#RunAndTalk: The Power of Running at the Speed of Chat and what actually happens at a session

By Lucy Rider | Mental Health Champion & Club Welfare Officer

The hardest part of any run, in my opinion, is simply lacing up your trainers and stepping outside, especially at points when your mental health might be providing additional challenges to doing things that you enjoy.

As someone who discovered parkrun and Hyde Park Harriers during a particularly challenging time in my life, I know firsthand how transformative running can be for mental wellbeing as well as the more obvious physical benefits.

What Actually Happens at a #RunAndTalk Session?

#RunAndTalk is both similar and different to any club session with Hyde Park Harriers. What is mostly the same is that we meet on the third Tuesday of the month (#RunAndTalk is once a month rather than every week), 7pm, at The Edge at the University of Leeds and we meet by the steps next to the EC Stoner Building and we ask people to book in via Spond as for all sessions so we have emergency contact details.

What is different is that there are no expectations of pace or distance. We usually warm up briefly first and then cover around 5K (just over 3 miles) in running and walking distance, but sometimes more and sometimes less, we tailor the session to whoever is in the group that day and run and walk at a pace that suits everyone and we finish off with some stretches at the end. There is no pressure to hit a PB. Just the simple invitation to run, walk, or jog for around 30-40 minutes while having a proper chat. And you don’t *have* to talk, you can just listen and enjoy moving your body in a safe and supportive community group.

As a Mental Health Champion and trained Mental Health First Aider, I’m not there as a counsellor or therapist, but as a fellow runner with lived experience of tackling mental health challenges personally and supporting others. I’m someone who understands that sometimes the best conversations happen when you’re moving side by side rather than sitting face to face.

After the run, we aim to go for a drink to continue whatever conversation started on the route. Sometimes it’s about mental health. Sometimes it’s about what’s for tea. Both are equally valid.

What to Wear and Bring To a Session?

As for all of our running sessions, it can be a bit season dependent, but here are things to consider before heading out for your first session with us:

Running top – (long sleeved if colder and shorter sleeved if warmer) and hi vis is always a good option, but an essential requirement for the darker winter months between September and April.
Running shorts/leggings – again to suit your preference for temperatures, if you are buying a new pair, pockets to carry a phone and key are always useful, but you can use the lockers at The Edge to store any larger items, you just need a pound coin to access them.
Trainers – they don’t have to be super expensive or new, just comfortable, make sure your laces are done up to avoid tripping
Buff/Hats/Sweatbands (optional) – It can be helpful to keep your head and ears covered during the colder months, and sweat out of your eyes during the summer, but it’s a personal preference, certainly not essential
Socks – again preference related – I run in thick walking socks which suit me to avoid blisters and keep my feet warm, but you can run in most types of socks, just choose a pair that is comfortable.
Running Bra/Underwear – If you are someone who needs to wear a bra to feel comfortable when moving at speed, it’s a good idea to invest in a decent running bra, next to trainers, for me this is my biggest financial investment for running, but if you are just starting out, there are usually good value options in shops such as Decathlon or Up and Running. As for underwear, I know some runners just go out in their shorts, but the most important thing is to wear something that will not rub and cause friction! Comfort is key!
Running vest/belt (optional) – Some people prefer to run with a belt for phone/keys etc, they are worth considering if you don’t have shorts or leggings with pockets, but not essential.

Questions we sometimes have from people before their first session – and answers!

“What if I can’t keep up / need to stop?” Most #RunAndTalk sessions include a bit of running, but it’s absolutely fine to walk the whole time if needed.
“How many people usually come?” Naturally this will vary a little, but groups are mostly small and between 2 – 6 people most sessions.
“What happens when I arrive?” If it is your first session, drop me a message and I’ll look out for you. I’ll most likely be wearing a hi vis Hyde Park Harriers leader top with my name “Lucy” on it. Look for me by the steps. If you don’t manage to find me, all of the group leaders will get up on the steps and announce themselves and their groups at 7pm so you’ll be able to find me after this.
“What if I turn up and bottle it?” This is fine, just getting out of the house is a brilliant first step, if you get there and feel overwhelmed, that’s fine, please just message me.
“Do I need to tell you about my mental health?” *Everyone* has mental health, whether it’s good or bad and it can vary from day to day and week to week. Some people have more serious mental health challenges they are facing, and some people will be open about discussing these, whereas others are not comfortable. There’s absolutely no pressure to disclose anything personal and you can also join us if you just fancy a chatty run or you are wanting to help someone in your life who is struggling.
“Where do we go for a drink after – and is it okay to skip that bit?” It’s fine to skip the social, like the session it depends on whether people want to go for a drink afterwards, there’s no pressure to attend at all. In terms of venue, we can agree on something that suits those in the group – often it can be somewhere like The Northern Market.

The Bigger Picture: England Athletics and Mind

Our sessions are part of something much bigger. The #RunAndTalk programme is an England Athletics initiative, developed in partnership with Mind, the mental health charity. The aim is straightforward: to improve mental health through running across England.

The programme has three core goals: getting people talking about mental health and removing the stigma that still surrounds it; providing support and guidance to raise awareness of mental health challenges; and supporting people experiencing difficulties to stay active through running, whether they’re starting out, returning after a break, or simply needing to keep going.

Each year, #RunAndTalk Week coincides with World Mental Health Day in October, encouraging thousands of people across the country to run one mile or more and have a chat while doing it. But at Hyde Park Harriers, we don’t wait for a special week. We make space for these conversations every month.

Why Hyde Park Harriers Gets It Right

There’s a reason Hyde Park Harriers has been called the ‘friendliest running club in Leeds’. Founded 20 years ago (originally as Virgin Active Road Runners before moving to the University of Leeds), the club has always been built on the principle that no one is too slow, you’ll never be left behind, and you’ll never be made to feel a nuisance.

That ethos is central to how #RunAndTalk works. When someone comes to run with us, we respect that they might be taking a big step simply by showing up. The anxiety of turning up to something new can be overwhelming, so if you want to chat about what to expect prior to a session you can contact me through the #RunAndTalk Facebook page. We welcome complete beginners, returning runners, and experienced runners who simply want a comfortable, no-pressure social run in good company. All abilities, truly. The only advice would be is that if you are brand new to running, please do get in touch with me first so that I can make sure the session suits your needs, I always want people to have a positive run and talk.

The Science (and the Simple Truth)

We know that running releases endorphins – those feel-good chemicals that create what’s often called the ‘runner’s high’. But I think it’s something simpler too. It’s fresh air. It’s friends. It’s fun. It’s moving your body and getting out of your head for a while.

One in four of us will experience mental health problems each year. Running won’t fix everything, but it can be part of the picture. And running with others? That adds connection, accountability, and the kind of support that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Come and Join Us

If you’re in Leeds and curious about #RunAndTalk, I’d genuinely love to see you at one of our sessions. The third Tuesday of every month, 7pm, at The Edge, University of Leeds. No need to be a club member. No need to be fast. Just bring yourself.

Whether you want to talk about your mental health journey or just chat about the weather, what you are binge watching on Netflix, or your plans for the weekend – it all counts. We’re running (and walking!) at the speed of chat, and everyone’s welcome.—

Find out more:

Hyde Park Harriers: www.hydeparkharriers.co.uk

Facebook: facebook.com/hydeparkharriers

England Athletics #RunAndTalk: www.englandathletics.org/take-part/programmes/runandtalk

Mind: www.mind.org.uk

Lucy Rider is a Club Welfare Officer and Mental Health Champion at Hyde Park Harriers, a regular parkrunner as well as a LIRF and CIRF qualified coach.