Support Athletes Suffering from Eating Disorders

https://runninginsilence.org/you-can-never-have-an-eating-disorder-that-isnt-serious-enough-charmaines-copenhagen-marathon-fundraiser-and-reflections/

I was brought up in an environment where the pursuit of excellence is glorified and where one’s worth is tied to success and results. This meant that for the bulk of my teenage years, I believed I had to be good at everything I did; and that included running. I always wanted to ace my runs. I would try to eat healthy and self-imposed food rules from avoiding carbohydrates to only eating certain parts of food. I oscillated between periods of undereating and overeating; and permitted myself to eat only when I had exercised. At my worst, I was binge eating, throwing up 5-6 times a day, and heading off to the treadmill to burn off the calories.

Yet over the 4 years I never sought professional help. Mostly because I told myself my condition was not 'serious enough'. Besides, I was still performing in training and competitions, and in the eyes of the people around me, I was seen as fit and healthy. All of these further dissuaded me from voicing out anything that I had been going through. I grounded myself in 'no pain no gain' and told myself it was part of the discipline of an athlete.

My only wish for this fundraiser is to show people that anyone can have an eating disorder, even the healthiest and fittest of us all. To use my story as a walking testimony of the struggles of many other athletes out there; to make their voices heard, and let them know that they're not alone. To show coaches that your star athlete may be struggling with eating, and let them know their words carry weight. To emphasise that one’s identity encompasses multiple faces, and bring to light how there's always more than what meets the eye.

Being one of the few non-profits around the world who focus on eating disorders in runners specifically, it resonates perfectly with my story. And that's why I believe so strongly in its mission. I believe that all athletes, regardless of race, gender or nationality, deserve to be brought up in environments adequately informed about these psychological pitfalls. Mental fortitude can be power, but power in harm, when wielded wrongly.

I'm a Singaporean based in the UK, fundraising for a charity in USA. I've thought to myself — what are the odds of your social circles donating to something so far away?

To date, nearly 2000 athletes and coaches in USA have heard the message. The ease of technology can facilitate virtual talks and break down geographical barriers to spread the word across the globe. Every 2000USD will fund one physical / virtual talk for Running in Silence. This means your money will go to equipping coaches with better tools to handle eating disorders among athletes, and prevent someone else from going through the same silent journey as I did. It might be someone miles away, but I believe change can start from anywhere; and none of us deserve to suffer in silence.

p.s. for those from trying to donate from Singapore, if you have any issues with your payments, feel free to reach out to via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010710946735), Instagram (@chxr.maine) or Telegram (@charmainesew)! Apologies for the extra steps :(