"I learned from this doctor that I was injured in my brain and I could get better. That was an epiphany for me and it made me feel much calmer. I was like, 'OK. I'm just injured.' As athletes, we totally understand. Before that, I felt like whatever I was going through was my own fault and it was a choice. I just didn't understand that comparison because I didn't have the vocabulary."

This week's guest embodies the spirit of being more than running. Alexi Pappas is a fellow Dartmouth alumnus. In addition to her success as a distance runner at Dartmouth and Oregon, she went on to compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and she's a talented writer, poet, filmmaker, Instagram celeb and actor. Alexi's first book of essays "BRAVEY" was just released. In the book, she shares her journey as a runner, her mental health struggles and much more. Alexi recently opened up about depression and her mother's suicide in a video op-doc with The New York Times. The strength and grace with which Alexi speaks to the issues are incredible. I hope you enjoy this episode between two friends.

Pick up a copy of BRAVEY here: https://amzn.to/3oIN5CG

▶ Follow Alexi on Instagram: @AlexiPappas

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