QuaRUNtine

I have always found that I am my most confident, and powerful self when I am running. It feels like when I go out for a run, I am conquering some kind of small battle; I get that rush of dopamine every time I set a small goal for how far I want to run or how fast, and complete that goal. It is one of the smallest, most simple pleasures in my life, that is simultaneously such a big part of my identity. 

The thing I love most about running is that I feel entirely in control when I do it. I have always been obsessed with control, sometimes to a fault (thank you, anxiety!). With running, though, the feeling of control is not forced. The control comes from a complete understanding and synchronicity between my body and my mind. I feel completely present and in tune with what I am feeling while I am pushing myself to move forward. There is not better feeling than finally finding a rhythm of body movement and breath while chugging along a road or trail, feeling like you are on top of the world.

I think that running (or physical goals and challenges of other sorts) is one of the healthiest and effective coping mechanisms for challenging times like these. I have found that since becoming an endurance athlete, I am more confident in my own power to accomplish whatever I want, and face hardships or hard times with much more ease. Running is like a metaphor for life; you go through rough patches and need to power up hills or pick yourself up off the trail when you fall. Sometimes everything hurts, your lungs are burning, and you don't know if you'll ever make it to the end, but somehow you do. The feeling of accomplishment once a goal is achieved, both in running and in life, is incomparable. It's a high like no other. 

Doing hard things makes other hard things seem a little easier. You get stronger every time your limits are pushed. You become invincible. 

In quarantine, I run to feel alive. I run to feel like I can get through anything. I run to feel like I am in control of my body and my mind in the healthiest way that I can be. 

Because I run, I know that everything is going to be okay. I am able to get through anything. I am strong because I am a runner.