She’s a runner. She’s a track star. (And our EIC).

Written by Ally Abruscato, Photographs courtesy of Edith Manfred

Maybe it’s just what happens when you enter your twenties.

Maybe it’s because of the pandemic.

Maybe it’s just fun.

No matter the reason, running is on the rise. Everyone has one friend with no track and field background who randomly decided that running would be their new personality trait. It just so happens that I am that friend. 

I must admit that running and I have a long and complicated history. I ran my first 5k in elementary school through Girls on the Run. I don’t remember much about the race except for the celebratory breakfast I ate afterward with my mom. Even though I ran sporadically throughout the rest of my childhood, I never considered myself a runner. 

I don’t know exactly what got me back into running in March 2020. Maybe it was my intuition that pushed me towards the treadmill. But one day, I set out to run a mile a day in March. I didn’t anticipate a global pandemic would make that goal a lot easier. Or set me on a new path. Running grounded me while everything else in my life seemed to be up in the air. There were many days when running was the only thing I accomplished after I laid in bed most of the day. But getting the chance to run made me feel good.

I ran my first half marathon on spring break during my freshman year at SCAD. Before I did it, it felt like an impossible dream. After I crossed the finish line, I knew that a half wouldn’t be enough. I am training to run the New York City Marathon this November (please consider donating to my fundraising!). It’s been a journey, but I continue pushing myself to longer distances because it proves I can handle hard things. The further I go, the more comfortable I become with the uncomfortable. 

Running is a beautiful test of mental strength. The repetitive thumping footsteps, swinging arms and labored breath can be mind-dulling. But at the end of each run, whether good or bad, there is something to be proud of. Whereas other sports may need fancy equipment or years of lessons, running isn’t like that. While those things can help, they are not necessary to become a runner. 

Anyone can be a runner. There is something so empowering about that idea. Even if you’ve never run a day in your life, you can go for a run, and suddenly you are a runner. And the more you do it, the better you become. It doesn’t always feel easier, but somehow, without noticing, you’re a bit faster, lighter, and stronger. I think that is why people are being drawn to running right now. It is easy to pick up and easy to improve at. Of course, running is rarely ever easy. 

Even if running isn’t always easy, it can still be fun. Start slowly and listen to your body. Get outside and listen to the earth. Put in your earbuds and listen to some music. Run by yourself to get some alone time. Run with a friend to keep you motivated. Walk when you feel like walking. Run when you feel like running. Let your feet take you to places you’ve never been before. Once you give running a chance, you might convert your household into a Turkey Trot family.