mental health Archives

What is the Wayward Way? Reflecting on 2023 and How I Transcended My Identity.

Jan 1, 2024Nicholas Richardsmental healthaddiction, community, freedom, growth, healing, life, love, mental wellness, personal-growth, recovery, sobriety, spiritual healing, transcendence, ultramarathon

Nicholas Richards describes his transformative journey of healing, overcoming substance abuse, and pursuing personal growth in 2023. Termed ‘The Wayward Way’, his philosophy led to overcoming self-defeating thoughts, adopting sobriety, career shifts, and completing a 200-mile ultramarathon. This year marked the culmination of an 8-year plan initiated after leaving the Navy. His deliberate word of the year, “Transcend”, epitomized rising above perceived limitations and embracing change. By embracing discomfort, challenging relationships, and self-discovery, he exemplified resilience and determination to live authentically.

As the Crow Flies: Mentality for the Long Run

Jan 3, 2023Nicholas Richardsmental health, running100 miles, mental wellness, never lucky, trail running, training for 100 miles, ultramarathon

From running first 2 Marathons in 2021 to 7 separate 50km+ efforts in 2022, take a look into the psychology that has allowed such a large scale progression into Ultrarunning and a 100-Mile event finish.

(1st 100 Miles) Capes 100 Reflection: A Crucible of Darkness

Aug 26, 2022Nicholas Richardsmental health, runningcapes 100, fight darkness, mental health and running, trail running, training for 100 miles, training for ultra, ultramarathon

Ever since I ran my first 1km back in August 2019, running has become a crucible of self-realization. A sword to fight against mental illness; an even playing field to fight the demons. This is my story about how I attained an elusive 100-Mile finisher’s buckle with 5 minutes to go before cut-off at Capes 100, in Mabou, Nova Scotia.

Believe the Belief and Doubt the Doubt; 105km, 24 hours, and $1,250 Later…

May 27, 2022Nicholas Richardsmental health, runningbeunlimited, community, gratitude, how to start running, marathon, ultramarathon

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.” – Bernard Meltzer I was never much of a runner. Truly. In fact, I was more likely to quit something growing up than stick with it – with a few exceptions of course. It…

The Man in the Mirror: A Reflection on My Reflection

Feb 20, 2022Nicholas Richardsmental health, outcast#depression, #elevateyourmindset, #riseup, #selfesteem, #selflove, #setthestandard, #spiritualwarrior

An introspective take on how my reflection in the mirror guided my fear of change into being a fear of regret. A story of how rock bottom of pity became the launching pad of aspiration and self-realization.