We recently connected with Natalia Salivia and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Natalia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was choosing to step away from competing in track and field during college. Track was a major part of my life from junior high through high school, and my dream was always to run at the collegiate level. I competed in the 400m, hurdles, and relays, and while I loved the sport, I constantly battled anxiety and physical injuries. My knee pain was severe, and I had foot surgery during my sophomore year. But the mental strain was just as tough—daily panic attacks and the pressure to perform made each race more challenging.

By the time I reached my senior year, I had a few offers to run in college, but I knew deep down that continuing at that level wasn’t right for me. I was afraid I’d lose my love for the sport if I kept pushing, so I made the difficult decision to decline those offers. It felt risky to walk away from something that had been such a big part of my identity, but I chose to take a different path. Instead, I became the graphic designer for my college’s track team, which allowed me to stay close to the sport I loved without the pressure to compete.

Looking back, I’m grateful I took that risk. It gave me the space to heal both physically and mentally, and today, I’m able to enjoy running on my own terms. I still run almost every day, and now, I compete in 5Ks with a greater sense of purpose. I dedicate every race to raising awareness for mental health, especially for athletes, through my partnership with Athletes Against Anxiety and Depression (AAAD). Taking that initial risk helped me find a way to stay connected to the sport while also supporting a cause that means a lot to me.

Natalia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Natalia Salivia, and I’ve had a deep connection to running ever since I started competing in junior high. I carried that passion all the way through high school, where I made it to Regionals in Texas during my senior year. Running was a huge part of my identity, but by the time I reached the end of high school, I realized that continuing to compete at the collegiate level wasn’t the right path for me. Despite receiving offers to run in college, I chose a different route that allowed me to stay connected to the sport I love—without the pressure of competition.

I transitioned into graphic design and worked with the Texas Track & Field Coaches Association, which allowed me to remain involved in the sport in a new and creative way. Over time, I found that I still wanted to run, but this time it was on my own terms. Now, I dedicate myself to running 5Ks with a purpose: to raise awareness for mental health, especially in the athletic community.

Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the critical role sports psychology plays in an athlete’s life. The pressure to perform, combined with physical injuries and mental challenges, can take a serious toll. That’s why I’ve partnered with Athletes Against Anxiety and Depression (AAAD) to promote mental health awareness and provide support for athletes who may feel isolated in their struggles.

What sets me apart is that I’ve been on both sides—competing at a high level while managing anxiety, and now using my experiences to help others. I combine my love for running with a meaningful cause, advocating for mental health while continuing to stay active in the sport. I’m most proud to be part of efforts that help athletes realize they don’t have to struggle alone, and that mental health is just as important as physical health.

The main message I want to share is that everyone, especially athletes, deserves access to mental health resources. My mission is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health, particularly in sports, where the pressure to perform can sometimes overshadow the importance of well-being. Through my running/races, I hope to show that mental strength is just as vital as physical endurance, and together we can create a community where athletes feel supported both on and off the track.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that you’re not allowed to take breaks if you want to be the best. Growing up, I was always taught to push through exhaustion and focus on the bigger picture, but I came to realize that this mindset can lead to burnout. In high school, I was determined to excel, pushing myself to compete despite struggling with severe anxiety. I never gave my body or mind the rest they desperately needed, and as a result, I started experiencing physical injuries while my anxiety worsened.

I learned that being the best isn’t just about physical endurance—it’s about mental well-being, too. If your mind isn’t in a good place, your body will eventually break down. Once I accepted this, I gave myself the space to step back, recharge, and eventually find my love for running again on my own terms.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my life came when I decided not to run in college, even though it had been my dream for years. Running was such a huge part of my identity, but after high school, I realized the pressure and anxiety of competing had taken a toll on me. Instead of pushing forward and risking burnout, I made the decision to step away from competing at the collegiate level.

However, I wasn’t ready to fully leave the sport behind. I found a way to stay connected by transitioning into graphic design and working with the Texas Track & Field Coaches Association, Sam Houston Track & Field & TrackBarn. This allowed me to contribute to the sport creatively and stay close to the community I loved.

Later, I felt the pull to return to running—but this time on my own terms. I started preparing for 5Ks, not just for fitness, but with the purpose of raising awareness for mental health in athletes. This pivot allowed me to combine my passion for running with a meaningful cause, marking a new chapter in both my personal and athletic journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://givebutter.com/nataliafundraiser
• Instagram: @nataliasalivia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-salivia-80a740222/
• Other: https://aaadfoundation.org/