Team Unbreakable is a group like no other. We run, but we do so much more than run. We are building relationships, building healthy coping mechanisms. We're a bit of a family who just goes and reaches our goals like all together and that's pretty magical. Team Unbreakable is an opportunity for young people to come together.
In particular, it's an adolescent running group. We run together twice a week. But we also get to chat openly about anxiety, things that we're worried about, things that make us nervous. Everyone feels accepted within this space because they all figure out, wow, we have shared experience. I'm not in this alone. And we welcome one another and are just ready to run into something really positive with our time.
Running is very helpful with physical and mental health. Your heart rate is increasing and then you are into it for about 10 minutes. There's this happy chemical that is in your brain called dopamine that makes you feel better and makes you feel happier. You know, I think one way to describe some of these kids like flowers and they bloom and they blossom and you can see them out there running a little bit harder and you see them taking more initiative in the group.
It's really quite profound sometimes the changes you see. And even just after one run you can tell the difference. They start to socialize. They're not shy anymore. They have eye contact, smile and it's unbelievable. Like I really enjoy that part. The first time I came to Team Unbreakable, I felt welcomed and encouraged and it can be coming back for more.
I guess it was just a surprise how everyone here wants to improve but also cheer each other on. Volunteers are the like backbone of Team Unbreakable and we need volunteers to keep everyone kind of cohesive and together. But it's more about just building those positive relationships with the teens too. What I learned from this group over these three years and this is my seventh Team Unbreakable that I'm running by listening to them and honestly let them talk, then you learn a lot from them.
By that I think I became a better mother because I'm a better listener for my teens too. This group is for teens, 14 to 18 years old, anyone who is struggling with anxiety, depression or anyone actually who would like to just be out there, do some physical activity. Honestly, if you hear about this group and think I should try that, you should try it.
Like we need you at Team Unbreakable. I feel better after running, it relieves stress. Getting out there and running, it helped me a lot. I keep coming back probably because it feels like I've done something good and I have done something good. Talk to your family physician, get your referral forms in. We want you here, we're excited to see you. You are Unbreakable. We want you here, we want you here, we want you here, we want you here, we want you here.
