I never thought I would become this person, but I did. I took up running, and now I understand why everyone is acting crazy about it. Let me put you on

I was only starting to become a gym rat, and as I bumped up the weight I could lift, I began to wonder. Is that all there is?

We gym people are known for being competitive; we love to beat a record, even if it’s our own- or should I say, only if it’s our own. If it weren’t for that, we would’ve picked up any team sport by now.

So as I stood waiting to start my next kick-back series, steadily progressing in my gym journey, I decided I would conquer new, exciting territory: the treadmill. And boy, I did.

I finished my heavy weight training that day and hopped on what became my best friend in the last few weeks. I told myself: Running is something humans naturally do, so my body is prepared for it, and I started. That day I ran for 15 minutes straight.

I could witness my troubled thoughts leaving my mind after the 6th minute. The high was extraordinary. I understood why people become obsessed with running. I went back the next day and ran for 30 minutes.

Now I find myself looking for marathons, running events near me, and watching running TikToks all the time. A really close friend told me that he met the most extraordinary people since he took up the sport, and I believe him. I mean, people who gather around something really healthy that’s about moving forward can’t be toxic.

So this is where I’m at now, and four years from now I might be crossing the finish line of my city’s marathon! How about that?