This episode explores the pressure athletes feel when the race everyone sees isn’t the one that hurts the most.

Featuring two student-athlete ambassadors from The Hidden Opponent, we talk about the battles runners face off the track, the importance of support the expectations, the fear of failing publicly, the quiet burnout, and the mental weight they’re expected to carry alone.

Track is the setting, but this conversation is about so much more: identity, masculinity, performance anxiety, loneliness, purpose, and the struggle to keep going when your mind is exhausted, but everyone around you only sees your speed.

About the series: This month, we’re peeling back the layers on men’s mental health, not from a distance, but through the voices and stories of real athletes. These aren’t highlight reels. They’re conversations we need. Resources: The Hidden Opponent — student-athlete mental health advocacy https://www.thehiddenopponent.org/ 🎙️

Host: XayThomp

Guest : Shane Lyons & Nathan Lee - SU XC/TF

🎧 Clips on TikTok: @xaysosly

📩 For guests & inquiries: [email protected]

You’re not racing alone. Someone else is fighting the same quiet battles you are.