"There's more in you": Why nursing student Gemma is taking on the full Auckland Marathon

After completing five half-marathons, Gemma Ironside has decided it's time to take on her biggest challenge yet: the full Auckland Marathon.

Her love of running began at Outward Bound in 2020, where she completed her first half marathon. After running another self-imposed half marathon on her birthday this year, she started wondering what challenge might come next.

"The marathon crossed my mind, but I was scared by the double distance of what I'd done before," she says.

With encouragement from her colleagues, manager and whānau, Gemma decided to take the leap and sign up.

The importance of mental health

Using her marathon run to fundraise for the Mental Health Foundation felt like a natural choice for Gemma. During her nursing studies, she has learned about a wide range of mental health conditions. She has also experienced the value of support firsthand.

"Fundraising for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand was an easy choice for me," she says. "Supporting their mahi means I can contribute to ensuring people have access to mental health resources and support through tough times."

"Mental health is something we all have, the same way we all have physical health, but there's still stigma around mental health challenges. The MHF helps people to feel less alone and hopefully feel less shame about any difficulties they or their loved ones are going through."

Gemma's own journey and weathering tough times

When reflecting on her own mental health journey, Gemma compares it to a boat sailing the ocean – she’s faced both smooth sailing and rough seas.

But she says that during difficult periods, focusing on the positives in her life has helped her keep moving forward.

"I have had some pretty low moments, but what helped me get through was noticing the positives in my life, such as my cats, my family, my friends, listening to my favourite music and watching my favourite TV show, Friends."

Spending time in nature has also been a constant source of comfort.

"The moment I step into nature, I see the effortless beauty the world has to offer. It helps me to shift my perspective and become more relaxed in the state I am in."

Finding wellbeing through running

Running has become an important part of Gemma's wellbeing toolkit.

"Sometimes I don't want to go on a run, but I force my foot out the door, and when I get back I always feel uplifted and amazed by what my body did."

Alongside the physical benefits, running gives her space away from the demands of nursing studies and helps her reconnect with herself.

"Going on runs helps me sleep better. It provides me with time outside of my nursing studies to just be outside and listen to my favourite music."

Support every step of the way

Since signing up for the Auckland Marathon, Gemma has been blown away by the support she’s had from friends and whānau.

"I was honestly not expecting to raise $500 so quickly and I am truly grateful for everyone who donated."

"It's made me a bit emotional seeing the support from people in different areas of my life. Even my grandparents in England donated to my page. It means so much to me."

Looking forward, Gemma is excited for the moment she crosses the finish line. “It will mean a million different things to me, especially that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I felt the same way at the start of my nursing degree, and here I am in my third year and planning to run a marathon! Those are two things that Gemma from four years ago wouldn’t have believed.”

She also draws inspiration from what she learned at Outward Bound.

"At Outward Bound, they have a saying: 'There is more in you.' I hold onto that belief. Everyone has so much potential, and it's achieved by taking one step at a time."

For anyone experiencing mental health challenges, Gemma hopes they know they don't have to face them alone.

“What you are feeling is valid. Talk to people who you trust about how you’re feeling. An analogy I’ve heard is that if you had a broken leg, you’d seek help from someone – the same goes for mental health challenges. You’re never alone, even though it may feel that way.”