Red Deer native faces gruelling days in B.C. on his cross-Canada run for mental health
Red Deer AdvocateJun 10, 2021
Running with blistered feet up a mountain highway, a
Tuesday, a mixed sun/cloud day near
"I had lots of blisters all over my toes and it was mostly uphill, so I mostly walked… I used it as my recovery day," added the 25-year-old.
Roth-MacDonald has struggled with depression as a "ripple effect" of losing friends to suicide. He said eight young people he knew died of suicide between Grade 7 and high school graduation.
But mental health wise, he's been feeling great since starting his Miles for Smiles fundraising campaign.
"Being outside this long is good for the mind. It keeps you positive and off your phone — which can cause anxiety," he explained, during his lunch break west of
Roth-MacDonald is running along the shoulder of
Drivers have been quite willing to share this stretch of highway, which is less busy than the Trans-Canada: "I haven't gotten any honks yet," said Roth-MacDonald, who's running in full reflective gear to raise money as well as awareness about mental health.
"I want to open up about my own struggles," he said before starting the Miles for Smiles campaign, to encourage people who are also struggling with anxiety or depression to seek resources, such as professional help, "and to talk about it as well. There's nothing to be ashamed about."
About halfway across B.C., Roth-MacDonald will eventually follow the highway over the
His goal is finishing in
Highlights of the run have included finding a poster and balloons tied to utility poles near
"A couple of my buddies are also coming up on
He's also excited at the prospect of seeing family. "My dad is coming to spend some time with me in
Meanwhile, his journey continues, one step at a time — much like the battle against depression. "I have been building some tools so I can help myself," he added.
Donations can be made at www.milesforsmilescanada.com. (A