into play. ElevenLabs provides advanced AI technology to create natural-sounding, customized voice messages. By using this service, we can ensure that every caller receives a warm, friendly, and professional greeting, even if we can't answer the phone right away. Implementing Air Landline and ElevenLabs AI voice generator has significantly improved our call handling process at Mindful Code Labs. These tools have allowed us to maintain a high level of professionalism and efficiency, ensuring that we can provide the best possible service to our clients. We are always looking for innovative solutions to streamline our operations and enhance customer experiences. By integrating these technologies, we've taken a big step forward in how we manage our communications. If you're considering ways to improve your business's call handling process, we highly recommend exploring what Air Landline and ElevenLabs AI can offer. It's been a game-changer for us, and we believe it can be for you too.What is Air Landline?
Why We Chose ElevenLabs AI Voice Generator
How We Set It Up
Hello, and thank you for calling Mindful Code Labs! Your call is important to us. Please hold while we connect you to a representative. If you hear music, feel free to relax—your call will be answered shortly. Have a mindful and productive day!
The Benefits We've Seen
Conclusion
Seeking New Contract Opportunities for May/June
Hi, I'm Matt Waterworth, founder of Mindful Code Labs. I'm currently on the lookout for new contract opportunities starting in May or June. My ideal contract would be either based in the North West of England or UK-wide if the role is largely remote.
Preferred Industries
I am particularly interested in roles within the following industries:
- Health
- Education
- Fitness
- Fundraising
With extensive experience in PHP web development and a passion for creating impactful applications, I am eager to bring my skills to projects that make a difference. Whether it's developing robust health management systems, innovative educational platforms, fitness tracking apps, or fundraising solutions, I am ready to contribute effectively.
Why Choose Me?
As an IT contractor with a proven track record, I offer:
- Expertise in Laravel, Docker, Angular, and PHP
- Experience with complex project management and system optimization
- A commitment to leveraging technology for societal well-being
- Flexibility and adaptability to remote or on-site roles
If you're looking for a dedicated professional who can deliver high-quality results and seamlessly integrate with your team, I'd love to connect. Let's discuss how we can work together to achieve your project goals.
Contact me today to explore how we can collaborate on your next big project!
In today's fast-paced world, where technology and personal well-being often find themselves on opposite ends, Mindful Code Labs emerges as a beacon of hope. Founded by Matt Waterworth, a seasoned developer with a passion not just for code but for enhancing mental health and physical fitness, Mindful Code Labs is more than just a tech company. It's a vision to harmonize technology with the essential elements of human well-being.
At its core, Mindful Code Labs is driven by the mission to leverage technology to improve lives. With over a decade of experience in PHP, exploring frameworks like Symfony, Laravel, Zend, and CakePHP, and a burgeoning interest in Django and Angular, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and an innovative mindset to the table. But it's not just about the code. It's about what the code can achieve — for individuals and communities alike.
A Dual Focus: Technology and Well-being
Mindful Code Labs is dedicated to creating solutions that address real-world problems, particularly in the realms of mental health and fitness. Whether it's developing apps that encourage active lifestyles, platforms that offer support for mental health issues, or tools that facilitate community and connection, the goal is clear: to make a positive impact.
Our Projects: Where Tech Meets Purpose
Our projects range from fitness apps that motivate users to stay active, to mental health platforms offering support and resources, and everything in between. Each project is a step towards our larger goal of a healthier, happier society, empowered by technology.
Join Us on This Journey
We invite you to join us at Mindful Code Labs as we embark on this exciting journey. Whether you're interested in the tech side of things, looking for support in your personal health and fitness goals, or eager to learn how technology can foster community and connection, there's a place for you here.
We're more than just a tech company. We're a movement towards a better future, one line of code at a time. Welcome to Mindful Code Labs.
Stay tuned for updates on our projects, insights into our journey, and tips on how you can be a part of this exciting convergence of technology and personal well-being. Together, we can make a difference.
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