Story by Ali

 

Last year I was hospitalized for my eating disorder. I did not have the strength to lift my legs up to even walk. On November 16th, 2024, after months of hard work therapeutically, nutritionally, and learning how to treat myself with kindness, I crossed my first 10K race finish line. Crossing this finish line meant so much more than just finishing a race. It meant I chose recovery. I proved to myself that I could do anything I put my mind to. I proved to myself that I can challenge the thoughts. I proved to myself that I can live a life of freedom and happiness.

 

Although running is not a replacement for therapy, it has helped me combat a lot of my struggles alongside therapeutic resources. It has allowed me to truly feel freedom, creating the biggest smiles on my face every run. Growing up an athlete who loved to play every sport and run, finding a passion in running again after college and post eating disorder and mental health recovery has brought so much joy into my life. As a future therapist entering graduate school next fall eager to work with athletes in the field, I am so passionate about promoting positive mental health in the running and athlete community.

 

Running has taught me that I truly can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I CAN actually combat these negative thoughts, and choose to go against them. I CAN actually run this last mile. In choosing to run rather than engage in a negative behavior, I have learned to choose myself for the first time. Happiness, joy, freedom. That is why I run. A couple months ago 6 miles felt scary.

 

Last month I raced my first 10K and placed 2nd in my age category with a finished time of 41:31 and a 6:41 average pace. This upcoming Saturday I am racing my first half marathon with so much excitement and confidence.

Alongside finding freedom and joy in running, finding the amazing and supportive running community has been life changing.

 

During my half marathon I ran with a piece of paper on my arm that dedicated each mile to someone special in my life. I had each person choose a mantra for me to repeat in my head during that mile. Crossing my half finish line again meant so much more than finishing a race. No words can describe the feelings I felt running my first half marathon, and I am already dreaming about the next starting line 🙂

 

I am also so grateful for working with such an amazing coach who has taught me so much. I hope to help add to this group and help bring together a community that supports ALL runners of ALL bodies, ALL speeds, ALL ages, ALL everything!!!!

 

I am so incredibly excited for my first marathon, Chicago 2025.

 

I have so much gratitude for the opportunity to combine my two passions of running and mental health awareness in running the Chicago marathon with Team NoStigmas.

I have a determination to have a wider impact as a voice in the dialogue surrounding societal views and portrayal of mental illness.

I am so excited to continue my running journey, smiling through every mile.