Dawn Tan

My Activity Tracking

313
mi

My target 20 mi

Running London Landmarks for Mental Health UK, in my own words

I don't often desire long-distance running the way my running friends do. It takes a lot for me to join a race, and then to train for it. Since doing Gold Coast in 2023, I haven't seriously trained for a race because I simply don't enjoy the race mentality - an obsession with pace, distance, PBs etc. These discussions are, for me, the worst of what society has to offer - competition (even with one self), self-glory, proving something to someone while also proving absolutely nothing to no one. There is a language people in the running community use that I don't vibe with at all, and there is a mentality of tying self-worth to identity that I despise.

But I do enjoy the discipline of running. I like waking up and knowing that I have to clock some miles and then following through and doing it. The running is meditative and I am almost always listening to a silly little podcast to learn something new. Embarking on a training block meant running a tighter ship to build into long runs, and this training block has been the loveliest, most calming respite against the backdrop of school deadlines and uh, *gestures wildly at the general world*.

I think what makes this special is that I've tackled this training block on my own. A reminder to myself that I do have discipline and am so capable of keeping promises to myself - a type of self-worth I don't think I've fully understood till late least year. It has nothing to do with what I can or want to achieve, it only has to do with showing up for myself as I am, because that's enough. I can do hard things. I have done so many hard things. I will continue to have many more hard things that I will have to do.

I've met my fundraising target I committed to when I decided to run on a charity bib for the London Landmarks Half Marathon. If you feel so moved to give to a cause that helps people continue to do really hard things, please feel free to do so! Whether you choose to donate or not, please drop me a text message on 12 April 2026, around say...1pm, so I can send you a selfie of me crossing the finish line.

Mental Health UK is dedicated to providing essential support and resources to individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, they are at the forefront of driving positive change within the mental health landscape.

Select amount to donate

£12

£21

£52

Donate

All payments are secure & encrypted

Personal Donation Company Donation

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Postal Address

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2

Town/City *

Postcode *

County

Country *

We would like to contact you from time to time to keep you informed of Mental Health UK fundraising activities and appeals. We will not share your data and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Yes No

Leave a Message (Optional)

Name to appear on page (Optional)

I'd like to remain anonymous to the fundraiser

All payments are secure & encrypted

Credit Card

Cover platform costs

Total amount

Gift Aid Yes, I am a UK taxpayer. Please treat all donations as Gift Aid donations. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.