The last couple of years have been challenging, to say the least. I can't think of many people who can look back on 2020 to now and say, "Oh yeah, no hard times at all, definitely all good." Besides a global pandemic that completely uprooted most of our lives, many folks, me included, had other… Continue reading A New Baseline
Category: mental health
Race Recap: Winterlaufe 2022
100 races. Back in 2008, when I ran my first three 5k races, the idea of running 100 races was not even on my radar. In fact, I took a break from running after those first three races, a break that lasted from 2008 until 2012. Even then, I had no goals of running streaks… Continue reading Race Recap: Winterlaufe 2022
A New Year, A Fresh Start
It is officially a brand new year, and like always, I am looking forward to a fresh start. I know that you don't need a new year, a new month, a new week, or even a new day to get started. It's hard not to want to start on something new at this time of… Continue reading A New Year, A Fresh Start
My Sober Curious Journey
Have you heard phrases like "sober curious" or "gray area drinking"? Or maybe you've heard of or even participated in something like "Dry January" or "Sober September"? According to Forbes, demand for alcohol free beverage options is projected to increase by 31% by 2024. This comes after we saw an increase in alcohol consumption in… Continue reading My Sober Curious Journey
My Running for Mental Health Journey
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that saw mental health as a part of overall health. When I was a freshman in high school, my mom realized that when I said "I didn't feel good" and wanted to stay home from school that my mental health was what needed attention, and… Continue reading My Running for Mental Health Journey
Depression
[Trigger warning: depression, suicide, self harm. You are not alone - If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 1-800-273-8255. Help is available 24/7.] "Being depressed is like being locked in a cage and losing the key. You keep beating yourself up about it, but its not even your fault.… Continue reading Depression
April 9, 2021
Trigger warning: substance abuse, alcohol abuse On April 9th, 2021 I was celebrating the retirement of one of my coworkers. Everyone that I was with was drinking alcohol, laughing, and having a great time. I was laughing and having a great time, too, but I wasn't drinking. In fact, I was celebrating 6 months of… Continue reading April 9, 2021