Running in Silence
~Dr. Paula Quatromoni (DSc, RD, Boston University)
Athletes are 2-3 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than the general population. Yet coaches, teammates, parents, and even athletes who struggle themselves are often unable to see it in a world where discipline, determination, and “no pain, no gain” attitude can lend themselves to disordered thoughts and behaviors around food and exercise. When eating disorders affect athletes, their risk of injury and even suicide goes up.
Many athletic programs are left in the dark, with little training required, and unknowingly perpetuate misconceptions surrounding eating disorders. Meanwhile, athletes continue running in silence for fear of the shame, stigma, and confusion surrounding this stigmatized topic.
Our mission is to raise awareness and offer actionable steps through engaging and motivational presentations, encourage athletes to speak up about their own struggles, and help coaches navigate a piece of the sporting world that has been hidden for far too long.
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Rachael2025-06-24 12:52:482025-06-25 22:24:21Drowning For Perfection: Guest Post by Erica King Kubowitsch
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Rachael2024-10-16 11:03:152024-10-16 11:10:17Is it Okay to Have a Scale in the Weight Room? Q&A With Dr. Paula Quatromoni
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Rachael2024-09-03 12:33:062024-09-03 12:36:07Is it Okay to Weigh Athletes for Hydration Purposes? Q&A With RD Rebecca McConville
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Rachael2024-08-13 10:32:332024-08-13 10:35:30From Harm to Hope: Guest Post by David Stansbury
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Rachael2024-03-04 13:37:282024-09-22 13:40:30What if Parents of an Athlete with an Eating Disorder Are in Denial? Q&A with Dr. Paula Quatromoni
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Rachael2024-02-05 10:36:082024-09-22 13:40:54How Do You Address Jokes Being Made About Eating Disorders? Q&A with Paula Quatromoni
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Rachael2023-11-09 12:55:132023-12-14 16:09:28The Role of an Athletic Director in a School’s Eating Disorder Protocol
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Rachael2023-09-11 11:48:082025-01-20 18:12:57Eating Disorder Education for Athletic Staff With Limited Funds? Q&A With Dr. Paula Quatromoni
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Rachael2023-03-13 13:37:312023-12-23 12:47:26“You Can Never Have An Eating Disorder That Isn’t ‘Serious Enough'”
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Rachael2025-06-24 12:52:482025-06-25 22:24:21Drowning For Perfection: Guest Post by Erica King Kubowitsch“Thank you for allowing my cross country team to contribute to spreading awareness about eating disorders. If it wasn’t for Running in Silence, I would have never shared my story. Running in Silence has inspired me. It has made me go beyond my comfort zone and take a risk. It has made me be vulnerable. I could not be more appreciative of the organization for doing that. Just within a few days, I have gotten tons of people reaching out, sharing their own personal experiences of what they have dealt with. That means people are talking and listening to one another. It has been remarkable! I can’t wait to see where things will go next.” – Emily Jackson, Senior Cross Country Runner
Thanks to Emily and her teammates, $300 was raised to help grow the Running in Silence mission!
Rachael Steil clocked in as an All-American collegiate runner; she became a girl clawing for a comeback on a fruitarian diet. This year-long struggle with raw food ended when she realized she had to find her self-respect beyond her identity as a successful runner on a perfect diet. Running in Silence opens the door on the secret world of eating disorders. It provides vital insights for those who don’t suffer from this disorder and an honest and harrowing personal story for those who do. Steil challenges the stigma of eating disorders, looks past appearance, and dives into the heart of obsession.
Running in Silence book net profits go to the Running in Silence 501(c)3.