With a global pandemic causing us to spend more time inside, I created the running club Positive Mental Energy for New York City to “Connect, explore, and heal. Together”.

While the first lockdown of 2020 set the backdrop for such a group, I had several other intentions with this project. The main objective was to create a space for runners who didn’t want to obsess with pace but would rather focus on the mental health benefits as well as the social component which running can offer. Also, I was convinced that a group would provide a sense of safety to those who usually don’t feel comfortable with the idea of running on their own after dark.

After designing the brand identity and content for social media, I launched the instagram page @positivementalenergy.nyc to reach runners from New York. A few weeks later I was hosting several runs a week—in Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Central Park— with a core group of 15-20 runners. Since then, I’ve secured a partnership with Arc’teryx New York who sponsors our runs and equips our members through giveaways each month.