On April 20, TWLOHA will be hosting its first 5K.
The Run For It 5K is a chance for TWLOHA to invest in our local community and create awareness about the issues we address. But it’s also a powerful way to highlight the connection between physical and mental health. Research has shown that exercise is a mood enhancer, provides a sense of accomplishment, alleviates stress, depression, and anxiety … The proven psychological benefits of physical activity are many, and this 5K is a unique opportunity for TWLOHA to promote holistic healthy living.
However, until recently, I wasn’t sure I would participate in the 5K. In my case, the idea of exercise has often prompted feelings of anxiety, rather than alleviated them. Working out, biking, playing sports … as a book-loving, uncoordinated, TV-obsessed homebody with exercise-induced asthma, you could say they are the opposite of “my thing.” I’ve always been intimidated by strenuous activity and active people, going back to the days when my mom had to write a note to excuse her fragile daughter from certain P.E. class segments. And running! Running is the worst. I hate running. I hate how my feet slap the pavement, and the way my breath starts catching almost immediately, and the eventual realization that the only way to not be running anymore is to run home.
In college, I was known for my humorous dismissals of invitations to jog around the lake or shadow at a gym class. I got away with not taking care of myself and didn’t give it much thought. After all, I had a busy social life, I made good grades, I still had energy, I felt happy and well-rounded … But I knew, deep down, my avoidance of physical activity was due to an unhealthy mixture of laziness and feelings of inferiority.
It’s only been a few years since I graduated college, but since then, my apathy has produced consequences. I’ve developed neck and back aches. I’ve periodically struggled with both fatigue and insomnia. The effects of stress usually register immediately, with a weakened immune system, lagging energy, and sudden weight loss. I’m an editor, which means sitting at a computer—all day. It’s not so easy to get away with neglecting nutrition or favoring evenings on the couch. I’ve made all the excuses in the world as to why I’m unfit to embrace fitness … But a few months ago, I realized they were just that: excuses.
Since January, I’ve been introducing physical activity into my weekly schedule. There are many reasons people may do this, but in my case, I just wanted to finally overcome my athletic-related insecurities and find my own way to feel well. And it’s working. Sure, I still get intimidated. I still get sudden rushes of panic when I feel my asthma kicking in or realize I still have a half hour to go. I still have to fight the urge to choose Netflix over my Nikes. But I haven’t felt this “me” in years. I sleep deeply. My mind seems clearer, more focused. Simple, habitual changes have made me feel more alive, purposeful, accomplished.
So, on April 20, TWLOHA will be hosting its first 5K … and I will be running my first 5K.
Yes, I will intentionally be choosing to participate in an event centered on the physical activity I perhaps most despise, and I’m genuinely excited about it. It might not be pretty—my time will most likely be unimpressive, I may have to take some walking breaks, and I guarantee my race T-shirt will be a sweaty mess. But I’m doing this, regardless. I’m running for it.
For the benefit of my future self, in defiance of my former self, and for anyone who is tired of living life according to long-held insecurities—I’m running for it.
What will you run for?
—Alyce
If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you at the Run For It 5K in Satellite Beach, FL. There’s still time to register, and you can run for whatever matters to you: recovery, fitness, fun, mental health awareness, in memory of a loved one … Share your reasons with us using the #RunForIt5K hashtag. And whether you’re a spectator or a runner, download the RaceJoy app to stay updated and get access to exclusive race-day information and special features.
Louisa Jo
This is so aweseome! I’m happy you’re running your first 5K. I was home from college one semester with an office job and the office was having an exercise contest that we measured with pedometers, so I decided to bike to work. It was crazy. I have exercise-induced asthma too. After about a month I had gotten into a groove of biking to work each morning. Then it rained one day. I don’t mean wimpy light rain either, this was a torrential downpour that would be way too dangerous to bike in. When I got back from work that night (I had driven that day) I knew I needed to make up for time I had lost from not biking. So I turned on the treadmill and Owl City’s 2nd album. I realized that I ran the first mile and I didn’t feel like I was going to die – so I ran another. It was a great experience.
Shahrazad
This blog pretty much sums up my entire outlook on physical activity, and even lists some things I’ve done! This school year however, I enrolled for an entire year of P.E. (we have to have two semesters to graduate, anyway) and got a gym membership with my mom. I’m still far from being “fit”, but I’ve felt a lot better physically. The majority of the year has been embarrassing, but it’s gotten better. Sure I may still be the last one finishing running the mile, but at least I’m pushing myself. In fact, I even enjoy some of the sports, like volleyball (even if I did hit my teammate in the head…whoops). The fact is, I’m doing better than I was a year ago. And that’s a reason to celebrate.