Finding Balance: How Running Helped Me Reconnect with Myself During the Pandemic
Introduction
Working in healthcare is both demanding and deeply fulfilling. As providers, we have the privilege of caring for people during some of the most vulnerable and difficult moments of their lives. But the emotional weight of that responsibility can be heavy—and if we’re not intentional about caring for ourselves, it can take a toll on both our physical and mental health. For me, soccer was my outlet. Every week, I’d look forward to playing at the Sports Center of Richmond (SCORE)—it was how I stayed active, managed stress, and kept a sense of balance. But in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic upended all our lives, SCORE shut down. Like so many others, I suddenly had to rethink how I coped with the pressure of an even more demanding job.
That’s when I found running.
The Effects Of Running
I began jogging around the field at my daughter’s middle school every evening. What started as a simple way to clear my head quickly turned into something more. I looked forward to those quiet, rhythmic moments—just me, the fresh air, and the open space. It became a new form of therapy, a way to reset and reconnect. In April 2022, I took a leap and signed up for my first race: the Monument Avenue 10K. Crossing that finish line felt incredible—not just for the physical achievement, but for what it symbolized: resilience, renewal, and personal growth. Inspired, I pushed myself further and completed the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon that November. By March of this year, I had several half marathons under my belt—and a new appreciation for what it means to prioritize wellness.
In healthcare, we always encourage others to take care of themselves. But it’s just as important that we walk that talk. Running has given me clarity, strength, and joy—exactly what I need to keep showing up fully for my patients and my family..