Episode 16. Mary Cain- Overcome & Rise Above

Mary Cain, Professional Runner and VIS League™ Member, describes her journey in sport as one of struggle and courage. Mary became the youngest American athlete ever to represent the United States at a world championship at just 17 years of age. Following her high school career, she ran professionally for the Nike Oregon Project under Coach Alberto Salazar. Today, Mary opens up about the physical and mental abuse that she faced from her coach regarding her body weight, and she walks us through the disordered eating patterns that she developed as a result and how it manifested into mental struggles and suicidal thoughts, as well as physical struggles through RED-S, amenorrhea, and the injuries that followed. Most importantly, she discusses how she overcame these challenges, and she reminds us to be willing to ask for help, to keep the journey fun, and to strive to change more than just the game.

“There's literally nobody out there who has it all together... it's more about learning how to be okay with who you are, proud of who you are, love who you are.” - Mary Cain