At 18, as I was being wheeled into surgery for ACL and meniscus repair after 14 years of competitive gymnastics, I made myself a promise: I would run a half marathon by the time I turned 25. I had never ran more than 3 miles at a time previously. Little did I know that this goal would transform into a lifeline that would carry me through some of the darkest moments of my life.

What began as a physical challenge evolved into an essential mental health tool. When I found myself trapped in domestic abuse, running became my sanctuary—a space where I could feel strong, capable, and free. With each mile, I rebuilt my confidence and ultimately found the courage to reclaim my life and my future.

Living with celiac disease has added another layer of complexity to my running journey. Proper fueling is not just about performance, it's about managing an autoimmune condition that can flare at the most inconvenient times. DThis persistence through invisible challenges, and an invisible disease, is something I carry with pride.

From my first marathon finishing in 5:03 to my current PR of 3:15, I've witnessed my own transformation through each marathon. Each race tells a chapter of my story. I’m three stars in to my own World Marathon Major journey: Chicago, Boston, and Tokyo.

Today, I run for JOY. After using running to heal, I now use it to thrive and connect, and most importantly, empower everyday athletes to run their own story.