Sunday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. October 9th-10th are also the days that Still I Run is hosting its 2021 World Mental Health Day Virtual 5K Race Weekend!

Still I Run was started by Sasha Wolff in 2016 and is a “community of runners and mental health warriors.” 

They’re an organization that promotes the importance of exercise for managing mental health conditions and maintaining good mental health.

Exercise Works Wonders for Your Brain

Research shows exercise is an effective antidepressant, sometimes as effective as prescription medication.

(Integrity Counseling Group does not recommend discontinuing any medication without consulting your doctor or psychiatrist.)

And even if you do need medication to manage your mental health condition, and many people do, exercise and medication together work better than medication alone.

Low-intensity exercise can be a juggernaut for your brain, releasing specific proteins called neurotrophic growth factors. These little proteins actually cause nerve cells to grow and make new neural connections -- including in your hippocampus, the part of the brain that regulates your emotions.

When you have nerve growth in your hippocampus, you start to feel better.

That’s what a regular short walk can do for you.

Higher intensity exercise like running increases your cardiovascular health and gives you that all-natural runner’s high.

Can I participate in the Still I Run Virtual 5K Race if I don’t think I can run 5K (yet)? 

Absolutely! 

Your registration fee or donation goes to support Still I Run’s efforts to help everyone dealing with mental health issues get up and get moving. They host events (like this World Mental Health Day Virtual 5K), establish local running groups, and provide scholarships -- so those who are tight on funds can buy a pair of decent shoes and get started.

But if you can’t run a 5K yet (or are gearing up for the half-marathon), you can walk it. 5K is 3.1 miles. Even if you treat it like a leisurely stroll -- that’s still only a couple of hours… at most.

Since it’s virtual, you get to pick your own walking path or favorite beach. You even decide what time you want to run (or walk) on Saturday or Sunday. Invite friends or family to join in or go it alone.

You may not have enough time to complete one of Still I Run’s free training programs, but you do at least have a few weeks to build up your stamina and loosen your limbs.

Still I Run has a Special Place in the Hearts of Integrity Counseling Group

It’s important to us at Integrity Counseling Group to be active in our community. Still I Run is one way we do this while supporting a larger overall cause. We’ve seen how exercise helps our clients heal. 

On Your Mark, Get Set… Register for the Still I Run World Mental Health Day 5K or Half Marathon

Registration for this World Mental Health Day event (that takes place over the whole weekend) is $35 and you get some pretty cool swag (including a medal). They also have a raffle if you want to earn some fabulous prizes and help a great cause while you do it. 

We believe in you and we believe in this cause, so Integrity Counseling Group is offering a 50% scholarship to anyone who wants to participate in the Still I Run 2021 World Mental Health Day Virtual 5K Race Weekend. If you want more information, contact Katheryne at change@integritycounselinggroup.com.

UPDATE 10/4/2021

The 2021 World Mental Health Day Virtual Race Weekend sold out! But it’s not too late to support mental health. Run or walk 5K this weekend anywhere you want. Then post a picture on social media and tag @integritycounselinggroup and @stilliruncommunity. We’ll donate $35 (the cost of a normal registration) to Still I Run on your behalf.