On January 26, 2023 starting at 10 am I am running on a treadmill blindfold for 24 hrs for a Guinness World Record.
Why would I run blindfolded on a treadmill for 24 hours?
In general, why push to achieve goals most would not even think of, let alone attempt? The real reason has nothing to do with me individually, but about my profession as a whole. I am raising awareness about mental health in the fire service.
Our local fire service community has had several suicides and attempts in the last couple years. And it is a problem that is nationwide. It’s also a problem that needs to be solved. So, I run for those that have lost their race.
I take my responsibility of my own mental health seriously. I discovered running blindfolded on a treadmill elevates my well-being as I navigate the stresses of working in the fire service. This is a form of therapy for me. I am running to raise awareness that each of us is responsible for maintaining our mental well-being. I run to take steps forward toward a greater well-being for the living in our fire service. So, I run for those in the fight every day.
I hope this event adds to the conversations to normalize the mental health support system available to the fire service. I want to lower the threshold of seeking help. I want to attack the stigma that can be associated with mental health support. We all deserve to feel supported in our emotional well-being. So, I run blindfolded so that others can see.
I run to honor our fallen. I run to support our honor guard. It is the Honor Guard who stands watch over the bodies of our fallen Fire Fighters before they are laid in their final resting place. Your contributions go directly to them. Money raised will be used by the Prescott Fire Honor Guard to support their efforts in honoring the flag and the fallen.
So, I run to honor the fallen.
Above all, if I manage to bring home a Guinness World Record in the process, I do it for more than myself. I do it for anyone that has been impacted by this epidemic. So, I’m not running to break a record. I am running to break barriers for us all.
The resources are available.
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To win, we just have to take the first step.
You can join into the journey live streamed at this link - online and updated at 10:30