Meet the man running the Tan for mental health

hello • 3 March 2021

Darren is the man behind Run The Tan, a new initiative raising funds and awareness for mental health.

Darren the man behind run the tan is pictured running a race. Darren is at the front of the pack and wearing a black and red singlet with black shorts. He looks determined.

 

Can you tell us about what inspired you to create Run The Tan?

 

 Running has always been a passion of mine. I personally use running and exercise as one of my main coping mechanisms - together with meditation it helps me navigate difficult times in my life.

 

I also believe that exercise is fundamental to our physical and mental health. 1 in 5 people will suffer from a mental health issue this year, and research shows that running for just 15 minutes a day can reduce the risk of major depression by 26%.

 

I wanted to give something back to the sport I love so much and to the community in general, by raising awareness and funds to support Australians experiencing mental health challenges.

 

Since moving from the country to Melbourne many years back, I have always loved The Tan Track around the Botanic Gardens and everything it stands for. It’s one of the most iconic running tracks in Australia. People from all walks of life and abilities jog, race, walk and train on the track every day.  

 

My vision was to create a new and fresh running event around The Tan to promote the track, celebrate the amazing times that our elite athletes have done around the tan, grow interest in running as a sport and highlight the benefits exercise has on our mental health.

 

This year marks the inaugural Run The Tan 2021. I am very excited to have R U OK? on board.

               

 

Q. What impact do you hope your efforts will have?

 


A. I am hoping to raise awareness of the importance that exercise has on people’s mental health and wellbeing and motivate people to be more active on a regular basis.

 

We are aiming to raise $100,000 as part of our Run for Mental Health campaign. The money raised will help our local charity partner organisations to provide ongoing research as well as practical services and prevention measures for mental health.

 

 

Q. Why did you include R U OK? in the charities supported by Run The Tan?

 

A. I really like what R U OK? stands for and the great work they do in helping educate the community across all areas (work, personal and school) about the importance of checking in on people to ask them, “are you OK?”

 

I have implemented several R U OK? campaigns as part of Health & Wellbeing initiatives in my workplace over the years. I have also used their four conversation steps – Ask R U OK?, Listen, Encourage Action and Check in - when talking with family and friends. It’s a very powerful and effective technique and I highly recommend it to everyone.

 

 

Q. Why do you believe asking R U OK? can make a difference?

 

A. “Are you OK?” is a simple but very powerful question. It can be the difference between someone sharing and talking about what’s going on in their life and how they’re feeling, or continuing to suppress these thoughts and feelings, feeling alone and suffering in silence. Most people just need to know that there is someone out there who cares about them and is willing to listen. 

 

As we travel through life we experience  bumps in the road, and some bumps are bigger than others. I have had several close family members and friends who have experienced big bumps and some are still riding those bumps. Their challenges have ranged from lack of morale / confidence, weight gain, job loss, PTSD from being in the Australian Defence Force, through to death of a partner / sibling / child. 

 

I have asked R U OK? many times as part of checking in on those around me and find it a very effective way to get an indication (or what I call an emotional temperature check)  if they’re okay and then use listening and action plan techniques to provide ongoing support if required.

 

Q. Do you have any training/motivational tips for anyone running to raise money and awareness for mental health?

 

A. The first step is to set a goal. Then make a personal commitment to yourself to register for the event, and create a fundraising page for your preferred charity.

 

I would recommend following a structured running program based on your running experience, fitness level and the distance and type of event.

 

Q. Run The Tan comes after an extended period where Melbourne has been in and out of lockdown, how have you managed to stay connected?

 

A. Last year was tough for everyone. Throughout the lockdowns I’ve stayed connected mainly through the use of technology, whether that was for work or personal reasons. Using video conferencing, messaging and the old fashioned telephone call.

 

It has allowed me to spend more time with the kids and my new partner because we’ve been restricted on what we could do outside the house. I’ve been lucky because running is my main form of exercise and we’ve still been allowed to run outside. I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with my running buddies in person for some regular training sessions which I really missed throughout lockdown. 

