After the excesses of Christmas and New Year, the #Run1000 Battle of the Nations couldn’t have come at a better time for a few of us at Team TAP!

This Five Nations challenge, taking part throughout January, was the brainchild of Sheena Horner from Scotland – established to raise awareness for mental health and in particular rural mental health. Having reached the original goal of 1000 miles in a matter of days, each team is now competing on a number of other running challenges throughout January.

The campaign is raising funds for five remarkable charities that work tirelessly to support those struggling in rural communities. The charities were chosen by the team captains for England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the rest of the world.

The Charities:

• The Farming Community
• Embrace Farm
• The Do More Agriculture Foundation
• RSABI
• DPJ Foundation

With 2020 being such a challenging time for many and with ongoing restrictions to our lives, I’m sure most of us have had our mental health affected at some point. I’ve certainly found that physical activity has had a positive effect on my general well-being, especially this time round with the added pressures of home schooling!

My fellow TAP #Run1000 participants, Duncan and Borja are also benefitting from a bit of exercise, fun and the camaraderie via the online Strava communities. Fabulous idea Sheena!

And it’s not too late to donate if you can:  https://www.agri5nations.com/the-race

Team captains:

England- Charles Anyan: farmer who founded the Strava club, Running Farmers.

Ireland – Peter Hynes: farmer and founder of Ag Mental Health Week. #TackleYourFeeling ambassador.

Scotland – Sheena Horner: chilli farmer and freelance consultant who founded #Run1000

Wales – Emma Picton-Jones: teacher and part-time farmer. Founder of the DPJ Foundation Mental Health in Ag charity.

Rest of the World – Jason Medows: rancher in Missouri, America and founder of Ag State of Mind, a blog and podcast focussing on mental health and the agriculture community.