My ‘indescribable’ running journey

A Tyrone woman who credits running with initiating a complete turnaround in her mental and physical health is bidding to help others when she takes part in the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon relay later this month.

Originally from Strabane, Ciara Timoney returned home from London in 2022 after suffering with depression and anxiety symptoms. However, her journey to recovery began when she signed up for Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Couch to 5k programme shortly after.

On Sunday May 19, her 7k leg in the half marathon will be her biggest event of her running journey to date and she has decided to take on the challenge to raise funds for the Koram Centre and the local fundraising campaign in memory of Strabane man Rory Carlin who died following a drug addiction.

The Koram Centre offers counselling, psychotherapy and psychosocial support to anyone experiencing challenges with their mental health or addiction issues.

“The Carlin family are well known in the town, but even if you didn’t know them, the struggles that our town is having with mental illness, addictions and suicides are plain to see, and the town is crying out for help,” Ciara said.

“By supporting this fund, we are not only remembering Rory and his family but letting everyone know that no matter what you’re going through, there is always going to be a helping hand and support.”

NOVICE

With no background in running when she started two years ago, Ciara now runs three or four times a week and has been overwhelmed by the positive impact it has had on all elements of her life.

“It has been indescribable go be honest,” she admitted. “In 2022 my dad Eugene mentioned he was starting the couch to 5k program at Melvin and encouraged me to give it a go.

“That first evening I couldn’t run the length of myself without feeling like I was going to be sick but the group of established runners were so friendly and encouraging so I thought I’ll at least finish this program.

“My depression and anxiety, my asthma, even my sleeping have all improved, when I think of how far I’ve come, it’s quite overwhelming.

“On a personal level it’s also meant a lot to me that my Dad has been with me through every step of my running journey and he is taking part in a relay team himself on May 19.

“We do the Strabane parkrun most Saturdays as well, my mum Roisin is a regular volunteer too and it has become a real family passion.”

Ciara will be joined on race day by her relay teammates and friends Berni Campbell and Noelle Kelly.

Race organisers hope the relay element will make the event more accessible and be a gateway for participants to take their running to the next level.

“I’m not confident enough to do a half marathon yet, although hopefully in the future, and I was really excited when they announced the relay option as it allowed so many more to get involved with the event,” she noted.

ADVICE

“If I was to say something to someone starting out with running it would be to just get out there, not every run will feel great and some nights your body is just not in it but that’s perfectly fine – everyone has days like that.

“But just getting out and doing even a short, slow jog or walk is so beneficial as you’re keeping the routine of getting out going and that’s one of the major hurdles when you’re starting out.

“I’m excited to take part in this brilliant event for our town, and every single person – from the first over the line to the last and everyone who is out supporting us – can be extremely proud.

“We hear so much negativity around our wee town, but events like this highlight the best of us – the perseverance and kindness.”

The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon start at Meeting House Street at 9.30am on May 19 with a 13.1 mile course that takes in both sides of the border and concludes on the Melvin Running Track.

You can donate to the Rory Carlin fund at www.justgiving.com/page/rorycarlin