In 2016 Stephen Hawking gave a speech for the Oxford University Union where he created a quote based on his life that could prove inspirational for the world, “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It just matters that you don’t just give up.” My story isn’t one very many people want to hear and the fear of society learning about it had put me on the edge of giving up on life. But I believe it is critical for people to hear the power running can infuse into us to result in changes for the better. Running, regardless of age or speed, allows anyone to set goals through a little effort, motivation, and persistence as a means to construct the mentality that we can rebuild our lives to live happily and successfully.

For me that one thing to succeed at, I believe has been running. It didn’t fully cure my addiction but it has played an essential tool in my recovery from it. Running has been a distraction away from it that has allowed my preoccupation to be deterred. With running, no matter the distance, there are so many details you have to focus on. From planning your main goal, designing a plan, to running your race.

It is easy for someone to say, “Alright, I’m going to start running.” I’ve heard so many people say it but they never follow through with it. Maybe they go on one run and that’s it. To become “A Runner” you have to develop a strong mindset. The minute you take that first step your whole body is active and can quickly become painful. To forget the pain and move on past it…that’s something to achieve. When you can do that, your in motion to remove your addiction.

Alright so….we’ve taken that first step….we are in motion…we are in pain. We want to give up the progress we have started…How do we continue when nothing is easy. We measure our progress. For someone new to running it could be, “Wow I ran a whole lap!” or maybe its your first mile. So that next step is setting a new goal. Maybe it’s two laps or two miles. Maybe it’s getting faster. Those are your short term goals but we need a larger goal in the background….something with a countdown. A race.

Using myself, I planned the Boston Marathon. That remains my major long-term goal. My short term goals in order were: First marathon, setting a P.R. (Personal Record), then qualifying. Yeah, I aimed pretty high but I have to be realistic and understand qualifying for Boston doesn’t just happen. I focused on the 26.2 miles….then I focused on lowering the time…and soon that qualifying time.

I used this as the example because all these small goals are what allow me to forget about my addiction. When I have free time…its reviewing run results and planning my next run. With that nutrition is essential. So I spend more time cooking now…sadly…doing dishes. But these are the things that have helped and I love it.

So….we have our goals… now comes the follow through. If your new to running…really any exercise…your going to be sore for a few weeks. Yes you should rest, ice, stretch, but keep going! After those few weeks of pain your body gets used to it and you can finally find the fun in the run. I promise once you discover that first runners high….running will become clear. Once you get through that beginners pain it’s all about that mindset and discipline. Ensuring to don’t take a cheat day. Some are okay but when your so new to your recovery its dangerous. It was a minor downfall for me as well. Then your back to square one.

I hope that in time if I inspire anyone you decide to go for those long distances. That is where the true mind test lies. I always mocked the really long distances. I would say that a marathon is easy…and only because I could do a long slow 10 mile run and feel perfectly fine. But then I learned to double the distance, add 6.2 miles, and take couple minutes off the average mile. Suddenly I found a new respect for long distances. I learned you have to tell yourself over and over that the pain is temporary. That its not real to coax yourself when you really know it’s real.

I write all this because when you find that love for running, you can find a whole new set of goals to put your mind to. When you commit and dedicate the time, it becomes unworthy to screw it up with addiction. You find that you cherish it so much and to lose it would hurt so much. I guess the simplest way to say this is you replace one addiction with a new one. One that is good for you. One that people may still look at you like your crazy. The only limit is the one you place on yourself. You can decide your own distance, pace, or location to run. The most beautiful thing is…it’s worldwide and all you need is a pair of shoes. Any where in the world you can do this. All that matters is you don’t give up!