EPISODE · May 13, 2026 · 1H 11M
When Running Stops Feeling Safe
from Everyday Athlete Podcast Network · host Run Tri Bike
What happens when the thing you love most starts hurting you?In this episode of Enduring Minds, Evan Birch and I sit down with former NCAA national record holder and ultra-runner Parley Hannan for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had with an everyday athlete navigating mental health, identity, and self-worth through endurance sports.Parley opens up about depression, disordered eating, and the pressure of believing her value depended on performance. From chasing Olympic Trials standards to running ultramarathons through the Atacama Desert, she shares how she rebuilt her relationship with running and learned that healing matters more than pace.This conversation is for every everyday athlete who has ever questioned whether they were enough without a workout, a medal, or a finish line photo to prove it.There’s vulnerability, honesty, a few laughs, and the kind of connection that reminds us we’re not alone in this sport or in life.There are times when the bravest thing an athlete can do isn’t racing harder.It’s admitting they’re struggling and showing up anyway.👇🏼 Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know: Has running ever helped your mental health while also creating pressure?Keep Connected:Run Tri Bike on InstagramRun Tri Bike on ThreadsEvan Birch on InstagramParley Hannon on InstagramJoin the Everyday Athlete ClubhouseGet your Everyday Athlete Gear HereDon't forget to subscribe, rate, review and comment on this episode.
What this episode covers
What happens when the thing you love most starts hurting you?In this episode of Enduring Minds, Evan Birch and I sit down with former NCAA national record holder and ultra-runner Parley Hannan for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had with an everyday athlete navigating mental health, identity, and self-worth through endurance sports.Parley opens up about depression, disordered eating, and the pressure of believing her value depended on performance. From chasing Olympic Trials standards to running ultramarathons through the Atacama Desert, she shares how she rebuilt her relationship with running and learned that healing matters more than pace.This conversation is for every everyday athlete who has ever questioned whether they were enough without a workout, a medal, or a finish line photo to prove it.There’s vulnerability, honesty, a few laughs, and the kind of connection that reminds us we’re not alone in this sport or in life.There are times when the bravest thing an athlete can do isn’t racing harder.It’s admitting they’re struggling and showing up anyway.👇🏼 Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know: Has running ever helped your mental health while also creating pressure?Keep Connected:Run Tri Bike on InstagramRun Tri Bike on ThreadsEvan Birch on InstagramParley Hannon on InstagramJoin the Everyday Athlete ClubhouseGet your Everyday Athlete Gear HereDon't forget to subscribe, rate, review and comment on this episode.
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When Running Stops Feeling Safe
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