Out in the Open - The Gloss Magazine

Out in the Open

Ultra-runner Conor O’Keeffe doesn’t believe in running from his problems. A powerful ambassador for the Walk in My Shoes (WIMS) mental health awareness campaign, supported by Avoca, he urges those who suffer from mental health issues to share their problems so others can benefit …

Gifted athlete Conor O’Keeffe is a powerful advocate for the mental health benefits of two things: Being honest and open about one’s own vulnerabilities, and the mental health-boosting capacity of exercising and getting out into nature. As an ambassador for St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Walk in My Shoes campaign, supported by Avoca for the second year running, Conor is determined to raise awareness about the burden of mental health problems and how depression and anxiety can be somewhat alleviated if these problems are shared and openly talked about. “When you open yourself up to talk to people about issues or problems, you in turn open the door for them to share their own issues and problems,” he says.

Conor has, literally, gone to great lengths to overcome depression. When a head injury put an end to his successful Thai boxing career (at 22, he earned an Irish title fight before a 2,000-capacity crowd in his native Cork), he turned his back on training, focusing instead on blotting out the shock and disappointment with an endless cycle of working and drinking. More misery and a sense that life had lost all meaning followed but a New Year’s resolution in 2018 saw him complete the Cork City Marathon. Despite waking up the next day with a hangover, a positive seed had been planted. He decided to take on the Connemara 100 mile endurance race. The euphoric high after crossing the line was followed by a crashing low. But, a decision to stop drinking and the realisation that these challenges he was setting himself were key to his being able to cope, he realised that running for very long distances, sometimes up to 100km at a time, gave him space to confront his negative thoughts. “It’s a form of self-therapy, an opportunity to talk to myself, to be honest with myself and to come to terms with who I am and move on.”

Last year, the 30-year-old from Glanmire, Cork, became the youngest ever winner of an Enduroman 200-mile Ultra Run in the UK, the first person in three years to finish under 60-hours (in 59 hours 45 minutes) and only the second ever to achieve that feat. Conor is appreciative of where he is now. “I am so grateful for my life and so grateful that I am still here, still breathing, I can never be too down about any particular day. Each day is a day I am still here and a day that is full of hope and opportunity for me.” His next challenge is 32 marathons in 32 days. But, clocking up miles at a solitary sport has delivered mental as well as physical resilience: “Training has allowed me to develop what I call ‘everyday endurance’ where I factor in the thinking I need to go through in my own mind into my every day. It means I am not at the mercy of the outside world as much.”

Conor has cultivated a daily regime to mind his wellbeing. “It’s very simple to do – it has to be or I won’t do it. I drink a glass of water, move my body (nothing strenuous!), get outside with no phones or distractions, just me and my warm cup, noting what I see, hear, touch, smell and taste.” When asked about his most cherished moment of the day, Conor says it’s having a coffee, sometimes in the lovely gardens at Avoca, Mount Usher, sometimes on the beach with his partner and his dog, Suile. “I see how happy and free she is as she chases the ball up and down the beach. It reminds me not to take life seriously all the time and that there is time for play throughout the day, and indeed throughout life. It also reminds me that the more love and light you let in to your life, the brighter you shine yourself.”

Liking to keep his Christmas shopping list short and meaningful, Conor intends to support the Walk In My Shoes campaign by choosing to gift the Avoca products designed specially for the campaign. “This way, I am giving to those dear to me and donating to this most important campaign.”

Avoca is very proud to support the Walk in My Shoes campaign again this year with the proceeds from four charity products – beautiful Christmas cards, candles and prints – going directly to Walk in My Shoes. A perfect Christmas gift, a meaningful addition to your home, we hope these thoughtfully designed items will help shine a light on a very worthy cause. The charity products are available to purchase in all Avoca stores and online at www.avoca.com.

LOVETHEGLOSS.IE?

Sign up to our MAILING LIST now for a roundup of the latest fashion, beauty, interiors and entertaining news from THE GLOSS MAGAZINE’s daily dispatches.

Choose Your Categories

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This