There is Something Special About Running in the Dark

When Lizzie Bean was asked what she did for a living, she had to stop and think because it was such a mixture. She found that using the analogy of running and her running group made it easier.

Here, she shares her ethos of being a light to others.

Last night I went for a Runner Bean run. Myself and 5 others donned our trainers and stepped out into the spring evening. To put some smiles on our cheeks, some miles into our feet, and for me…to take photos! I often take my phone with me to capture the earth as it turns from light to dark, and it has, as it did last night, inspired me!

I was asked many moons ago, what it is that I did for a living… And I wasn’t sure what the answer was, as what I do is so all over the place!
But I tried to explain what BeanOlogy was…

So I used running as my narrative. As the nights draw in and the darkness takes the place of the hot sun, which makes my curly hair huge and I eat the occasional fly, the runs become a metaphor for life itself. I know many people will think I am actually bonkers for saying such a thing! But it resonates with me!

We all step into the night. Into the darkness not sure where the road will lead us, not sure what we will encounter along the way! There may be the odd pothole to trip over, the odd cow to make us jump! Sometimes the hills seem unbearable, the top so far away, and sometimes we rise to meet them with barely a whimper! Is that not what this life is? Day after day we step into the unknown. As every day, although a gift, is not promised nor planned! We know not, that there may be a pothole to fall over, a lost job, a lost pet, a broken arm! We are never sure when those hills will be tougher to climb… How big is the challenge? How hard will it be?? We may have the best shoes, the sleekest jacket, the most intelligent running watch, but it makes no difference as none of us know what is out there! None of us can see it!

Most runs are uneventful, just a few miles, some giggles, and an adventure to share! But some runs, like some days… feel like they will break your spirit… I can’t run anymore. I can’t get up that hill. I can’t do it. I won’t… And you stop, and it is then, that the lights from those people around you, reach out. Head torches on, they turn, and scoop you up! Gently whisper you can do it, and if you can’t, then I will walk beside you! Together we will get there…

What does this all mean? In a world full of darkness, be that light. Whether you are a glow all the time kind of person or a gentle dancing flame… Be the moonlight to light the night. Help the lost find their way and the lonely, feel the warmth of the sunbeams.

And, you know, if your light has gone out, and you can’t see the way. It is ok to ask for someone to hold your hand… To get you back on to your feet, dust you down and gently push you on.

Every step into the night. Is like a step into our days. The future can be planned, but not predicted. Look after you and look after each other.

The author

Lizzie Bean

Lizzie Bean has been working in the well-being world long before it became a #. A long-term dance with childhood cancer with one of her 4 children and losing her dad at 27, Lizzie has experienced moments of mental wobbliness and loneliness, so huge at times that she vowed to try and create a world that wrapped people in compassion, self-love and the wonder of living.Lizzie turned her face towards the warmer side of living and now using all manner of vehicles, she teaches and facilitates workshops in schools, colleges, communities, and workplaces, to help people to look after their own mental health. As well as encouraging people to live a life that is fuelled by doing what they love. She’s a great believer in controlling what you can, and surfing all the rest!