Every runner has a story, and to celebrate Global Running Day, we invited our team to share theirs. From first 5Ks to morning miles and trails that feel like home, their reflections remind us of the power and joy of movement.
Q: What sparked your running journey?
Everyone’s running story is different, but each carries meaning, momentum, and reasons to keep pushing to accomplish personal goals.
- “My dad always modeled an active lifestyle (and is still competing in triathlons in his late 60s!). After running a 5k with him after college, I was hooked.” – Kristi H.
- “I started running to maintain overall fitness, but my journey really began when I joined an all-women running group which blended running with community building.” – Shilpa A.
- “I had a lifelong agnostic relationship with running, and though I found it difficult, I decided to challenge my stigma and sign up for a couch-to-5k program.” – Shelby M.
- “I started running in middle school when I joined cross country. I wanted a simple sport that didn’t need fancy gear—and I’ve stuck with it ever since!” – Daniel U.
Q: What do you love most about running?
Running helps our team get moving outside while building strength and resilience.
- “I love running’s accessibility and simplicity. It can be done anywhere and helps clear my head and regulate my mood.” – Saba N.
- “Running outside gives me the opportunity to explore and enjoy parks at a nice pace.” – Chris A.
- “After a long run, I feel just as good mentally as I do physically.” – Andrew B.
- “Outside the personal mental and physical benefits, I love how welcoming and supportive the running community is.” – Kristi H.
Q: What healthy habits best support your runs?
Sleep, nutrition, consistency, and mindset—our runners shared the habits that help them stay strong and injury-free.
- “Healthy eating and consistency keep me in shape and increase my endurance.” – Chris A.
- “Incorporating strength training into my routine has made me a stronger runner.” – Patricia A.
- “I try to be the best coach and teammate to myself, focusing on sleep and nutrition.” – Shelby M.
- “Dynamic stretching has helped treat and prevent running-related injuries.” – Andrew B.
Q: Name one #VitalityVictory you’ve experienced because of your running journey?
From new running shoes to personal milestones and mindset shifts, our team’s victories go far beyond the finish line.
- “I’ve lost 50 pounds, earned meaningful rewards like wellness rebates and gift cards, and signed up for my first marathon because of Vitality’s support.” – Patricia A.
- “I always meet my physical activity targets each month, which helps me earn wheel spins and bucks, which I redeem for new running shoes!” – Saba N.
- “I’ve kept a mile-a-day streak going for over 1,600 days and affirmed to myself that even on difficult days, I never regret getting out there for a run.” – Daniel U.
- “I’ve felt empowered to build consistent habits through running, from showing up for short runs to training for major milestones like my first Abbott World Marathon Major.” – Shilpa A.
