How Running Changed My Life
A journey of resilience, friendship, and discovering my limits
How It All Started
I was never a runner. In school, I avoided running whenever I could, finding no reason to push myself through something I didn’t enjoy. But for some reason, I always dreamed of running a marathon—even though I wasn’t good at it.
In 2021, I finally decided to give it a try. I started researching and found the “Couch to 5K” program. Slowly but surely, I built up my endurance, and I was proud when I ran 5K without stopping. Then life got in the way. After getting my COVID vaccination, I lost my momentum, and for months, I couldn’t bring myself to run again.
It wasn’t until I moved to Canada that things changed. I was always an active person—I loved hiking and long walks—but I craved a sense of community. So, I decided to join a local trail running group. That decision would change everything.
The Comeback
Surrounded by friends who constantly talked about their training and upcoming races, I felt inspired to give running another shot. At the start of last year, I made a resolution: move more, run more. But, as you know, Canadian winters are long. So, I started training indoors, using the treadmill as a stepping stone to prepare for summer.
To keep myself accountable, I signed up for a 10K race with my friends. It was hard. There were so many moments when I questioned why I had done this to myself. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t quite hit 10K on the treadmill, and as race day approached, I felt unprepared.
Then, an unexpected turn of events: the race was postponed due to a storm. I was relieved—I had more time to train. Maybe, just maybe, I could reach that 10K milestone before the new race date.
Summer Training & Unexpected Wins
As the snow melted, I explored more running clubs, even joining group runs while traveling. My best 5K time happened unexpectedly—during a work trip to San Francisco for Config 2024. Running in a new city with an energetic group fueled my motivation.
I also became part of a local running club back home, and through that, I discovered the power of community. Running wasn’t just about logging miles; it was about sharing the experience. One day, I even won a prize from The North Face for participating in a club event—something I never imagined happening when I first laced up my shoes.
And then, after months of effort, I finally did it. I ran my first 10K. It wasn’t about speed or perfection—it was about proving to myself that I could.
Race Day & A New Perspective
By the time race day arrived, I was ready. I crossed the finish line in 1 hour and 28 minutes—a personal record. But more importantly, I felt strong. Not exhausted, not miserable—just proud.
And in that moment, something clicked. I wasn’t just finishing a race; I was opening a door to something bigger. Minutes after catching my breath, I was already thinking, Could I run even farther?
More Than Just Running
This journey wasn’t just about running. It taught me discipline, patience, and resilience—qualities that have made me a better person and even a better designer. Just like in design, small, consistent efforts lead to big achievements.
I may not be the fastest runner, but I’ve learned that with consistency and determination, you can achieve things you once thought were impossible. And this is just the beginning.
So, if you’re thinking of starting something—whether it’s running, a creative project, or a new challenge—just take that first step. You never know where it might lead.