Interviews
meet anna Quinn
How does the Beats campaign’s message for encouraging the youth to go outside to better their mental state align with your experience as a young woman training for the London marathon?
Anna: It’s not only a message I advocate for but it also aligns perfectly with my experiences especially training for this marathon, as training for a marathon is not only a physical challenge it’s also a mental and emotional challenge as well. The campaign stresses how the outdoors can be healing for both the mind and body.
What impact would you say that the Beats earphones have on your training routine especially when it comes to your focus and drive?
Anna: My earphones are my running partner! The hypnotic sound quality and the wireless feature allow me to have freedom in my movement and for my focus to only be my running. I have a playlist that I carefully crafted that io solely use when training that helps me stay motivated, empowered and in my zone. This playlist created a space where I can push myself to reach my goal.
Why do you think it’s important for young people in particular young athletes training to achieve a specific goal like yourself to spend time outdoors as a part of a routine for their mental health?
Anna: From my experiences, I can say that training to compete in a marathon is extremely stressful at times and can become a bit overwhelming. For anyone else training to achieve or compete in something, they should go outdoors as it provides a calm and refreshing backdrop and since our mental health is intertwined with the environment we immerse ourselves in going outside can be a positive change.
Can you tell me of a time when you struggled with your mental health during your training?
Anna: There were many challenges during my time training, at times it would be really draining and I lacked motivation. There was one time in particular when I hit a mental wall whilst on this extremely exhausting run. So I decided to go on a different route where I ran alongside the river themes with my music on. This was a nice scenic change which helped re-energize me.
What impact do you think this campaign will have on influencing the younger generation, especially the youth of today who are participating in something both physically and mentally challenging?
Anna: The campaign promotes and encourages a way of life that puts mental and physical well-being first. Especially the younger people who are pushing their limits in a physical journey such as a marathon Beats is offering them a way to improve that journey and give themselves a better overall experience.
This is a university project for my Web Design class 🙂