Athlete runs to, not from, mental health conversations and solutions

By Malena Larsen

Running 100 miles teaches more than just which bandages work best on blisters. It reveals that darkness, isolation, pride, graciousness, and determination are all temporary, but embracing life’s constant ups and downs is both possible and worthwhile. This is a lesson Drew Petersen, an ultra runner and skier from Silverthorne, shares through his own experiences with mental health struggles.

Petersen first experienced skiing when he was just a year and a half old. His passion for the boards and natural inclination to take risks eventually led him to a career as a professional skier—a role he describes as being an “ambassador of the sport, whether it’s through telling stories or meeting people on a chairlift.”

His platform goes beyond the chairlift. He has made a name for himself as a public speaker, writer and filmmaker. His latest film, “Feel It All,” encapsulates his mission to foster open conversations around mental health. Although the film took two years to complete and faced its share of roadblocks, Petersen believes the challenges were worth it due to the film’s deeply rooted intention.

“I had a stubborn belief that [the film] was going to help people,” shares Petersen. “I’m really proud of the people I made this with, it is not just my film. My co-director, Jesse Lavine, and Tyler Boyd, the editor — I take a lot of pride that this is a film made by emotionally intelligent men.”

“Feel It All” blends Petersen’s skiing adventures with his first experience running the iconic Leadville 100.

“Leadville is home,” Petersen explains, sharing why he felt a strong drive to run the race. “It’s where the motivation is the purest for me.”

Throughout the film, vulnerable stories about suicidal thoughts and mental health are woven into the breathtaking shots of Colorado’s landscape.

“I was standing there on the summit and I looked over the edge of the cliff,” Petersen says in the film. “And I just had the thought go through my head, ‘I should jump.’”

He grappled with suicidal thoughts consistently for two decades. “A massive portion of people have struggled their whole lives,” Petersen says. “The lifelong struggle is not talked about, and that’s a huge driver in people feeling terminally unique.”

In the outdoor community, running is often viewed as a form of therapy. “Running trails can be therapeutic,” Petersen says, “but in no way, shape, or form should they be a substitute for real therapy.”

Recovery isn’t linear, and depression is often a lifelong battle. However, for Petersen, getting sober, using medication, and engaging in therapy were all essential to rediscovering his purpose and peace.

Endurance sports have a remarkable ability to reveal new aspects of who we are. Petersen’s journey is one of many that demonstrates how pushing physical limits can uncover mental fortitude.

Looking ahead, Petersen wants to continue his mission of changing the way we talk about mental health, particularly in the outdoor community. He’s considering starting a podcast, writing a book, and pursuing some major running goals. And, of course: “I’m going to ski a lot of powder this winter,” he adds with a laugh.

Malena Larsen is a writer and Minnesota-to-Colorado transplant. Her favorite subjects to write about are craft beer, outdoor adventures, and any topic where she gets to learn something new. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, taking photos of mountain goats, and checking out breweries with her pals.