![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLceOEyPWc0D3MjcmzNhpm2cdF9WFah3f0PE3oX_fBoK4kCqHaBwrDKtWiKXjzbctcDDOkESy3go-bQhvL0fSO-sNJPeNvREPCp8TvuBmSwhu-F32zjv6OE1q6trug41bdYHBcqZvnVs/s200/3-5.09+095+-+Copy.jpg)
But when I decided to go to medical school after 2 years in the Peace Corps, I found that stress was omnipresent and I needed some dedicated time when I couldn't study. Time where I could organize my thoughts, enjoy the beauty of nature, and find some peace. Though I was in relatively good shape, I ran my first race in 2008 - a 2 mile "fun run" sponsored by a bar where I used to work - and I felt like I was going to die. I also found myself thinking that I wanted to do that again.
Glutton for punishment? Masochistic? Maybe, a little. (I did go to med school, after all.) But I also find that running offers both a peacefulness and an opportunity to push myself beyond what I thought was possible. 2 years later, I have finally started to feel comfortable calling myself a runner. A marathoner, even. At this point I have 4 marathons under my belt and I'm constantly looking the next challenge. I hope you'll join me on my journey.