Duke Runner Jackson Heidesch On Training Your Brain to Deal With The Pain

Jackson Heidesch is a sophomore on the Duke Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Hailing from Iowa, Jackson first made national headlines by winning the NXR Heartland Regional in 2022, earning the nickname “The King of Iowa” from The Running Effect. His momentum carried into a historic 2023 season: he won the mile at New Balance Indoor Nationals, shattered the coveted 4-minute mile barrier at the HOKA Festival of Miles, and captured victory at the prestigious Brooks PR Invitational.

Following his historic senior year, Jackson has faced a series of injuries that sidelined him for much of his freshman and sophomore seasons at Duke. The physical setbacks were compounded by mental health challenges, as he battled depression that turned training into dread and everyday life into a struggle. Through it all, Jackson discovered a deeper resilience, sharing openly about his experiences with therapy, medication, and the slow, patient process of rebuilding his love for running.

Now redshirted and healthier, Jackson has embraced a broader mission: to speak out on the importance of mental health in athletics. Whether competing at the highest level or advocating for mental health awareness, Jackson Heidesch is committed to making a lasting impact both on and off the track. His journey is one of resilience, community, and a relentless belief in moving forward—no matter how difficult the path may be.

@jacksonheidesch, @duketfxc