Mind, Body, and Trail: Meet Sharon, the Star of Trail Therapy

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. Her story is a convergence of the mind, the body and the trail.

Trail Therapy: Blending Mental Wellness and Running

My documentary 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.

Weathering Challenges: Winter Training in North Carolina

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.

How Sharon’s Journey Inspires Beyond the Trails

This story is more than just about running – it’s about the intersection of the mind, the body, 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!

Join the Conversation: Share Your Story

Melanin MVP is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network by Run Tri Bike.

Know someone you would like to see on the podcast? Respond and let us know! Everyday athletes are welcome!

Links To The Podcast

Highlight from the episode:

Even though Black Girls Run is a national organization they have chapters all throughout. They also have smaller groups of women who are running and within their communities. And so you always have an opportunity if you choose to join in a community.

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