Reflecting on Our Walk/Run Initiative in Support of Active Minds
Over a period of nearly nine weeks, we kicked off the Step Forward for Mental Health initiative with a powerful goal: to collectively walk or run 3,380 miles – the symbolic distance from Dublin to Washington, D.C. – by July 23rd.
This campaign wasn’t just about fitness; it was about community, mental health awareness, and creating space for conversations that matter. Every step we took supported Active Minds, a nonprofit committed to mental health education and advocacy – especially among young adults.
Why We Stepped Forward
Mental health is a serious concern across every industry, but especially in high-pressure fields like proposal and contract management. In fact:
8 in 10 professionals in this sector have experienced burnout or emotional distress
57% of those impacted are proposal managers
85% of our own webinar attendees reported that burnout is a major concern on their teams
At VisibleThread, we’re committed to reducing inefficiencies and manual burdens that contribute to burnout. But we also recognize that technology alone isn’t enough. Real progress begins with awareness, openness, and community support.
A Community in Motion
We began this journey with zero members in our Strava club. We’re proud to say we’ve grown to a vibrant group of 37 active members from across the globe.
Together, we logged an impressive 1,945 miles – a collective effort made up of early morning runs, lunchtime walks, evening strolls, and team outings. Some of our participants took up running for the very first time, while others joined as partners, friends, and customers just looking to make a difference.
Highlights from the initiative:
First-time runners achieving personal milestones
Participants from across regions and time zones
- Support from our wider community – partners, customers, and external contributors
Turning Miles Into Meaning
Every step taken during this initiative carried real purpose. For each mile walked or run, we pledged to raise $1.50 in support of Active Minds.
Through our collective effort of 1,945 miles, we raised an incredible $3,000 – a tangible contribution that goes directly toward programs designed to promote mental wellness and prevent suicide among young adults.
By turning miles into funds, and movement into impact, we were proud to stand alongside an organization that is making real change happen every day. This initiative reminded us that small, individual actions – one mile at a time – can add up to something powerful when we come together with a shared purpose.
What Comes Next?
Although this specific initiative has ended, the movement doesn’t have to.
We’ll still be active in the VisibleThread Strava club, and we’d love for you to stay involved. Whether it’s a quick walk or a weekend run, staying connected through movement and community is a great way to keep the spirit of this initiative alive.
Should any future events or initiatives come up, we’ll share the details in the Strava club bio and the events section of our website. So be sure to check back regularly.
Let’s keep moving, stay connected, and continue stepping forward – together. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this journey.
For those who participated, you didn’t just walk or run. You helped create real, lasting impact.
