Our Collective Stories

Mental health stigma is quieter than it used to be. But it hasn’t disappeared. Conversations about mental health are more common than they were a decade ago. Athletes talk about anxiety. CEOs talk about burnout. Friends text each other about therapy appointments. And still, many people with mental health challenges hesitate before they share what they’re going through.

Starting something new can feel intimidating, especially when it comes to running. There’s so much advice out there about pace, shoes, speed, distance, and the “right” way to train that it can feel overwhelming before you even lace up. At Still I Run, we approach running for beginners differently. We believe the most important step is simply putting one foot in front of the other. Whether your goal is your first run, a stress free 5K, or eventually a half marathon or marathon

For Allie Pendleton, running has never been about chasing perfection or proving worth. It has been about learning how to care for herself, sometimes for the very first time. As Team Still I Run’s Program Manager, Allie supports runners every day who are using movement as a tool for mental health. What many people don’t know is that her own journey has been shaped by years of disordered eating, anorexia, recovery, injury, and rebuilding a relationship with her body that is roo

Ten years ago, this organization started with a simple but powerful belief: running can support mental health, and no one should have to navigate their journey alone. Since then, we’ve grown into a global nonprofit community made up of runners, walkers, fundraisers, ambassadors, chapter leaders, donors, and supporters who believe that movement matters.

Self love sits at the heart of a healthy life, yet many of us struggle to define what real self love actually looks like. It’s not always bubble baths or inspirational quotes. Most days, it looks more like the slow, steady work of caring for your own needs, noticing your negative self talk, and choosing compassion instead of criticism. 

When Jeremy Fofrich started running in 2016, he wasn’t chasing medals or finish lines. He was looking for relief. Something to quiet his mind. Something that could help him get through the day.