At Still I Run, we strive to inspire, support, and unite individuals of all backgrounds and experiences in their journey to better mental health through running. In the month of November, we honor National Native American Heritage Month - a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our country. We recently had the privilege of speaking with one of our 2024 Still I Run Ambassadors, who fully embraces his Native culture and mission of Still I Run to end the stigma that surrounds mental health.
The First Beat: Honoring Heritage and Resilience
A descendant of Choctaw Nation, Pete RG Coser, Jr. is a proud enrolled tribal citizen of Muscogee-Creek Nation. Born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Pete was surrounded by diverse tribal communities at an early age. “Being Native American is part of who I am - everything from the spiritual components, community, to household protocols. There is no separation. I’m not a professional in the workforce from 8 to 5 and then return back to who I am after the work day has ended. My heritage is ingrained into everything I do, each day,” said Pete.
Throughout his life, Pete has devoted both his personal and professional efforts to his culture, working to ensure his people are treated with equality and have the resources they need to thrive in today’s society. From Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity to Legislative and Regulatory Affairs on Capitol Hill, and advancing higher education for Native American communities, Pete has dedicated his career to ensuring access to healthcare, social services, and education for the Muscogee people as a charitable nonprofit Director of The Muscogee Nation.
Over 100 years after the dark days of the allotment era, National Native American Heritage Month places a spotlight on the strength, history and endurance of Native communities. For Pete, the observance also serves as a reminder and testament to his fortitude throughout his mental health journey.
Echoes of the Past: A Legacy of Strength and Struggle
If you have had the opportunity to meet Pete, you quickly note his cultural pride, outgoing demeanor, kind-hearted spirit, and drive to be the best version of himself. However, there were two times in his life when he experienced severe depression and anxiety.
Following a significant life change in 2017, the newly single father of four was unsure how he would be able to balance being everything to everyone while also taking care of his failing mental health. After sleepless nights, loss of appetite, increased anxiety and depression, “the perfect storm”, Pete knew he had to hit the reset button and seek help.
“One of my favorite TED Talks about prevention said that battling depression and suicide ideation is like a blind man who lost his glasses in the middle of a hurricane. That is the perfect way to describe my battle with mental health,” said Pete.
Sadly, Pete’s story is not uncommon. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide disproportionately affects Native Americans, with a rate of 27.1 per 100,000 in 2022—the highest among all racial and ethnic groups. Among Native Americans ages 25–44, the rate is 33.7 per 100,000.
“There has always been a stigma surrounding men addressing mental health issues. In some parts of society, when a man expresses his feelings, he is viewed as weak, which can contribute to mental health problems and can lead to higher suicide rates among men," Pete noted.
According to the 2022 CDC study, the male suicide rate was four times higher than that of females. The ‘highest rates for males were among ages 75 years and older’ equating to 39.6 per 100,000 for AI/AN. The ‘highest female rates were among ages 45-54 years’ equating to 14.6 per 100,000 (AI/AN).
“Overall, Indian Health Services remain severely underfunded and unable to properly address the current need for mental health services and intervention. I also believe that, while the root causes of suicide vary for each individual, the integration of cultural practices and community involvement in prevention efforts should be highlighted and supported," says Pete.
A Broken Rhythm: Confronting Darkness and Stigma
“It was a battle—a heavy-weight, knock-down, drag-out, ten-round fight. I think that’s why I love the Rocky and Creed movies; they show characters facing intense adversity. The boxing match and the belt are only 10% of what you see—the other 90% is everything they went through to get there.”
Directly following his battles with severe anxiety and depression, Pete pushed the stigma aside and got to work by seeking professional help and notifying his close friends. “I had weekly check-ins with my therapist and daily touchpoints with my close Native network. It was tough. It took about two years before I truly felt like I had a real breakthrough and could finally relax. There were definitely more valleys than peaks along the way.”
The most important thing Pete could do for himself at that point was to keep moving Apeyvkes - Muscogee word for ‘forward’. He found a new gym, a new trainer, and a new marathon to train for. He refocused on his children, his professional responsibilities, and reignited his creativity at work. Drawing strength from a long line of resilient ancestors, Pete remained true to his heritage. After becoming a recluse during his battle with depression and anxiety, he reestablished himself in the Native community, participating in community events, celebrations, powwows, and church activities. This engagement was a significant factor in reclaiming his happiness.
Turning Point and Running as a Coping Mechanism
A lifelong athlete, Pete began his journey by playing football and lacrosse in high school, which eventually led him to play lacrosse at Oklahoma State University. While running was a part of both sports, it was never the main aspect of his exercise routine. In 2017, Pete noticed some of his friends running marathons and decided to give it a shot. “Running quickly became my best friend—a therapeutic release as I jogged along the peaceful river trail on the Muscogee Reservation. I focused on my posture and foot placement instead of the mental chatter that often fills my mind. Running truly is a great mental escape.”
His social media hashtag, #runningisceremony, showcases his dedication to the spiritual and peaceful nature of running. So far, Pete has crossed the finish line of 11 marathons, including - Route 66. “I’ve always regarded the Route 66 Marathon as my own homecoming because it holds a special place in my heart. Before my parents went to church one year, they met me at Mile 14. As marathon runners know, races can be a rollercoaster of emotions, especially as exhaustion sets in. When I saw my mother, I ran into her arms and just cried. Since her passing in December 2022, Mile 14 has become ‘Mom’s Mile’ a time of prayer while running to her favorite Diana Ross songs as tribute.”
For Pete’s most recent marathon, he sported the Still I Run uniform as a charity runner in New York City on November 3rd. When starting his marathon training journey, Pete often wondered if there was a group of runners who also had experienced battles with mental health. Soon after, he discovered that there was not only a group of runners, there was an entire community! Pete shared, “Before Still I Run, I felt I had a story to tell but wasn’t sure how to share it. Now, as an Ambassador, I have found my voice and can share the difficult moments of my past—not only with Still I Run but also with my fellow Native people. Being part of a community where we relate to each other, support honesty, and encourage each other to keep moving forward is truly incredible.”
Healing Through Heritage and a Message of Hope
Looking ahead, Pete’s focus is to increase suicide prevention efforts. “It’s ok to not be ok, but it’s not ok to stay there.” While running has proven to be a significant healing factor, “running should not be the sole source of therapy.” In and outside of work, he will continue his efforts to seek funding and resources to improve and expand health and prevention services and most importantly tear down the stigma that surrounds mental health.
For those who may be going through similar struggles, Pete would like to leave you with a quote of encouragement from a Lakota author.
“All of my grandparents epitomized the best qualities and characteristics of being human, among them resiliency. They faced the worst that life threw at them with the best of what they were. Just as important, they demonstrated one significant reality about resiliency: it is a quiet, persistent process. While hardship, difficulties, and disaster might befall us in a blinding moment, resiliency responds subtly. It does not bring results in one fell swoop, but moment by moment and one step at a time.”
-Joseph M. Marshall III, The Lakota Way of Strength and Courage: Lessons in Resilience from the Bow and Arrow.
When Pete was in the midst of his battle, he didn’t see the steps he was taking nor the spiritual or physical strength he had gained. “In the midst of adversity, we can either be our own best friend or worst enemy. I encourage you to be brave enough to take those first steps, be patient and give yourself grace.”
On behalf of Still I Run, we wish you and yours a safe and healthy Native American Heritage Month. We hope Pete’s story inspires anyone facing their own mental health journey to take the first step to seek help and embrace their own path to healing. Eyvkvtekvt - Take Care and Be Well!
