Ben Dave ran a lap of Yorkshire because he needed a big challenge after running changed his life, helping him lose 30kg and stop smoking a couple of packets a day. Running also helped Ben with his mental health.
When he was feeling down and lonely, Ben could only think of going to the pub as an option. Therefore he set up the Early Bird Run Crew - a friendly, daily, early 5km run in his home town to connect the community, making everyone happier and stronger individuals.

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SHOW NOTES

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Ben's website and Twitter.
@EarlyBirdRunnin
CALM - Campaign against living miserably
Ben ran a lap of Yorkshire
He made a video about his trip and put it online to force him to commit to it
Raised £7000 before even beginning
Asking for help - people like vulnerability and people like to help
Biggest worry was getting a blister!
I never really thought very far ahead - the distance was too intimidating
I wanted to talk about my experience of mental health, and this was a platform to do that
When he was feeling down and lonely he could only think of going to the pub as an option. Therefore he has set up a running group to try to deal with that
Early Bird Run Crew. 6am / 6.30, every weekday. 6 turned up on Day 1.
He didn't know many people who run, but also saw loads of people out running by themselves every day. He wanted to bring people together
Wanted to create the runners equivalent of a bikers cafe
I don't want it to be 'my' thing, rather to be 'our' thing
For me, running massively helps my mental health. If I come out early and run, I'll have a good day.
It's brought some accountability and regularity to me
It's a way of bringing people together
Just because people are smiling on the outside doesn't mean that people are happy
Trying to chat to GPs to get running prescribed
Running can be a tool in the armoury of working against suicide
Running is such a leveller - we have bin men and chief execs. But when you're running it doesn't make any difference.
The difference we have with Park Run is the regularity - being able to do it regularly rather than having a whole week to get through. Important from a mental health point of view

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You can see my ride’s route on komoot here.

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