Running Through The Storm | Tracy's Story

Anxiety has been part of Tracy’s life for as long as he can remember.

“Whatever caused it—genetics, trauma, family dynamics, life circumstances—doesn’t matter much,” he says. “What matters is that it’s always there. My mind tends to catastrophize a lot. It’s heavy, and incredibly taxing.”

Through it all, Tracy has found one constant that helps him cope: running.

“At the end of the day, while I live with anxiety, I can get out for a run and free myself from its shackles,” he says. “Running helps me reset. It keeps me ahead of the ambient stress — at least for a while.”

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collage of Tracy Shouldice fundraising for The Royal

Running for a Cause Close to the Heart

Back in 2017, while training for a marathon as part of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, Tracy decided to make his miles count even more. He chose to support The Royal—a decision that felt both obvious and deeply personal.

“The Royal stood out to me immediately. Mental illness often doesn’t get the attention it needs because of stigma. I wanted to help change that,” he says.

Tracy also runs in honour of someone special: Helen O’Brien, a close family friend who dedicated over 50 years of her life to The Royal, supporting patients with compassion and care.

The Royal is dedicated to expanding what is possible for those living with mental illness and addiction. From groundbreaking research to innovative treatments, the team provides patients with greater access to better care, sooner. That includes delivering care through a holistic approach that considers the many factors influencing a person’s mental health, including sleep, nutrition, relationships, and physical activity. 

“Regular physical activity can be helpful for mood and anxiety symptoms, though developing this healthy habit can be difficult,” says Dr. Kelsey Collimore, a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Investigator in The Royal’s Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program. “Research suggests that exercise may increase the production of feel-good chemicals like endorphins, reduce stress hormones, and may enhance sleep quality. Engaging in physical activity may also help reduce patterns of withdrawal or avoidance, which can make mood and anxiety symptoms worse,” she says. 

“At the end of the day, while I live with anxiety, I can get out for a run and free myself from its shackles." 

Making Every Mile Count: Community Impact

Through his fundraising efforts, Tracy has raised over $20,000 through his participation in both the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women and Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend since 2017. Additionally, he has raised another $50,000 in support of The Royal through various fundraising initiatives. His outstanding support has helped raise awareness and much needed funds, as well as break down stigma—ultimately helping more patients reclaim their lives from mental illness and addiction.

“I’m privileged enough to have resources—a loving family, good friends, and access to professional support when I need it,” Tracy says. “But not everyone is so fortunate. That’s why I run for The Royal.”

By running, Tracy not only finds a way to manage his own anxiety—he is also making an impact for those who are in need and may not know where to start in seeking out help.  

“I run because it helps me survive the hard days,” he says. “And now, I run so that others can get the help they need, too.”

 

Want to get involved and make an impact for those with mental illness and addiction in our community? Host your own fundraising event for The Royal!

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