Running does something for me that is hard to explain until I am in the middle of needing it.

It does not fix my job. It does not erase stress. It does not make every responsibility disappear. But it changes the weather in my head enough that I can think again.

Before the run, everything feels stacked on top of me. Work, nights, obligations, noise, frustration, all of it. After the run, the problems are usually still there, but they are not sitting on my chest the same way.

Running gives me pressure release, perspective, and a way back to myself.

Some people run for medals, races, or numbers.

Sometimes I run because it keeps me from becoming somebody I do not want to be.