On August 4th, Enrych's dedicated team conquered the scenic Garendon Gallop in Loughborough. More than just a race, the event was a platform to raise awareness for our mission: empowering adults with disabilities and poor mental health to live with purpose.
Since its founding in 1986, Enrych has been a lifeline for many in Leicestershire, offering opportunities for meaningful engagement and social connection. Our mission is to help our clients build long-lasting friendships and gain confidence as they pursue employment opportunities aligned with their passions. Regular activities like Boccia and Multisport, along with special outings to popular attractions, continue to receive positive feedback from attendees for the impact these events have on their lives.
Preparing for a 10K is no easy task. I spent considerable time stretching to reduce the risk of aches and strains, and I encouraged my teammates to do the same, so that they felt no harsh effects afterwards. Quality footwear was also essential; the running shoes I invested in earlier in the year proved invaluable on Garendon Park's varied terrain, helping me stay agile and become the first Enrych participant to cross the finish line.
Race day brought a mix of excitement and nerves. When the starting signal sounded, our team set off with determination. I paced myself carefully, running for four kilometres at a time with two kilometres of walking in between to conserve energy. This strategy allowed me to maintain a steady pace without burning out, particularly on the steep inclines. Fatigue hit hard at the halfway mark, but with small sips of water and the support of those around me, I pushed through. One of our runners even completed the race in full firefighter attire- inspiring us all. We aimed to finish within two hours, and we well and truly smashed that target out of the park, completing the race in just over 1 hour and 40 minutes—a moment of immense pride for everyone involved.
Throughout the race, our team’s camaraderie was evident. As the frontrunner of our group, I focused on setting a positive example, encouraging others to push their limits. Every step, whether running or walking, was a victory. We celebrated each other’s efforts, knowing that every contribution was valuable. Our community partner, Tricksall, played a crucial role in our success by sending a representative to our stall and helping to raise awareness of Enrych.
The Garendon Gallop was a powerful platform for raising awareness. We shared photos and videos across our social media channels, with Tricksall helping to extend our reach. This increased visibility has the potential to create new employment opportunities for those involved in our employability programme in particular. The heartfelt congratulations from our clients and supporters meant the world to us. I’m proud to report that we raised £841.50 from the event—a testament to the community’s generosity and the impact of our efforts.
Reflecting on the race, I found it to be as challenging as expected. My strategy of pacing myself on the long stretches and conserving energy for the hills paid off, allowing me to adjust to the varied terrain. Meeting new supporters at our stall before the race was a highlight, as it showed genuine interest in our mission. Every small donation reminded me that every contribution counts. The sense of togetherness and determination to finish made it an unforgettable experience.
Setting personal goals and achieving them, no matter how difficult the journey, is incredibly important for mental health. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges, like completing this race, can boost confidence and resilience. My personal idea of how this presents is like mastering being in the courage zone. It reminds us that with determination and support, we can accomplish more than we might have thought possible, leading to a stronger sense of wellbeing and purpose.
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