Happy world mental health day!  One of the easiest ways to improve your running is to focus on mental health!  The relationship between running and mental health can be complicated and that is why I have an expert with me here today to tackle this very topic! Sarah Strong is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified running coach, accomplished ultrarunner and mom. She is passionate about helping athletes prioritize mental health and mental training as much as physical health and training. Mental health is so much more than going for “therapy” and maintaining strong mental health is key for growth within your running journey! Sarah shares her expertise in the following topics during this empowering episode! - Does running help with mental health - Is running a form of therapy - How does stress affect a runner’s body - How do we manage stress and mitigate negative impacts - Coping strategies for stress - Self care for mental health - What can a runner do now to prepare for an injury in the future - What does world mental health day mean to Sarah - Misconception about mental health Listen to my previous episode about meditation and running here! Listen to my previous episode on self care tips for runners here! Listen to my previous episode about why I quit my job to pursue my passion to improve my mental health here! Listen to my previous episode about mantras and mental health strategies for race day here!   Follow along with my 25 minute strength training routine for runners here!   There are 6-steps to growing as a runner and mindset is one of them!  Learn all six within this FREE e-book!   Want a stronger mind and running body so you can stay healthy during your next training cycle to crush your running goals? Get the structured run and strength plan with motivation and accountability to enjoy lifelong injury free running by booking a call and learn more about Healthy Runner coaching here!   Get the full deep dive story on how Duane Scotti became a healthy runner    A big thanks to ucan for your support for this episode! Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge starter pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code HEALTHYRUNNER for 20% off your next UCAN order.   Connect with Sarah Strong: Instagram: @the_trail_therapist Website: https://mentalprep.thetrailtherapist.com/ Email: sarahjstrong@gmail.com   Connect with Dr. Duane: - Instagram - @sparkhealthyrunner - Join Our Healthy Runner Facebook Community - Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - duane@sparkhealthyrunner.com - www.sparkhealthyrunner.com Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Google Play iHeartRadio Amazon Music Website