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Foxboro woman, student combatting anxiety through running

The Sun Chronicle - 7/6/2017

Teacher and recreational runner Christine Ravesi-Weinstein and a former student are separated by almost 20 years. But they share a common affliction.

Ravesi-Weinstein, 37, lives in Foxboro and suffers from anxiety disorder and depression; she was diagnosed at 21. Ally Beard, 18, a 2017 Attleboro High School grad, was diagnosed three years ago.

But rather than rely solely on medication or let illness take its course, the two women have made common cause to combat depression - and the stigma that attaches to mental illness - through running.

The two have even started a running-based charity designed to help victims combat their condition and raise money for a scholarship.

"Ally had been a student in my AP biology class when she was a junior and I was never shy about talking about anxiety and depression and my journey," said Ravesi-Weinstein.

"One day Ally sent me an email saying she appreciated my honesty in talking about it and that we had a connection."

With Beard's mother's blessing, the two started talking and supporting each other after that. But their interest in running as a self-help measure didn't blossom until early this year.

"I had started running and working out about eight months ago, and I found that when I ran I felt better about whatever was bothering me," said Ravesi-Weinstein.

Beard, who had run cross country in high school, thought that might work for her too.

"I picked up running again in January, and it surprised me what a difference it made," she said.

Soon the two were running together and wondering if the kind of benefits they were experiencing could be shared with others. They formed a non-profit, "Running from Anxiety," crafted a web site and began planning community runs to help others like themselves to take action.

While they're at it, they're soliciting donations and selling merchandise to create a scholarship for an Attleboro High School student who suffers from depression and anxiety. Donations can be made at runningfromanxiety.org.

Abby Whittingham, an Attleboro High student, designed the logo displayed on Running From Anxiety merchandise that can be purchased online.

As a biology teacher, Ravesi-Weinstein says it's no mystery that physical activity like running helps her feel better.

"When you're running, it releases endorphins that help combat anxiety and depression," she says. "It's called a runner's high. There's a lot of research on that."

The women are holding their first community run 8 a.m.July 7 at Attleboro's Capron Park. Participants don't have to be athletes or experienced runners to benefit.

"It's free and it's open to beginners, including people who have never run before," said Ravesi-Weinstein.

Beard says she and her former teacher not only want to encourage others to feel better through fitness, but to break down the stigma and the veil of secrecy that often surrounds mental illness.

"It's about helping ourselves and each other," she said. "We have a motto that is printed on our merchandise. It says Think Run Fight."