Here’s a worrying statistic: global studies have shown that athletes of all ages and abilities are 20% more likely than the general public to develop a dysfunctional relationship with food and training.
While a number of high-profile athletes, such as Bobby Clay, have spoken out about their own disordered eating, there has until now been a lack of joined-up thinking on the subject.
That’s why Tom Fairbrother, communications executive at parkrun and a 2:34 marathoner, and Renee McGregor, a leading performance and eating disorder dietician, have launched #TRAINBRAVE.
Related: How to talk to a runner about eating disorders
‘I remember being out running and listening to a podcast in which Renee was talking about her experience of working with runners of all levels who had a disordered relationship with food,’ says Fairbrother, whose quest to become a faster runner saw his spiral into bulimia nervosa. ‘I found it quite shocking. While I was sure there were issues with this at the sub-elite level, I didn’t sense how prevalent it was at grass-roots level.’
By launching #TRAINBRAVE, Fairbrother and McGregor are hoping to shine the light on eating disorders and a running culture that, currently, isn’t doing enough to protect vulnerable athletes.
#Trainbrave also hopes to provide more resources to athletes, while encouraging an open training environment in which athletes of all ages and abilities can flourish. Alongside this, the campaign hopes to empower coaches and clubs to offer more support to athletes. As Fairbrother says, ‘A good coach cares about you as a person, not just as a runner.’
One of the ways #TRAINBRAVE is helping to spread the message is through an event, held at the London City Runners HQ on Sunday 9 December. The event, which is free, will feature stories from athletes, coaches, clubs and clinicians on the subject of disordered eating.
‘We want anyone who is interested in the topic, or who feels their relationship with food and exercise is unhealthy, to come along,’ says Fairbrother. ‘We’d love to get as many clubs and coaches along, too. This isn’t a group of people blaming a generation of coaches for being too tough; it’s a consultation. It’s about coming together, listening to each other and sharing knowledge. By doing so, hopefully the solutions will become obvious.’
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