Connor's 50km for 50 Days

Hello!!

My name is Connor Scott and from October 15 to December 3, I am running 50km every day for 50 days to raise funds for Speak & Share.

Speak & Share are a Not For Profit Organisation that encourages tough conversations and challenges the stigma associated with mental health. Through their preventative proactive approach, they facilitate school, corporate and sporting club programs, as well as local events to connect the community and raise awareness to positively impact mental health awareness.

I love what these lads do because when I was younger I had no idea what mental health looked like until it was too late.

I fell into a deep depression with crippling anxiety following some life-changing events and I had no idea how to handle it or describe what was happening.

In my mind, I’d lost the plot. I was having constant panic attacks, was struggling to get out of bed and felt like I’d lost all sense of self.

I couldn’t bring myself to talk to anyone because I felt scared of being judged and honestly I thought I was the only person going through it.

After 18 months of continuing to sweep it under the rug, it became too much and it led to attempting to take my own life.

Once I did reach out to a couple of mates, I realised I wasn’t alone, that I wasn’t weak and that others were going through it, too.

I was supported by friends and family. I’ve seen psychologists, counsellors and coaches that have all had a huge impact on my life.

I can happily say I’ve had the best year of my life so far.

Back then, I never thought I’d be in the position that I am now. I never thought it would pass.

However, the experience has led to a passion for empowering others to speak up about their mental health. To let people know that it will pass.

So I’m wanting to raise $50,000 for Speak & Share to provide 2500 kids with the opportunity to learn about how the vulnerability is an act of courage, not weakness.

An experience that I would have loved to have had when I was growing up.

Over the last 6 months, I have been preparing physically and mentally to run 50km a day for 50 days.

I’m going to be sharing my running thoughts, my experiences and the mental and physical challenges that I will inevitably be facing.

I’m also hoping to share the stories of others that I meet along the way. Because as the lads at Speak & Share say, a problem shared is a problem halved and the more stories we hear, the more connected we are and the less alone we feel.

So I’d love for you to follow along on this journey with me. There’s a link in my bio to donate towards Speak & Share’s cause. But if you can’t donate, come and join me for a run, share your story if you want to or check in on a loved one.

Thank you all and be kind to yourself