Tim Richards: Running for Mental Health Awareness
In the heart of New Zealand's event scene and traffic management industry, Tim Richards stands out as a man on a mission. As the Commercial Manager at Chevron Traffic Services, Tim's professional life is  high responsibility and key decision-making. But there's more to Tim than meets the eye - he's also a passionate DJ, spinning tracks around Auckland, and a dedicated long-distance trail runner who finds solace in Aotearoa’s breathtaking landscapes.

This Movember, Tim is taking on an extraordinary challenge: running for 24 hours straight in Riverhead Forest, aiming to cover an astounding 100 miles (162 kilometers). But why? For Tim, this isn't just about physical endurance; it's about shining a spotlight on men's mental health and suicide prevention.

"Mental health is a universal struggle," Tim explains. "We all face challenges, but for me, being outside and exercising has been very helpful. I want to show others that there's power in pushing your limits and finding peace in nature."

Tim runs all the time, so why is this any different? 

Tim's journey to this moment is as inspiring as the challenge itself. An avid runner clocking serious miles every weekend, he's no stranger to big physical feats. But this time, it's different. "I used to feel that these runs  were a bit selfish as they were for my benefit. If I did say another 60km run for Movember, it would be one of many such runs I have done but this time I wanted to do something big and scary. Something so challenging that it would likely spark others to think more deeply about it, and genuinely start considering the outdoors as a means for mental health support’

Fundraising Goals and Impact

While Tim has set a fundraising goal of $3,000 for Movember, his true aim goes beyond numbers. He's on a mission to spark conversations about mental health and encourage people to step outside - literally and figuratively - of their comfort zones.

"It's not about running marathons," Tim emphasizes. "Sometimes, it's as simple as a walk in the park or a quick jog around the block. These small steps can have a massive impact on our mental state."

Tim's initiative aims to show that mental health management doesn't have to be complicated. By highlighting the accessibility of outdoor activities, he hopes to inspire others to take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings in Aotearoa and incorporate them into their routines. He acknowledges that while exercise is not a cure-all solution, it can be a valuable part of a combined effort to ease the strain on oneself.

Leading by Example in Challenging Times

Tim's initiative couldn't come at a more crucial time. The Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) industry, like many others, is facing significant challenges. Economic pressures and increased stress on frontline workers have created a perfect storm of mental health concerns.

"In our industry, we're dealing with high-pressure situations daily," Tim explains. "But that's exactly why it's so important to find simple, accessible ways to take care of our mental health. A quick walk or a moment of fresh air can make a huge different’. “Simple things like having  coffee on a walk in a park instead of on the couch looking at our phones’.

Looking forward

Tim's dedication to raising awareness for mental health through his passion for running and the outdoors is truly inspiring. His challenge to all of us? Look up, look around, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Whether it's a 24-hour run or a 10-minute walk, every step counts in the journey towards better mental health.

Join Tim in his mission. Support his run, start a conversation about mental health, or simply step outside for a breath of fresh air with a mate. Together, we can make strides towards a healthier, happier future.

Tautoko Tim's run here please https://nz.movember.com/mospace/15180025?mc=1&utm_medium=share&utm_source=dynamic&utm_campaign=copy-clipboard