Episode 114 | Mary Cain

Community Support

Mary Cain finds solace and strength in the New York running community, which has played a crucial role in her recovery and growth. She reflects on her initial struggles to connect with others after returning from Portland, where she felt isolated despite being part of a team 1. Her coach, John Henwood, encouraged her to join group runs, which eventually led to meaningful friendships and even meeting her boyfriend 1. Cain shares, "Being able to share a run with somebody is one of the greatest parts about running" 1. Embracing this community has been vital for her mental and physical well-being, helping her maintain a positive outlook on her running journey 2.

   

Career Path

Cain's roles with Tracksmith and New York Roadrunners reflect her commitment to fostering community and creativity. As a community manager at Tracksmith, she is tasked with finding innovative ways to engage with the New York City running community, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic 3. Her partnership with Tracksmith developed organically, highlighting a shared vision for the sport and a mutual desire to create positive change 4. "We were both just coming from very similar kind of views of the sport," she notes, emphasizing the alignment of values that led to her current role 4.

   

Advocacy

Cain's public revelations about her past experiences have been a catalyst for change, both personally and within the broader athletic community. She aims to use her story to protect future athletes and foster a supportive environment 5. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful, noting the positive response to her story as a sign that society is ready to address these issues 6. "My end game in telling this story is to help other people," Cain asserts, underscoring her commitment to advocacy and healing 5.