“About 10 years ago, it looked like and felt like I was at a pinnacle in my life. I had a wonderful career, a very strong marriage with my high school sweetheart, 4 amazing sons, and tons of loving friends and family. But I was hiding a darkness on the inside. I was really starting to struggle. On the outside, I had people telling me how great I looked, how I had this great family and marriage, and how I had everything going for me. And it’s true; I did have all of those things, but what I also had, was an emerging unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I didn’t really drink growing up. But right around the time I turned 40, my husband and I were enjoying having wine with dinner, wine with friends, and then at some point, things got to be different for me. I had to look and say, do I want to continue going down this road that is not the healthiest for me? Instead, I decided I was going to choose a path to wellness. I had to get help to heal, not only physically but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. One of the great things that came into my life at the same time was an interest in running. I grew up a musician. A bookworm. I had logged many more miles on a piano bench and a marching band, than I ever had running. I found that I loved it. I get so many gifts from running. I like the solitude, because I can meditate and think things through. But, I also love the companionship and running with my friends. I have found such a strong community of support with my running friends and the adventures that I have gone on. Also, the opportunities to help other people through fundraising and bringing awareness to certain issues. People ask me sometimes if running saved my life. It didn’t. What saved my life was completely quitting drinking, but what has made my life sweet and given me a life beyond my wildest dreams is my faith, loving friends and family, but also a fellowship of a recovery alliance that I am a big part of. Now I’m able to help share my story and my struggles, and share a solution and the gifts health and wellness have brought me through running, yoga and meditation. Now, I get to wake up every day and be fully present in my life and in the lives of the people that I love and that I want to help.”