I started runtocalmthenoise because I have been able to find peace, serenity, and meditation by putting my feet to the pavement and freeing my mind from the noise. Our focus is to help others in our community by living movement, promoting positivity every day, and teaching others that they can calm their own noise.

I spent nine years in Iraq as Ranger Tabbed Infantry Officer and as a Private Security Contractor for different government organizations.  The honest truth is that I thought I had myself in check, and I was all good.  When I came home, and hung up my cool guy Velcro hat for one last time, reality hit hard.  Processing all of the damage, chaos, and pain was impossible, there was no light.  I refused to get help.  I didn’t need it.

I was wrong.

With the help of many, I was able to find my way out of the shadows and into the light. I have learned to help others to maintain my calm, and help them find theirs. I am still alive today because of it.

Having a community of runners, yogis, triathletes, cyclists, swimmers, walkers, and everything in between, from every walk of life, calms the noise.  Even if only for a short moment.  We are a collective group of imperfectly perfect people, that keep their spirit bright so others can find their way through the noise.

Imagine the ripple effect if everyone in the world did the same.

That’s why I run, it calms the noise in my head so I can bring positivity to others who needed a smile, a hello, or a “hey come run with us.”  

I made the decision to brand runtocalmthenoise. Doing this raises awareness and creates revenue to support those with PTSD and addiction to get into running. The design for the brand and the hat was born, to start having others ask “what is runtocalmthenoise.” Through that question, it begins a conversation about how there are healthy ways to calm the noise.

Through the hats, and other merchandise in the future, our goal is to donate the profits to those suffering with PTSD, Alcoholism, and Drug Addiction. This will be done by helping them get into running shoes, running clothing, race entries, and bringing them close into the running community.

Ask yourself, what did you do today to give someone a little flicker of your light?  Can you join the movement and challenge yourself to shine bright at least once a day?