Don River Run for Recovery: Breakthrough Fall 2004

At the Centre

One client's journey to the start, finish and beyond

While there are many positive aspects of CAMH's Don River Run, few have made me appreciate the importance of this inspiring event more than the conversations I've had with client participants.

One participant described how at one time she couldn't even imagine stepping onto a treadmill. However, with the encouragement of her recreation therapist, she gained the courage to walk, and gradually run, a few short intervals. Before she knew it, she was outside doing those same run/walk intervals between stoplights and eventually around the perimeter of Queen's Park.

She described how running gave her greater strength, energy and fulfillment in her life. She never imagined being physically active could feel so good and described how her daily workouts or "boost of confidence each day" became something she could not wait to do. Moreover, these outcomes spilled over into all aspects of her life.

While she had suffered from a long history of eating disorders, exercise had made her appreciate the need to energize herself with healthy foods rather than trying to avoid food altogether. Such healthy eating had, in turn, the very pleasant effect of improving her overall mood. She earned a new respect in the eyes of her son and family, greater self-confidence, and the energy she needed to keep up with her young son.
She told me how her son marveled at her running bib the day after the race -- she had been far too proud of her accomplishment to remove it -- and declared how he too now wanted to run a race like his mom.

Crossing the finish line at the Brentcliffe Road site, she said she felt excitement and a sense of belonging and accomplishment. Achieving this athletic goal that once seemed completely out of reach made her set other exciting goals in the athletic arena and a re-evaluation of goals and perceived obstacles in her life as a whole.

This same client raised over $100 in pledges for last year's race to be put towards important wellness initiatives at CAMH and very recently completed a feat dared by a precious and hardy few… a half marathon!