One of the biggest issues I faced with my mental health was being unable to clear my mind and allow myself to relax without thinking about all of the things I had to do on a given day. When the inability to clear my mind and live in the moment hindered some of my homework, family life, and social life, I began to see a therapist regularly. Therapy was helpful, but the recommendations my therapist gave (journaling, meditating, or painting) just seemed like more opportunities to think about all of the things I had to do. I also always got distracted being inside, trying and failing to exercise those relaxation techniques.
I have been swimming competitively since third grade, and have been doing triathlons since I was in seventh, where I always focused on and looked forward to the swimming leg of the race. This past summer, after doing a triathlon on Cape Cod, one of my parents’ friends suggested that I run the Falmouth Road Race the next month. The race was a seven-mile run (I had never run more than six at the time), but I decided to give it a try. I love having a goal to work towards, so I began to follow the training plan they emailed me when I signed up for the race.
I decided to begin my training by running without music since I had read somewhere that new runners shouldn’t run with music, as it can mess up your rhythm and breathing. This also meant I could leave my phone at home. Without a phone and music, I was able to focus exclusively on my form and my surroundings, which I found incredibly refreshing. After a couple of weeks of training, I noticed that I was happier and less anxious than before I started running.Â
Once I completed the Falmouth Road Race, I knew I needed another goal, and the obvious next step was to run a half marathon. So I began training again. No previous head-clearing tactics worked for me as running did. It gave me a goal to work towards, a designated time of the day to be alone, to be outside, and to escape any stressors. Although sometimes it was difficult for me to motivate myself to go on long runs, once I was a few miles in, I always enjoyed myself. Doing my long runs on Sundays also gave me something to feel proud of and increased my motivation and confidence for the rest of the week.
When the half marathon race day arrived, the conditions were perfect for running — an October day, 60 degrees and sunny with no breeze, and with orange and red leaves dusting the ground. The race, although far hillier than I expected, was difficult but pleasant, and the excitement and pride I felt when I finished the race — with the knowledge that I found a new sport to love — was unparalleled.
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