In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, on episode seven the NYRR team discusses the integration of running into your current mental health and wellness regimen and how and why it’s important for you as a runner and a person.

In our “how” section, Coach Annick and Coach Roberto chat with Stacey Younge, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, owner of Sixth Street Wellness, and New York City-based runner. Stacey specializes in individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma and uses a strengths-based approach to work through challenges. She is a strong believer in self care and community care and uses running as her preferred form of movement and part of her own care routine. The group chats with Stacey on the importance of recognizing mental health, and how to implement that recognition into your current wellness routine.

In our “why” section, Shaquana chats with Michelle Wheeler, professional wheelchair athlete, mental health counselor, and single mother on why she uses running as part of her mental health routine and how she is instilling that practice with those around her. Michelle will be participating in the professional wheelchair division at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K on June 12. The Mastercard New York Mini 10K is our first regularly scheduled race back since March 2020, our first pro field since the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon and we can't wait to get back to racing!

Thanks to New Balance for supporting this episode of the podcast.

For New Balance, running is more than a physical activity – it’s a path toward resilience, confidence and joy. Our partners at New Balance believe running activates your mind and body in ways that have powerful effects on your life. Follow along @NewBalanceRunning on Instagram as they share more about this important initiative from their team and community.