I Am Anxious... Cory Wharton-Malcolm
The author, runner, and coach talks about the mental (and physical) benefits of running, and how moving his body makes him feel like his "best self."
Cory Wharton-Malcolm is a Coach, Author, Apple Fitness+ Trainer, Columnist, Founder of TrackMafia, and one of the Voices/Coaches of Nike Run Club App.
Cory’s first book All You Need Is Rhythm & Grit is a love letter to running, and a helpful guide for those that are new to running, wanting to start or those who have been running for a while.
It's about how running introduced me to a better version of myself, helped me tackle issues that I had with my weight and my life... it's about how running can really positively impact your mental health.
You can find Cory on Instagram.
How long have you been an anxious person?
I started running back in 2006/07 as I mentioned to friends that I really wanted to run the London Marathon. They laughed at me, so I originally just got into it to prove them wrong. I found myself crying on runs as unbeknown to myself I hadn't mourned the passing of my grandmother. Running helped me unpack a lot of that as it was forced to spend time with myself on runs. There was no way to block it out so I just let all out come out as I moved.
What is your earliest memory of being anxious?
The moment I realized that physically couldn't actually run to the bottom of the road without stopping.
Have you ever experienced a panic attack?
I don't think so, but there are moments when I have an urge or feeling that I need to move and more often than not going for a run takes me out of that fuzz.
What are some of your anxiety triggers? What makes you most anxious?
I don't feel anxious but I do feel different when I don't move, not my best self.
How do you feel physically and emotionally when you’re anxious?
When I don't run it feels like I have pending problems that I need to discuss, but I can't seem to get through to my therapist which makes me feel a little more frustrated which then can at times send me spiraling down a rabbit hole as I tell myself I don't wanna go back to being that guy... lets do all we can to get back out there moving.
What do you do when you feel anxious? How do you take care of yourself in those situations? Do you have any anxiety management tips or tricks?
When I feel my mind going to place that I don't want it to, I breathe, I count, I think of a blank piece of paper with a pen floating in the air - it writes down everything I’d like to do or see or feel and then it disappears. Or if I’d like to somewhere else, I float there in my head and come back when I'm in a better head space... The mind is a magical thing. It’s funny as running taught me most of these tricks as I had to find ways of managing the discomfort.
How do you feel your anxiety affects your family, friends, and overall social life?
There may be times I don't show up as my best self.
When you're not feeling anxious (simply in your day-to-day life), what do you do for self care?
I move, run, walk, hike, ride, swim, gym, SIT STILL, massage, manicure, pedicure.
How do you feel about the portrayal of mental health and anxiety in Pop Culture (books, movies, music, etc)? Do you feel it's accurate?
I think it has got better over the years, but there is still a lot of work to do, as some people still think that being aware of your own mental health and talking about it is a sign of weakness when I believe it is more a sign of strength.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
It's your dream, why should anyone care?
Editor’s Note: This interview was edited slightly for length and clarity.
Thank you so much, Cory!
You can read Cory Wharton-Malcolm’s book All You Need Is Rhythm & Grit right now! Definitely worth checking out!
If you are interested in being a part of the newsletter in the coming weeks and taking the I Am Anxious… questionnaire, please email me (scott.neumyer@gmail.com) and I’ll get you on the list. I’d love to have you!
Be well and keep talking.
DISCLAIMER: I am, by no means, a medical profession. If you need help, please seek qualified medical attention. This newsletter, while informative and fun, is no substitute for the real thing.