I am 23 days into running a 5k every day.

And it has been such a great experience for me both mentally and physically.

So today's email message is dedicated to highlighting the person who put it together.

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My friend Abbey Hybl, Manager of Editorial and Influencer Content at Rhone, put together "5K Challenge for Mental Health" to raise money and awareness for the mental health challenges that many athletes/ex-athletes suffer from.

The reason I chose to partake is because this topic not only hits home with me personally, I want to be someone who is taking action to help support other people who are struggling with their mental health.

And now I am asking you to consider being a leader of positive change too!

You don't have to donate.

You don't have to run any miles if you don't want to.

All I ask, is that you lend a helping hand to someone around you that needs it.

Let's help each other!

Human to human.

Here is more info on Abbey's challenge for mental health.

"As an ex-collegiate athlete who had her own mental health struggles, this project and fundraiser is close to my heart.

We’re extending the mental health conversation well beyond Mental Health Awareness Month. During the month of June, with the support of and collaboration of Rhone , I will be tackling a 5K every day to raise funds for The Hidden Opponent . We’re calling it the 5K Challenge for Mental Health.

While one can make a significant impact alone, we can make an even greater impact when we unite. Members of the Rhone team have committed to run (walk, bike or row) their own 5K this month, and we’re challenging you to do the same.

Commit to tackling your own 5K (or more!) during the month of June and if you can, I encourage you to make a donation of any amount (every penny counts!). Every single dollar raised will go directly to The Hidden Opponent to support their work and their mission.

Together, we can take strides to not only change the stigma around mental health in sport but to support collegiate athletes everywhere–mind, body and soul.

Don't forget to join our 5K Challenge for Mental Health Strava Run Club for accountability and community! Read my full story here and get more details about the project.

More information about The Hidden Opponent: We are an accredited non-profit and advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health and addresses the stigma within sports culture. We empower athletes around the world to face the hidden opponent together."

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I can't help but to tear up thinking about all the people out on a trail somewhere right now who are putting in miles with someone they lost on their mind and in their hearts.

I know that is what gets me through all the hard shit I put myself through.

The fire burns strong when I think about those who can no longer join me in this beautiful thing we call life.

My ask of you today is to LIVE life to its fullest and inspire others to do the same.

Feed your flame and then give some of the heat and energy to everyone around you.

And if you heart feels compelled to donate to the "5K Challenge for Mental Health" , I thank you in advance.

Regardless, thank you for being a part of my journey to feed my own flame and make this world a better place.

The time you spend reading my words, and taking positive action within your own community, it is my fuel to keep going.

You are loved.

You are appreciated.

And you are destined for greatness.

#thriveon

CJ

p.s. today I am grateful for the freedom and ability to put my two feet down on the pavement, step after step, and forever move myself, and others around me, forward.