Streaking for Mental Health

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If you follow me on Instagram, you're probably already getting annoyed by my #runstreak posts (sorry, not sorry). May is Mental Health Month, and I've committed to running and/or walking at least one mile every day in support of people with mental illnesses.

I recently learned about Still I Run - an organization dedicated to raising awareness and stopping the stigma surrounding mental illness - whose founder, Sasha Wolff, was featured in the May issue of Women's Running magazine. In celebration of Mental Health Month, hundreds of Still I Run community members are streaking (running or walking every day) for the entire month of May. 

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A post shared by Still I Run (@stilliruncommunity) on Mar 27, 2019 at 11:20am PDT

In addition to supporting a cause I care about, my personal run streak is a challenge to become both more intentional and more consistent in my daily exercise regimen. I've always struggled to maintain consistency, whether it's in running, writing, or any other routine. Just as blogging has given me a weekly deadline to keep me writing consistently, my hope is that this streak will get me back in the habit of moving every day. No excuses.

My motivation for taking on this challenge was sparked when I completed the Run For It 5K last month in support of another great organization dedicated to mental health, To Write Love On Her Arms. My friend's sister hosted the fundraiser, complete with a post-walk cookout at her house, raising a record-breaking $5,000. It was a beautiful day for a walk and a helpful reminder that it's going to take intentional action to overcome the stigma attached to mental illness. 

So while I'm streaking to develop my own habit of consistent movement this month, I'm also streaking in support of the people in my life who struggle with mental illness. Dragging my ass out the door and around the block each day is nothing compared to the struggles you face, and yet you keep moving forward. You are some of the most resilient people I know, and I'm honored to take on this challenge in support of all of you!

​You can follow my progress on Instagram and see how other streakers are crushing it this month here. 

Walking to support To Write Love On Her Arms in Cincinnati