I have been a competitive runner through high school and college, and despite the busyness of med school, I haven’t given it up. Since beginning med school, I’ve run one Ironman, two full marathons, and eight half-marathons. I’m currently training for my first Boston Marathon this April.
My classmates and friends often ask how I balance running 50+ miles a week with school. For me, running is essential. It’s always exactly what I need it to be no matter what it is. It’s my stress relief, time to myself, time to socialize, place to escape, time for prayer, something to make me feel good about myself, and almost always my favorite time of the day. Ironically, the intense training provides me with structure and forces me to manage my time more wisely. Last spring, when I had to wake up at 5 AM to finish a two-hour workout, shower, and get to 8 AM lecture on time, I was incredibly efficient with my studying so I could go to bed at a reasonable hour and do it all over again the next day.
In my opinion, exercising and treating your body well is the best thing you can do for yourself and your patients. I am a better student, future doctor, and person because of running, and, frankly, I would be a very cranky person without it! I’m excited to continue training for Boston and share my journey with you!
