Many of us at the Ordinary Marathoner Foundation have an interest in finding ways to help our military veterans. The depression and suicide statistics when it comes to former military members are staggering and unacceptable. Research shows that exercise is often effective in easing symptoms of depression.
The Ordinary Marathoner Foundation continues to investigate ways we can make endurance sports available to military veterans. One way we hope to make a difference is by creating group runs and rides through online platforms like Zwift. Hoping to cultivate an atmosphere of camaraderie and accountability, we have created an OMF Recalibrate Club on Zwift. We have also begun a Military Veterans-Only ride on Mondays at 8:30PM EST and expect to start a weekly run group as well. Please reach out if you are on the Zwift platform and would like an invitation to these events.
OMF Contact: Ronald Boos, USMC (Ret.)
Sources:
Military Times – Suicide rate among veterans up again slightly, despite focus on prevention efforts
Researchgate: Exercise is medicine for mental health in military veterans: A qualitative commentaryhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/317149349_Exercise_is_medicine_for_mental_health_in_military_veterans_A_qualitative_commentary