Liz McConaghy - Chinook Crew Chick

In this episode of RunPod, host Jenny Falconer speaks with Liz McConaghy, a former RAF Chinook crew member who discusses her unique journey from Northern Ireland to serving in Afghanistan. Liz shares how running became an integral part of her life, helping her cope with the traumatic experiences she faced during her service. After leaving the military due to injuries and struggling with her mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown, including a suicide attempt, Liz found herself on a path to recovery.

Liz describes how running was her outlet, ‘emptying her bucket’ after witnessing traumatic events while serving on medical response missions. She reflects on how the pressure to maintain her fitness in the military initially motivated her to run, but later, it transformed into a deeper necessity for mental well-being. After surviving her darkest moments, Liz embraced running again and found her stride during a recent half-marathon. Now training for her first full marathon, she emphasizes how running signifies a reclaiming of her identity.

Throughout the conversation, they discuss the importance of mental health, particularly in the context of the military and the struggles Liz faced transitioning to civilian life. She highlights the significance of connecting with others and being open about individual mental health numbers to foster understanding. Liz's experience ultimately sheds light on how deeply personal and transformative the act of running can be, both physically and emotionally, encouraging listeners to view challenges like hills as ‘potential to shine’ rather than obstacles. As she prepares for the marathon, Liz reflects on the journey of self-rediscovery and the importance of reaching out for help.