![Chris and Running Case Study Cover Image](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frel-thorpesneurorehab-prod-7ed4e.salmonsand-dbaa7948.uksouth.azurecontainerapps.io%2Fmedia%2Fchris-and-running-case-study-cover-1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Chris and Running
Chris' story working with us to reach his goals. Originally posted by Chris to his own blog at https://inspireothers.org.uk/chris-and-running/.
Why I Run
I run mainly for fitness and I'm trying to improve my technique.
Before my brain injury I ran through the streets and the woods.
I used to run on a treadmill for ages, maybe up to an hour with my headphones on.
I used to run to the gym, work out, save some energy and then run home.
I was told in inpatient neurorehabilitation that I wouldn't be able to run again.
I still can't run properly, it's a work in progress, but I won't be defeated.
When I was discharged home, I started with current physiotherapists, Jenny and Hannah. I told them about my wish to run again. They were creative and committed.
I started learning to run again across the physio gym, I ran in the corridors, I ran in the car park outside the gym, I even used imagery (imagining running across a beach keeping my knees up):
![Chris and Running - Running in the gym corridor](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frel-thorpesneurorehab-prod-7ed4e.salmonsand-dbaa7948.uksouth.azurecontainerapps.io%2Fmedia%2Fchris-and-running-running-in-the-gym-corridor-1.png&w=1920&q=75)
Running in the gym corridor.
![Chris and Running - Running in the car park](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frel-thorpesneurorehab-prod-7ed4e.salmonsand-dbaa7948.uksouth.azurecontainerapps.io%2Fmedia%2Fchris-and-running-running-in-the-car-park-1.png&w=1200&q=75)
Running in the car park.
![Chris and Running - Imagining running](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frel-thorpesneurorehab-prod-7ed4e.salmonsand-dbaa7948.uksouth.azurecontainerapps.io%2Fmedia%2Fchris-and-running-imagining-running-1.png&w=2048&q=75)
Imagining running along the beach at Harlyn Bay keeping my knees up.
![Chris and Running - Sport Relief Mile March 2020](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frel-thorpesneurorehab-prod-7ed4e.salmonsand-dbaa7948.uksouth.azurecontainerapps.io%2Fmedia%2Fchris-and-running-sport-relief-mile-1.png&w=2048&q=75)
My rehab team knew that I love challenges and suggested that I might like to do the Sport Relief Mile to raise money for charity.
We found a disused runway with no traffic to do the mile run and set the date for March 2020.
I trained for weeks and weeks with my Physios and then it was time for the big day.
![Chris and Running - Supporters](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frel-thorpesneurorehab-prod-7ed4e.salmonsand-dbaa7948.uksouth.azurecontainerapps.io%2Fmedia%2Fchris-and-running-supporters-1.png&w=1920&q=75)
This is my army of supporters before the start of the Mile run, made up of friends, family and therapists.
![Chris and Running - Starting the mile](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frel-thorpesneurorehab-prod-7ed4e.salmonsand-dbaa7948.uksouth.azurecontainerapps.io%2Fmedia%2Fchris-and-running-starting-the-mile-1.png&w=1920&q=75)
Just starting the Mile with my two Physios by my side.
![Chris and Running - Running](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frel-thorpesneurorehab-prod-7ed4e.salmonsand-dbaa7948.uksouth.azurecontainerapps.io%2Fmedia%2Fchris-and-running-running-1.png&w=640&q=75)
I would have to run for a bit and then walk for a bit.
![Chris and Running - Finishing the Mile](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frel-thorpesneurorehab-prod-7ed4e.salmonsand-dbaa7948.uksouth.azurecontainerapps.io%2Fmedia%2Fchris-and-running-finishing-the-mile-1.png&w=2048&q=75)
This is me finishing the Mile. I was exhausted and was finding it tough to keep going. All my army of supporters cheered loudly and encourage me and I picked up the pace and made it across the line.
Not Sport Relief, a Bloody Relief!
I'm happy it's done.
I raised £1053.
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