I decided to post in this section because through determination, honesty and courage this will be my "success story"
Its been 1 month since my last bet and thanks to the support of my amazing wife and beautiful children, I'm pleased to say I'm doing OK.
The best therapy for me has been telling my closest family that I am a compulsive gambler. Although I still feel regret, remorse and shame I do feel extremely positive about my future without gambling.
I'm really not sure that I could beat gambling on my own. The support group I have around me (although only small) is crucial to my sucess. It is my team and it makes me strong.
On the 11th of October this year I will complete my first marathon. The training for this is in some way filling the void that gambling has left.
During one of the numerous conversations with my wife we were discussing coping strategies. We talked about my running and later about giving to charity.
This got me thinking......
How about taking up marathon running seriously and maybe raising a bit of money for good causes along the way? Or even better doing this as part of a team.
So I've decided to form Team Beat Gambling Running Club(Team BG for short). The club currently has one member(myself), and if that's all it ever gets it will be a success. However I do have a vision:
Team BG will become a nationwide running club for ex gamblers and their families to compete in long distance races, as part of a team, at locations around the country. Members will be able to meet with teammates socially at each event and run in team colours.
Anyone interested please let me know via this forum or via twitter @TeamBeatGamblin
With enough interest I will set up a Facebook page and website
Hi Marathonman and welcome to the forum! The marathon on 11 October sounds like a great goal to work towards as does raising money for charity. Maybe you could start a recovery diary documenting your marathon training and your gambling recovery? Posting on others' diaries too is a great way to get to know other forum members and build your support network on this forum. Hope to hear more of your journey.
Best wishes
Deirdre
Forum Admin.
Hi marathonman, sounds like a good idea mate. Where is the marathon in october and where abouts you based? I'm looking at doing the great north run in september as well half marathon. Find running is a good method to fight gambling urges. All the best with the club.
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Thanks all for your messages of support
Hi Trisk,
I'm doing the York marathon in October, I'm based in north Lincolnshire. Running is really helping fill the void left by my gambling. Thought there might be others out there pounding the street, hence the post. Great north run sounds like a good challenge. Hope all goes well with the running and beating the gambling.
Hi marathonman,
Running on back burner for a week or so as i injured my ankle 🙁 find running helps though and enjoy it. I live not far from York so might well enter the York marathon myself in October. Be a good goal to aim for as well.
bad news about your injury tnsk, keep strong and focused buddy. Great you've got some goals to work towards
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