Running the healing road…part 2

In part 2 of the blog, we hear how running, coupled with support from RSVP, has helped a survivor to heal…

After a few months of running I completed a 5k (3.1 mile) event, then later a 10k (6.2 mile) event. Amazingly I now can run 13.1 miles without stopping! I set myself the task of running my first half marathon last year and can honestly say it’s one of the proudest moments of my life. My initial aim was to run it without stopping but as the date got closer I became competitive with myself and set the goal to run it in 2 hours 15 minutes- I did it in 2 hours 13 minutes and 38 seconds!

There was no doubt in my mind that I would run and fundraise for RSVP because this charity will always hold a special place in my heart. The journey of training to run 13.1 miles was both a physical challenge but also a rewarding and healing one. Every time I stepped out the house for a run I thought of RSVP and what they did for me and what the money I was running for could do for others. I have proudly raised over £700 in total from this but I will always be in debt to those at RSVP who continue to support me through this unfair and unjust traumatic experience. There were times along the route that tears filled my eyes but not of sadness but of hope and peace for both myself and other sexual abuse survivors. Although I can see the progress I have made over the years I know that this healing journey will be a life-long one and I am not alone- it most certainly was NOT my fault.

Both RSVP and running have taught me to be kind to myself and that it is okay to let the tears flow. I am now delighted to be invited to help other survivors who want to try running through a running group, delivered jointly by RSVP and GINA, a social enterprise for survivors. I hope to be able to encourage others to set off on and run their own ‘sexual abuse healing road.’

If you would like to join Gina’s survivor running group, read more here www.gina.uk.com