Running Toward Healing and Inclusion | Enduring Minds: Michael Brydges

In Episode 12 of Enduring Minds, co-hosts Jason Bahamundi and Evan Birch sit down with Michael Brydges, a mental health advocate whose story about getting into running and ally ship is a testament to resilience. Michael opens up about hitting his lowest point in 2018—a suicide attempt that became the turning point for transformation.

From growing up in a non-athletic household to battling lifelong depression, Michael’s journey wasn’t linear. But what emerged from the darkness was a commitment to therapy, movement, and being a voice for those often overlooked in endurance sports.

Finding Strength Through Therapy

Michael credits multiple forms of therapy—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), group therapy, and meditation—with helping him understand his emotions, identify triggers, and silence the internal “little liar” feeding his negative self-talk. Naming that critical voice and separating it from his identity was a radical mental shift that allowed healing to begin.

Therapy didn’t fix everything overnight, but it gave him tools. The biggest? Learning that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the beginning of strength.

Running as a Recovery Tool

Michael’s fitness journey began humbly: a goal to run 20 minutes straight on a treadmill. It took time, but that victory unlocked something deeper. Running became a place to process emotions, build confidence, and redefine what he believed he was capable of.

Eventually, he progressed from treadmill jogs to outdoor races, working his way up to qualify for the NYC Marathon through the Nine Plus One program. This was something he was told was impossible to do. He set out to prove them wrong. Every mile logged became a step away from despair and a stride toward self-worth.

Championing Allyship and Inclusion

For Michael, running is about more than finishing lines. It’s about creating space, especially for LGBTQIA+ runners and others marginalized by the mainstream running narrative. As an ally, he refuses to stay silent about the gatekeeping and performance pressure that alienates many in the sport.

“If you run, you’re a runner,” he reminds us. Pace, distance, or body type shouldn’t be a barrier to belonging. His story is a call to action: make running safer, more inclusive, and more supportive for everyone.

Legacy, Purpose, and Radical Self-Acceptance

Michael wants to leave behind more than medals. He talks about wanting to leave a legacy of empathy, advocacy, and growth. He openly shares his struggles with trichotillomania (a hair-pulling disorder), toxic masculinity, and the long shadow of childhood trauma, reminding us that healing is ongoing and often messy.

What matters most is showing up, especially when it’s hard. His advice? Listen to your body, question the narratives you’ve been handed, and remember: asking for help is an act of courage.

Why Michael’s Story Matters

Michael Brydges is proof that endurance goes far beyond the finish line. It’s about facing yourself, rewriting your story, and making room for others along the way. His journey is one every endurance athlete—regardless of level—can learn from.

🎧 Listen to Episode 12 of Enduring Minds and join the movement to make running, mental health and inclusivity central to our community.

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