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Our Collective Stories


Should You Do Cardio Before or After Weights?
If you’re a runner, chances are you’ve heard it a hundred times: “You need to add strength training to your routine.” And it’s true. Strength work helps prevent injuries, makes you a more efficient runner, and builds the kind of stability that keeps you going mile after mile.
Amber Kraus
1 day ago6 min read


Finding My Stride: How the Starting Line Scholarship Changed My Life
“When I first heard about the Starting Line Scholarship, I was in a dark place. My anxiety and depression felt overwhelming, and I was searching for something—anything—that might help me move forward. One day, I saw a segment about the program on the local news. It sparked my curiosity, and a small voice in my head whispered, Why not give it a try? “
Kyria’ Phenix
Aug 132 min read


Preventing Eating Disorders in Athletes: What Coaches and Parents Should Know
The world of athletics encourages discipline, focus, and strength. These qualities often drive athletes to succeed, but they can also become the very things that put someone at risk. Eating disorders in athletes are a serious concern, and they don’t always look the way people expect.
Beth Rush
Jul 308 min read


Be Strong Warriors, Run: Todd Arkyn Crush's Battle with Schizophrenia
Todd Arkyn Crush was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 25 years old, but his battle with mental health has been going on for much longer than that.
Layla Kattau
Jul 244 min read


7 Tips for Running in the Heat
It’s officially the peak of summer, and unless you’ve been hiding in an air-conditioned environment or you're somewhere enjoying winter in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ve probably noticed—it’s hot. So what’s a mental health runner to do? Keep running—but do it smarter.
Amber Kraus
Jul 215 min read


An Unexpected Runner: Merry Wilbert’s Path from Self-Doubt to the Chicago Marathon
Merry Wilbert is the type of person who thrives when she’s forming meaningful connections with those around her. She's a real "people person" who exudes the kind of friendliness you’d anticipate from someone born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In her daily life, Merry surrounds herself with the things she loves: her husband, her two cats, her two dogs—and her passion for running, which became the foundation for her physical and mental health journey.
Gordon Ryan
Jul 215 min read
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