“I just felt like running.” This is a quote from the movie Forrest Gump, where Forrest started running to cope with the challenges he was facing. As Forrest said, “you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” COVID-19 has had a monumental impact on us, and we have discovered ways to push forward, finding peaceful moments in uncertain times. For me, running has been my way of finding enjoyment, reflecting on the past, and living in the moment. 

When the pandemic began, I started running more seriously. Soon I realized running provided more than a physical challenge, it provided an opportunity to reflect on emotional challenges too. The sound of my feet constantly hitting the ground helped block out the noise and allowed me to focus. After a run I felt better, with less weight on my shoulders, and ready to “move on.”

Many months have passed, and I am in my third school year impacted by COVID. Although a lot has changed, I am still running: my feet continue to hit the ground day after day. I look at my running shoes, and I am grateful for the miles that I have run. For me there is no finish line.

Image Caption: My running shoes from COVID times, with each pair representing 300 miles.