My Story

shape, and having no idea how to train for high elevation relay runs, I decided I was going to run it. And I was going to find friends to do it with. 

 I started by getting to know my neighbors and organized weekly women-only social hikes. While they did not share my interest in the race, I loved the bonding it provided. I then reached out to local women’s groups, asking if anyone would be interested in joining me for a summer mountain race. Unfortunately, I got the same response: that race was too intimidating, too daunting, too many miles, and just too hard. 

Like a constant, gentle tap on the shoulder, that race kept nudging me, demanding I find a way to make it happen. I changed my approach and offered to train women to do the race with me. That got their attention, and soon I had women wanting to participate. I offered free group training sessions every Saturday with the promise of a fun race weekend together that summer. I immersed myself in learning the local trail systems and asked the race organizer for training plans. I was ecstatic. Not only would I have accountability to start exercising, but I hoped seeing these women consistently would lead to much needed friendship.

Our weekly trail runs did wonders for my mental health. We spent five months training together and those Saturday mornings quickly became the highlight of my week. For the first time in a long time I felt like I belonged somewhere. I finally had friends. My body was getting stronger, and the clouds darkening my mind were increasingly lifting. As my confidence grew, so did our attendance and range of activities. By the end of 2023, I had hosted 60 outdoor recreation events and had over 70 women attend. As those women came back again and again and again, I could feel the ache of loneliness ebbing away.  I had a community of women. I had dozens of friends I could talk to, get advice from, and share my victories and struggles with.

I had created what I so desperately needed: a group of supportive women that worked together to improve their health. It attracted ultra-runners and first-time adventurers alike; women rearing babies and others in retirement. It became obvious that women of all ages and abilities were hungry for their own support network. They needed a safe, judgement-free place to make friends and improve their health, just as I did.

As I have talked with these amazing women over the last year, I have come to realize an invaluable truth: my struggle with mental health is not unique. Not even close. But ironically, I thought it was for many, many years. I thought no one else would understand the terrifying thoughts, mood swings, fears, and nightmares that were my constant companion. I didn’t know that in the fight for my own sanity, my opponent was a treatable assailant. That a diagnosis of Postpartum Psychosis, Anxiety, and PTSD would lead me to helpful medical professionals. And that with time, all would be well again.

I do know that the more I share my story, the more I feel like this story isn’t just mine anymore; because each time I share it, someone else expresses a similar battle with their mental health. The diagnosis may differ, but the fight remains the same. So this story, is really the story of all of us. Our story of fighting for our well being, of seeking support, of being courageous and talking about mental health. The Women’s Adventure Club is how our story helps us change for the better. It is our story of coming together to lend a hand and lift our sisters up. It is our story of listening to each other, and sharing our burdens. Because there is a healing power in gathering as women. There is a healing power in nature, movement, and sisterhood. It is a real, tangible thing that has the potential to change the world. And it starts with us. With starting the conversation. And letting every woman know that she is not alone.