14: Brit de Groot, founder of Flow State - the gateway drug of run clubs

Brit de Groot is the first to admit she’s not great at meditation. Instead, she uses running to quieten her brain. Having discovered the power of running for her own mental health, Brit is sharing the good vibes around. Whether she’s convincing metal musicians to go jogging, fundraising for mental health, or leading Flow State, a run club for women with a focus on mental wellbeing rather than performance, Brit does a hell of a lot for our community.

In this episode we talk about the explosion of run clubs (including our thoughts on the trend towards using them for dating), women’s safety on the run, music, grief, and why Brit so strongly advocates for mental health awareness (TW: women's safety and suicide). I can’t think of a more fitting episode release for World Mental Health Day.

Brit has worked in the music industry for the past 15 years. She started running in 2020, and since then has become entrenched in the Melbourne running community. She finds people are often surprised that she can exist in the two worlds of music and running due to the stereotypes associated with both.

After losing a close friend in early 2021, Brit started her journey into mental health advocacy and awareness, with a particular focus on helping those in the music industry. Flow State Run Club was born in 2022 to create a safe space for women runners.

Flow State meets at the Running Company store in Albert Park at 6pm on Wednesdays. All femme-identifying runners welcome.

Brit’s instagram: @brit_degroot

Flow State: @flow.state.rc

Run 2 Cure Neuroblastoma: Join Hazzy’s team @Run2cureau on 10 November in support of Neuroblastoma Australia.

If this episode has brought anything up for you, reach out to support services in your area. Here are a couple of numbers you can call in Australia:

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (open 24/7)
• Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467