Mind, Body, and Trail

When I first met Sharon, a therapist and runner based in Durham, North Carolina, I knew her story needed to be shared. As a Black woman navigating the spaces of both trail running and mental health care, Sharon embodies the spirit of what Melanin MVP celebrates – trailblazers who create their own path while inspiring others to follow.

My documentary short film "Trail Therapy" follows Sharon's journey as she prepares for the challenging Tar Heel 10 Miler. But beyond the physical training, the film explores how she integrates her professional work as a therapist with her passion for running, creating a unique approach to mental wellness that resonates particularly within the BIPOC community.

In our upcoming podcast episode, we'll dive deep into Sharon's experience of being in front of the camera – a vulnerable position for someone usually on the other side of therapeutic conversations. She'll share how the documentation process affected her training mindset and what she learned about herself through this experience. We’ve also been to a few film festivals and screenings together, so I was interested to hear what she thought of the feedback from different audiences.

We'll also discuss her winter training regimen, which has been particularly interesting given North Carolina's unpredictable weather patterns. Sharon will reveal how she's adapted her routine to stay consistent while balancing her professional practice and personal life.

Looking ahead, Sharon has an exciting race calendar for 2025. While the Tar Heel 10 Miler marked a significant milestone in her journey, she's now setting her sights on new challenges. Tune in to hear about her upcoming race schedule and how she's preparing to push her boundaries even further.

This story is more than just about running – it's about discipline, mental health, and the power of finding your community on the trails. Sharon's journey reminds us that every step forward, whether on a trail or in life, is a step toward personal transformation and creating space for others to follow. I’m not a runner, but I’ve definitely been inspired to stick with my fitness and wellness journey through getting to know Sharon!

This is our first podcast episode! That noise you hear is me squealing with excitement. Let us know your thoughts!

Penned,

Angela 🤙🏾✨

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