I entered 2015 completely unhappy. I hated my job, hated myself, was dealing with the resurgence of an eating disorder, was depressed and stressed, and things just seemed to be getting worse. But in early January, a cold and snowy day like the recent week, I sat down among a crowd of other excited runners, ready to embark upon our training program for Boston.
Little did I know how important that moment was. It kickstarted my road to recovery. We logged hundreds of training hours together, up and down the hills of Barrington, through zero degree highs and 20 mph winds. Running those hills, listening to the pounding of my feet, forming deep bonds with the other runners, that was the therapy I needed. By investing myself in the runner community, I found the strength and peace I needed to get through another day, then another week, then another month. I found the positivity that had been lacking in my life for the past few dark months, but most importantly, I found my people.
I found the kinds of friends who could convince you on Wednesday to wake up at 4 am that Saturday, drive to the middle of nowhere Illinois, and run an ultramarathon relay with them.
I found the kinds of friends who will greet you with a bear hug at 6am and then join you in a random workout without thinking you’re crazy.
I found the kinds of friends who coach you to personal bests, and support you through your personal worsts.
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Without the support and runner love I first found while training for Boston, and then expanded upon training for Detroit and beyond, I don’t know how I would have made it through last year. I gained the strength I needed to pull myself from the dark places in which I started the year. I’m in a much better place now; I have a new job, dozens of new friends, and am happy.
For me 2015 was “The year of Boston.” Training for Boston opened the door for me into the runner community and brought me peace, confidence, and happiness. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2016!
Happy running and Happy New Year,
Becca
