Editor’s note: This story deals with the subjects of depression and suicide. If you, or anyone you know, experience suicidal thoughts, you can contact the National Suicide Hotline by phone (1-800-273-8255) or text (send HOME to 741741).



From the outside, January 2nd began like most other days for Chris Malenab: He met up with his running group in Sacramento, where he lives in the offseason, for a jog. The Reno 1868 assistant coach had begun running at 24, attempting his first marathon as a bucket-list item. Once he completed it and saw his time, his competitive side kicked in. He ran another one, then another and another, driven by the hope of setting new personal records. To date, he has completed 31 races, including the New York Marathon and the Boston Marathon. For someone looking to stay fit during the USL offseason, running was a natural hobby. These days, the 39-year-old tries to do 100 miles per week.



On the inside, however, something wasn’t quite...