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