Running 26.2 To Face The Hidden Opponent With You
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In March of 2018, my friend Justine and I decided to run a half marathon. We signed up on a Monday and ran on a Saturday; needless to say this was not the smartest decision we ever made and definitely one of the hardest things we have ever put our bodies through. After not being able to lift our legs for a few days, we swore that we would never do it again.
Well fast forward to the present day where Justine asked me if I was interested in making a "bad decision" with her, once again, yet this time running a FULL MARATHON on April 23, 2022 in Brooklyn. After laughing at her for a bit, we are taking the initiative over the next few months to turn this "bad decision" into a great one by taking on the 26.2 together; while raising money, showing up, supporting and fighting "The Hidden Opponent." The Hidden Opponent is an accredited non-profit and advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health and addresses the stigma within sports culture. They empower athletes around the world to face the hidden opponent together.
As two former college soccer players and current college soccer coaches, Student-Athlete Mental Health hits close to home, and we want our athletes to know how much we support them on and off the field. As for me, Nicole Pacapelli, for many years I struggled with my own story and the stigma that goes along with it. Through the Covid-19 Pandemic I knew many where struggling with mental health for the first time. I decided to share my story and so did the hidden opponent, in hopes to help other student-athletes like myself know that "it is ok to not be ok and it is ok to talk about it".
You can find my story written here and see that even those who may seem to have it all together are sometimes those who are struggling the most: https://thehiddenopponent.com/nicole-pacapelli-my-battle-with-my-mental-health-and-loving-who-i-am/
Running 26.2 Miles is a distance that has always seemed impossible but something we have always wanted to accomplish, more importantly now, what drives us is why, and this is going to be our why! We want our Student-Athletes to know how far we will go to support them each and everyday. We are right there with you!
The Hidden Opponent founded by Victoria Garrick: What We Do
Advocate: We believe that all student-athletes should be able to speak openly about their mental health experiences without worrying about being judged or viewed as weak. Our platform help’s amplify the voices and needs of student- athletes.
Educate: We will bring light to the many issues and struggles that student-athletes face, raising awareness to break the stigma of mental health in athletic culture. We hope to give athletic programs, clubs, and society a different perspective on the student-athlete lifestyle.
Support: This community is a safe space for all student-athletes to feel heard, supported, and loved.
Justine and I want to thank you all for your generosity in helping us to reach our goal and supporting us through our first ever 26.2 mile run. We would love to raise $3,000 for the hidden opponent so feel free to continuously share our page with anyone you can. All donations are used to help raise awareness for student-athlete mental health and support student-athletes across the country who are battling the hidden opponent. No one should ever do it alone.
Together We Will Face #TheHiddenOpponent #EndTheStigma
Wish us luck (we will need it) and see you at the finish line in Brooklyn!
Nicole Pacapelli and Justine Lombardi
Well fast forward to the present day where Justine asked me if I was interested in making a "bad decision" with her, once again, yet this time running a FULL MARATHON on April 23, 2022 in Brooklyn. After laughing at her for a bit, we are taking the initiative over the next few months to turn this "bad decision" into a great one by taking on the 26.2 together; while raising money, showing up, supporting and fighting "The Hidden Opponent." The Hidden Opponent is an accredited non-profit and advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health and addresses the stigma within sports culture. They empower athletes around the world to face the hidden opponent together.
As two former college soccer players and current college soccer coaches, Student-Athlete Mental Health hits close to home, and we want our athletes to know how much we support them on and off the field. As for me, Nicole Pacapelli, for many years I struggled with my own story and the stigma that goes along with it. Through the Covid-19 Pandemic I knew many where struggling with mental health for the first time. I decided to share my story and so did the hidden opponent, in hopes to help other student-athletes like myself know that "it is ok to not be ok and it is ok to talk about it".
You can find my story written here and see that even those who may seem to have it all together are sometimes those who are struggling the most: https://thehiddenopponent.com/nicole-pacapelli-my-battle-with-my-mental-health-and-loving-who-i-am/
Running 26.2 Miles is a distance that has always seemed impossible but something we have always wanted to accomplish, more importantly now, what drives us is why, and this is going to be our why! We want our Student-Athletes to know how far we will go to support them each and everyday. We are right there with you!
The Hidden Opponent founded by Victoria Garrick: What We Do
Advocate: We believe that all student-athletes should be able to speak openly about their mental health experiences without worrying about being judged or viewed as weak. Our platform help’s amplify the voices and needs of student- athletes.
Educate: We will bring light to the many issues and struggles that student-athletes face, raising awareness to break the stigma of mental health in athletic culture. We hope to give athletic programs, clubs, and society a different perspective on the student-athlete lifestyle.
Support: This community is a safe space for all student-athletes to feel heard, supported, and loved.
Justine and I want to thank you all for your generosity in helping us to reach our goal and supporting us through our first ever 26.2 mile run. We would love to raise $3,000 for the hidden opponent so feel free to continuously share our page with anyone you can. All donations are used to help raise awareness for student-athlete mental health and support student-athletes across the country who are battling the hidden opponent. No one should ever do it alone.
Together We Will Face #TheHiddenOpponent #EndTheStigma
Wish us luck (we will need it) and see you at the finish line in Brooklyn!
Nicole Pacapelli and Justine Lombardi
Organizer
Nicole Pacapelli
Organizer
West Haven, CT