We all have something that makes us feel alive.For me and for many of my teammates, that something is running. For me personally, running serves as a connection from the physicality of the earth to my body, to my health and to other people.
I have run varsity, cross-country and track since high school, and between the start of my career as an (admittedly) dorky 13-year-old to now (as I enter my final year of college), I’ve witnessed a lot when it comes to the lengths girls will go to in order to enhance their performance on the track.
However, despite this “connection” many runners feel to running, when exercised to extremes, running may actually disconnect athletes from the notion of health. For me, watching my teammates struggle was (and still is) torturous. From the sidelines, I’ve watched girls wither away, all in the name of track.
However, by controlling food intake and exercise, their health and performance simultaneously deteriorate. Consequentially, I was often plagued with concern for the girls on my team, yet also uncertain of exactly what to do or say, or to whom I could reach out. In short, I desperately wanted to help, yet I often feared that my well-intentioned efforts would reinforce their behavior or make things worse.
Riddled with fear, yet determined to find out what I could do to help, I turned to my campus’ resources for guidance…
To continue reading this story from our partner, Proud2BMe, click here.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
