Pruzan proudly introduces our first Athlete in Residence Rosie Viva (@rosieviva), a dynamic London-based event producer, presenter, and mental health advocate. Currently training for her first marathon, the London Marathon, Rosie brings her inclusive approach to running and passion for mental health to the Pruzan community. ⁠Learn more about Rosie below. Photos and video by Sam Hiscox (@samhiscox).

Tell us about yourself.

I'm Rosie, 27 years old, born and bred in London. I work as an event producer, dabble in presenting, and devote time to running a nonprofit focused on mental health.

How did you get into running?

I always struggled with sport a bit because I wasn't very competitive. In sixth form, I thought runnning was a good thing to do socially since I was new to the school. So I started running then. And it was the first thing which I noticed just helped my energy levels so much. I used really struggle with keeping awake in the evening, and I'd have this sort of energy crashed late in the afternoon. And when I got into running in my afternoons, I noticed that I sort of have the second wave of energy. And the long distance aspects was something which I only got into in the last few years when I realized that it's also become very meditative for me. I have very clear thoughts when I'm running - it brings me back to a sense of self. 

What’s your daily running routine like?

I have two types of routine. I try not to exercise two days in a row just so that I sort of get that small excitement the night before and that sort of anticipation. So I either have a very lazy morning where I have a cup of coffee and I write my diary or I speak to friends before work and sort of have a moment to myself. On a day I'm running, I'll get up or have a coffee and I'll stretch and listen to music. I really take my time on that. I often do the first 10 minutes with no music to feel in touch with the season and wake up in like a natural way. I do celebrate with another coffee after - it's sort of a reward, which makes me really sort of appreciate what I've done. And then I go to work!

Why are you running the London Marathon?

I'm running the London Marathon to prove to myself that you should never put yourself in a box. I've never been a quick runner. So I assumed that I could never do something like the marathon which I always felt was for the best runners. My sister ran the marathon last year and I was quite overwhelmed with emotion because she was raising money for leukemia research. We had a sibling who passed away from it. So when she did it after having a child, I thought, okay, I can do it now. It's given me another whole appreciation for my mental health at the moment as well. The fact that I feel well enough to spend hours in my head and see it as a positive place is very timely, from a few years ago, where I would have been quite worried to do all of that training on my own. I've become a lot more comfortable in myself the last few years so I thought it could be sort of an ode to that progression.

Tell us about Viva Runs

Viva runs was born out of a desire for inclusivity in the running community. Traditional running clubs can feel intimidating, especially if you're not a speed demon. Viva runs aim to change that narrative. It's all about accessible, enjoyable running experiences. Because I speak a lot about mental health, I was quite aware of how much your mood can sort of restrict you joining things. I hoped that having it be virtual... it wouldn't get in the way for someone to join. You download the playlist and then give it a go. I make weekly updates to it allow people to come again and again.

 

Why are you working with Pruzan?

I've been struck by the comfort and style of Pruzan. What hooked me most was discovering your leggings because they're just the most comfortable thing. Over christmas, I wore them every single day. I've not wanted to wear my other stuff! It's just been nice to wear something which I also feel is really cool. Styling Pruzan with other things I own as felt so easy and so natural. It's become what I wear outside of running, which is quite nice because usually you surrender to your running gear looking like running gear. Whereas with Pruzan, it's really sort of bridged that gap to being my day to day look.

What’s your go-to outfit?

Something tight on top and something baggy on the bottom is just the nicest outfit to wear. I'll often wear a sports bra under a big jumper and big trousers.

Where can we find you on a weekend evening or Sunday morning?

I've got quite a small friendship group, but a really, really close friendship group. I manage to find time to see them all the time, even though none of us are ever in one space at the right time. I'll spend Saturday evening with them. On a Sunday morning, it would be running. I love a slow morning, having my coffee and breakfast and then doing my run a few hours later. Also, on a Sunday now, I'd be writing! I'm working a book that's coming out.

What sprouted your interest in becoming a mental health advocate?

Being an advocate for mental health came as a result of being diagnosed with a mental illness, Bipolar Disorder type 1. When I found out my diagnosis, I found everything online to be very terrifying, and a lack of young people giving the information. I have never felt more alone than during this time accepting and learning about my illness. The need to help others in this space has come as a result of managing to get my life back, and find such a new type of happiness I didn’t think was possible a few years ago. I’ve now managed to not be defined by my illness, and I have a feeling I can’t ignore that other young people deserve to achieve the same. 

Who inspires you?

My biggest inspirations are my sisters. Both of them have been through a lot yet constantly bring joy to other people and don’t take life too seriously.

If you could interview anyone in the world, past or present, who would it be?

My dream interview would probably be one of my favourite artists such as Bon Iver. I am quite fascinated by the people who produce music which resonates with me so much, so I don’t think I’d run out of questions here. If it had to be someone before my time I think It would be Vincent Van Gogh. It’s believed that he had Bipolar and I would love to hear from a different generation how he managed it, and what triggered him. Purely because I’m very fascinated by the conversation around mental illness!

Do you have any mantras you live by?

My phrase to live by is that you never remember what people say to you. But you remember how they made you feel. So I try and treat people in a way where they feel comfortable, and they feel uplifted and included. And I just think that's the most important thing you can do.

Stay tuned for more updates from Rosie and Team Pruzan.