Story by Haley
Running is more than just a physical activity for me, it’s a source of freedom, clarity, and strength. With every step, I feel a sense of accomplishment, pushing my limits and proving to myself that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. It’s a time for reflection, a way to clear my mind and reset, no matter what challenges I’m facing. Running connects me to my inner resilience and reminds me that progress comes from consistency and effort. o me, running isn’t just about speed or distance, it’s about growth, perseverance, and the pure joy of movement.
The challenging part of running is that it is not linear. It can fluctuate in so many aspects. Some days can be the best days and other day it can be the opposite. It also a physically and mentally demanding sport. I would even say that it is more mentally challenging then anything else. We must motivate ourselves to put one foot in front of the other and that can be hard some days, but that’s what also makes it so amazing.
A running community is important to me because it provides motivation, support, and a sense of belonging. Running can be a solitary activity but sharing it with others transforms it into something more meaningful. Whether it’s cheering each other on at races, pushing through tough training runs together, or simply celebrating small victories, a running community fosters connection and accountability. It’s not just about miles—it’s about friendships, encouragement, and the shared pursuit of personal growth.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered in this sport is when I fell out of love with it. My life got filled with many things and I used running as an outlet, which led me to burn out. I lost my love for racing and had not motivation to run. I decided that instead I wanted to give back to the community and hopefully get my love for running back. As a speech language pathologist, I was led to a community of runners who support those who don’t have the capability to run. I had the opportunities to push disabled athletes in races. Since that I found another love and respect for this sport like nothing else. My joy for running came back.
Running is an incredible sport, and I am so grateful for all that it has given me.