Dr. Katie Myint - Running for Enjoyment and Mental Well-Being

Join us today as we have a conversation with Dr. Katie Myint, an eye surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Her journey takes us from her Midlands upbringing to becoming a doctor and the role running and exercise played in promoting mental well-being. Katie candidly shares her battle with depression during her second year as a doctor, shedding light on how exercise and medication became transformative tools for enhancing her mental health. As we explore her running journey and marathon experiences, one theme remains constant: the pure joy of movement. Throughout the episode, Katie discusses her marathon adventures, from running alongside her husband to using races as a gateway to explore the world. She passionately underscores the importance of running as a cherished hobby, never allowing it to encroach upon her daily life. Katie offers advice on motivation and self-compassion and encourages women to embrace exercise with the conviction that it can be an enjoyable endeavour. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Working as an eye surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, in London Her early years growing up in the Midlands  Being focused on academics  Learning how to swim with her dad Enjoying school and wanting to do well Finding her way into sports and exercise as an adult  Not enjoying sports at school  Dealing with depression in her 2nd year of being a doctor Feeling alone  Using exercise to improve mental well-being  Taking the first step to going out and doing exercise  Not recognising in herself that she had depression  Going to see her GP and being recommended exercise and medication  Going on her first run in winter in the rain and the dark Her running journey and what that looked like  Being a solo runner for a long time Running to help process her thoughts  Not having any running goals and using running to improve her mental well-being Working her way up to a half-marathon and marathon  Why it wasn't about times or PBs but rather the joy of moving Running with her husband and using a marathon race as an excuse to go on holiday abroad  Fitting in running around her job and life Not following a structured running program  Wanting to keep running as a hobby  Doing 2 or 3 shorter runs throughout the week with one long run at the weekend Not letting running get in the way of life Magical moments while running Running the Barcelona Marathon, Spain  Marathon du Medoc, Bordeau, France  Managing the tough times in a race and how to mange that The race is just the final victory lap and the journey is in all the runs you've done before it.  Why it can be tricky between mile 16 and 18  Loving Park Run and starting Saturdays with a run followed by brunch  Getting involved in triathlon  Getting her first bike  Training solo or with her husband Doing her first triathlon and why it was a total wash out Taking the race at your own pace and not comparing yourself to others Being an Ambassador for ON  Advice for when you don't want to go out running Remembering why you are doing it, but also being kind to yourself Stretching…. Race plans for 2024 Where Katie is most active on social media  Final words of advice to encourage more women to get exercise in their life Encouraging you to run for the love of it and that exercise can be fun!   Social Media Instagram: @katietriestorun