Sometimes the first step toward healing isn’t just about lacing up your shoes; it’s about deciding you’re ready to stop spiraling and start reclaiming your strength. 

For one former Starting Line Scholarship Participant, Jason, applying for the program was a way to press pause on that downward spiral and hit restart. After tearing an Achilles tendon and facing a long period of inactivity, Jason found himself 20 pounds heavier, with low confidence, and struggling to find direction. 

“I knew I needed to make a change or it’d continue to spiral.”

Running Toward Something New

Before joining the program, running wasn’t something Jason enjoyed, unless it was a quick sprint. But through the scholarship program, running became a tool for healing and self-discovery. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he already knew that movement positively impacted his mental health. What he lacked was motivation, and the Starting Line Scholarship delivered exactly that. 

“When I did exercise, my mental health was better. I just needed to find the motivation to get started.”

That motivation came in many forms: a personalized training plan, proper gear, regular check-ins, and mental health support from The Well Being. But perhaps the most impactful element? The community. 

Healing In Community

“Going through the program with others, sharing experiences, and the group therapy sessions” made the experience powerful and meaningful. 

Being seen, heard, and supported by peers walking similar paths helped Jason stay committed to the process, even when it felt tough. The group environment turned what could have been a solo journey into a shared transformation. 

A Vision for What’s Next

Although he’s still working toward the goal of running a 5k without stopping, the Starting Line Scholarship lit the spark. 

“I’d like to be able to run a 5k without stopping.” 

That’s the beauty of this program: you don’t have to have it all figured out when you begin. You just have to start and commit to moving forward, one step at a time. 

Why the Starting Line Scholarship Matters

For many, the hardest part is showing up. But when we provide the right gear, coaching, emotional support, and, most importantly, a safe, inclusive community, lives begin to change. 

The Staring Line Scholarship’s goal is to help eliminate the barriers to running. If you are on the edge, wondering if you could ever “be a runner,” or if this might be the opportunity to reconnect with your meant health and body in a new way, this program was made for you.