Why I Run

Running has always meant more to me than just a workout. As long as I can remember, it has been a part of who I am. As a kid, I used to race cars down the sidewalk, determined to beat them to the “turnaround tree,” a landmark my parents named so I wouldn’t stray too far from home. Even then, running felt like freedom, like a challenge I was eager to take on.

As I grew older, that passion evolved. I joined varsity cross country and track as a freshman in high school, and the competitiveness that had lived in me since childhood ignited even stronger. I used to get incredibly nervous before races, my heart pounding long before the starting gun. But I will never forget the feeling that came with crossing the finish line, the deep sense of accomplishment that made every ounce of fear worth it.

Photo by Todd Barnett at Pacific Beach Run Club

Since high school, I’ve continued to chase that feeling. I’ve run a half marathon, several 5Ks, and even a Spartan Super Race, each one keeping the flame of competition alive. Running has always been about discovering how far I can push myself, how much discomfort I can endure, and how much I can overcome.

Running has a kind of superpower, it resets you. No matter what’s happening in life, it forces you to BREATH again. With every step, my mind clears, my thoughts settle, and I find space to reflect, process, and move forward. Running resets my body and my spirit.

At the end of every run, I’m filled with gratitude for my body, for its strength, and for its ability to carry me forward. Running makes me feel powerful. It reminds me that I am capable, resilient, and unstoppable.

Photo by Todd Barnett at Pacific Beach Run Club