12.04.2022
Running the length of the UK for Young Minds
Texel Foundation is delighted to be sponsoring Imogen Boddy as she undertakes the incredible challenge of being the youngest female to run the length of the UK. In June, Imo will attempt to run 850 miles in just 22 days to earn the title and raise funds for the youth mental health charity, Young Minds.
You can follow her progress here and find out more about her challenge in this interview we held with her.
Your upcoming challenge sounds epic! Tell us more about it.
I am running the length of the UK. Starting in John O’Groats on the 19th June and aiming to finish in Lands End on 10th July. I am running 60km a day for 22 days with a serious mix of elevation and terrain. I aim to be the youngest female to have completed it.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am genuinely so excited for all of it, to see how far I can push my body and to switch off from the world and have 22 days of just focusing on putting 1 foot in front of the other.
What will be the toughest element for you?
The toughest element with be pushing through regardless of injuries, blisters and lack of sleep.
What has this challenge taught you about yourself so far?
So far this challenge has taught me so much. It has made me realise the power of the mind, it has made me realise how far you can push yourself, not to doubt yourself and it’s reminded me to give myself some credit and remember that what I do is far from normal!
Why have you chosen Young Minds as your charity partner for the run?
I used to have an incredibly unhealthy relationship with food and exercise. Mental health should be spoken about more, it shouldn’t be seen as a taboo subject and I genuinely just want to raise as much money as possible to support as many people as possible.
How has exercise helped you manage your mental health?
Exercise has done wonders for me and I want more people to realise it, exercise comes in so many different forms and there is something for everyone. It gives you breathing space, time for yourself and time to switch off from all the other affecting factors in the world.
How do you hope to inspire others?
I want to inspire others to follow their passion, go down their own path and just do what makes them truly happy (sounds cliché but people don’t do it enough!)
Can we keep tabs on your progress during the event?
Yes! Absolutely – you can track me the whole way. The link is here – https://live.opentracking.co.uk/ibjogle22/ or follow me on Instagram @imoboddy_fitness
Is the next challenge already on your radar?!
Alongside JOGLE, I am about to embark on a 250km run in Sri Lanka and I may or may not have completed it by the time this is published!
Do you have a top tip to share?
Top tip, once again sounds cliché but believe in yourself, fuel yourself as not enough people do it. My top podcasts are the engaging chatty ones. I love hearing other peoples stories, sounds mad but my favourite is called banged up! All about prisoners life who are all from completely different backgrounds.