 

I also hadn’t seen my parents, who live in Swan Hill in Country Victoria, all year so it was great to be able to get up there to see them and the rest of my family over Christmas. I think the older generation and especially grandparents found it extremely hard through lockdown, not being able to see or spend time with their grandkids and own kids.

 

Q. Do you have any tips for staying connected both in and out of lockdowns?

 

A. My tips would be;

1.   Be grateful for what you’ve got and remind yourself of this. Let others know why you are grateful for them

2.   Use technology to keep in touch/ connected with people, especially if you can’t catch up in person; and

3.   Do some regular exercise, eat well and try to maintain a good sleep pattern

 

Q. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

 

I just want to say thank you to R U OK? for supporting Run The Tan and for believing in me and the cause.

 

This is a personal passion project for me, and I have invested a lot of my own time, effort and money in the event because I believe so strongly in the impact this event can make in Melbourne and Australia. Especially after the year we had last year due to Covid-19 and the impact that this has had, and is continuing to have on our lives and mental health.

 

Keep running and stay safe!

 

Thank you so much Darren, everyone at R U OK? wishes you and everyone involved all the very best.

 

Are you up for a challenge?

 

Run the Tan takes place on Saturday 24th April, click this link if you’d like to take on the challenge for R U OK?

 

 

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The recent incident in Sydney has left many feeling distressed and overwhelmed, and you may notice the children in your life are struggling too. Below, you’ll find advice from mental health experts on caring for your own wellbeing, and providing meaningful support to others in the days and weeks ahead. Talking to children about traumatic events Children are likely to have seen and heard distressing information about this incident. Ongoing news coverage, images and discussion can intensify feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger. The Child Mind Institute has published a practical guide to help parents and carers talk with children about traumatic events. The guide offers practical age-specific advice and has been developed by experts in child psychology, you can access this guide here . Events involving violence or serious harm can be especially difficult for children to understand or discuss. The guide focuses on helping children feel safe, supported and reassured, and encourages parents, carers or guardians to: Provide comfort and reassurance, including physical affection Remain calm and measured when discussing the event Maintain regular routines to restore a sense of normality Encourage play, connection and time with others Share honest, age-appropriate information from trusted sources Limit children’s exposure to news, especially younger children Listen patiently and validate children’s feelings Recognise that fear, anger, sadness or guilt are all normal reactions Looking after yourself, and supporting others Rachel Clements, R U OK? Advisor, and Director of Psychological Services at Centre for Corporate Health, said strong emotional reactions are normal and healthy for people of all ages following public acts of violence, even among those not directly impacted. “Some reactions that are incredibly normal are concern, shock, horror, disbelief. When that wears off sometimes, people experience stronger feelings, sometimes anger, despair, sadness, anxiety or fear-based behaviour."  Ms Clements advised that connecting with friends, sporting clubs, or workplace networks, and simply asking ‘are you OK?’, can play a key role in supporting people experiencing distress. "This event will disrupt the nervous system. One of the most important things we can do is stay connected, talk to each other and lean into supportive conversations,” Ms Clements said. She suggested starting a genuine conversation by asking questions such as: 'it's been tough watching this information coming to light, how are you feeling about it?’ “Then, all you’ve got to do is listen with empathy, without judgment or interruption, and just allow someone to talk about their experience and how they are feeling. When it is the right time in the conversation, you can then gently guide someone towards supportive actions, like doing some gentle exercise, staying connected with friends and family, or maintaining regular routines.” Ms Clements emphasised the importance of checking in again to ensure people have continued support. If you notice someone’s distress is ongoing for several weeks and begins to affect their work or social life, professional help should be encouraged. If you or the children in your care are experiencing ongoing distress, consider speaking with a doctor or another trusted healthcare provider. Free and professional 24/7counselling services are available, find contact details here . If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Ask R U OK? Any Day.

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