Going the (extra) distance for mental health

FIFTY2 End Stigma is a month-long initiative

Leah Feldman is a relentlessly optimistic and enthusiastic person.

Last October, she ran 50 miles, on her own, for a cause near and dear to her heart and to her profession. In the rain. Along the way, she posted incredibly upbeat videos from almost every mile marker, cheerily announcing how far she had gone. Again, in the rain, for 50 miles!

This year, she’s at it again. She’s not alone. And she’s adding two more miles!

Feldman is the Chief Executive Officer of Family Services of the Hudson Valley, based in Poughkeepsie, NY. From its Website, here is the mission of Family Services:

Founded in 1879, Family Services brings people together to find the support they need, improving their lives and communities, and building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley. Our program areas include Behavioral Health, Victim Services, Family Programs, Youth Services, Community Safety, and Prevention. Last year, nearly 17,000 children, adults, and families benefited from Family Services programs in Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties.

Her 50-mile run last year was part of a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Family Services and the mental health needs of the community. This year’s initiative is called FIFTY2 End Stigma. The goals are the same. The distance is a bit longer.

On Saturday, October 19, Feldman and Chris Rinck, battalion chief of Arlington Professional Fire Fighters, will lead the “Wellness Warrior Run,” 52 miles in a single day throughout the mid-Hudson Valley in Dutchess and Ulster counties.

The FIFTY2 End Stigma initiative is also encouraging everyone to cover 52 miles in any form for the month of October, with the following challenge:  

In October, we want you to MOVE with us by challenging yourself to complete 52 miles in one month while raising awareness about mental wellness and fundraising for Family Services’ critical programs. We want you to TALK to your friends and family about mental health and invite them to join the movement. With your commitment, everyone can exercise their right to THRIVE.

For more information about this and how to participate and contribute, go to

https://www.fifty2endstigma.org/

As far as the 52-mile run with Feldman, Rinck was inspired by Feldman’s efforts in 2023. “This guy is not a runner!” Feldman explained. “But he’s gotten locked in and really serious about it. He’s doing it!”

Last week, the two completed a 35-mile training run throughout Dutchess County in preparation for their double-marathon in a few weeks. “He’s really making this bold statement for his first responders,’’ Feldman said.

In advance of their 52-mile challenge, I conducted an email interview with Feldman and Rinck. In it, they describe in detail their goals – and not just about completing the 52-mile distance. It’s an amazing, inspiring story. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you will consider their 52-mile FIFTY2 End Stigma goal. Given the nature of this Substack readership, covering 52 miles within a month’s time should be very achievable!

Anyway, here’s their story, in their words.

What are the goals of this 2024 initiative and how are you hoping to accomplish them?

Our 2024 initiative highlights that when you MOVE, TALK, THRIVE, you’re making a bold statement that mental health is a human right, and everyone deserves support.

MOVE- Run, walk, or hike 52 miles in one month, at your own pace and on your own time, to raise awareness and funds for Family Services.

TALK- Encourage your circle to join the challenge and talk about the impacts of stigma and access to mental healthcare in our region. Raise awareness and educate others about mental health to overcome stereotypes, connect through storytelling, and build a more connected community. Share on social media and dare your friends to join the challenge.

THRIVE- Keep challenging yourself and others because everyone has the right to thrive.

My hope for the FIFTY2 End Stigma campaign is that it will ignite conversations around mental health, educate people, and, most importantly, normalize seeking help. I want to see more individuals, families, and communities openly discussing mental health without fear or shame. The ultimate goal is to reduce stigma so that no one feels alone in their mental health journey, and everyone feels empowered to seek the support they deserve.

By taking on this challenge, people are helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and inspire others to do the same. It isn’t just about running or pushing your limits physically; it’s about standing together to support a cause that impacts all of us. Whether you're running, walking, or raising awareness, every effort counts. There is strength in community, and together, we thrive.

How important is the message about mental health and the stigma of mental health for both of you and how symbolic are your efforts with the 52-mile journey?

Over my career, I have worked closely with individuals and families affected by mental health challenges and have seen firsthand how stigma can prevent people from seeking the help they need. Being an ambassador for FIFTY2 End Stigma is an opportunity for me to be part of the solution. I took on this role to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and help create a world where talking about mental health is as normal as talking about physical health.

This campaign is about Family Services vision to support everyone’s right to thrive.

The most important thing to know is that mental health is health. Just as we take care of our bodies, we need to take care of our minds. Encountering mental health challenges doesn’t make someone weak—it makes them human. It's okay to seek help, to talk about what you're going through, and to prioritize your mental well-being. There’s no shame in that. The more we embrace this understanding, the closer we’ll be to ending the stigma for good.

What is the significance of 52 and what are your future goals with this (a future ultramarathon?)

According to Mental Health America, over 52 million people face mental health challenges every year, and only half of them receive professional support.

We challenge ourselves and our community to walk, run, or hike 52 miles in the month of October to raise awareness about the support available in our region while we end the stigma that can make living with mental health conditions more difficult.

Our mental and physical health are deeply connected, and regular exercise has been proven to ease stress that may lead to depression and anxiety. Setting goals that are new and challenging, but achievable, can be vital tool for improving mental health. They can also provide a launching point for acquiring healthy new habits.

Fifty2 End Stigma offers structure and purpose, with opportunity for growth and an inspiring sense of accomplishment upon completion. The rewards multiply when you invite others to join you, showing up for one another throughout the journey, and sharing conversations, achievements, and time together.

We have grown this year, and we will continue to grow each year. This is a movement and we fully believe that within five years FIFTY2 End Stigma will be a highly sought after ultramarathon drawing people from all over the world to the Hudson Valley!

Anything else you'd like to add? 

Training for a 52-mile run has been both a physical and mental journey. I’ve worked slowly to build my endurance, incorporating strength training, long-distance runs, and active recovery. But it’s not just about the physical preparation, mental resilience has been equally important. I’ve focused on mindfulness practices to stay grounded and remind myself that this challenge represents the ongoing hurdles that many encounter in life. Just like this run, it’s about pacing yourself, staying focused, and relentless forward motion, pushing through obstacles one step at a time.