My journey with running began at 25 when I was diagnosed with hypertension (due to Type II obesity and other factors) — conditions I still manage today, more than 20 years later. Faced with the frightening prospect of taking medication at such a young age, I made a vow to my doctor that I would do whatever it took to avoid relying on pills. The thought of being on medication at that age terrified me, pushing me to seek alternatives. Two things became essential: losing weight and committing to physical activity.

I started small, consulting a nutritionist and beginning with walks in the park. At over 125 kg (275 lbs.), walking was all I could manage, but I was determined. Gradually, those 120kg turned into 90kg (190 lbs.), and those brisk walks evolved into light jogs. The park, once large enough to contain my efforts, became too small, and I turned to the streets, finding a new rhythm in my life.

Despite my best efforts, my hypertension didn’t improve to the point where I could avoid medication, but I learned to live with it. More importantly, I refused to let it define or complicate my life. Running became my daily ritual, a way to strive for a better version of myself every day.

Even today, I still take my medication nightly (even with 77 kg~170 lbs.), but with well-controlled blood pressure and an average resting heart rate under 40 beats per minute, I am in better health than I ever imagined possible at 25. Running has become much more than exercise; it is my lifeline. It oxygenates my body, recharges my spirit, and provides a release from the stresses of life. Running nourishes my soul, filling me with ideas and dreams that propel me forward.

This journey with running has been transformative. It didn’t just change my body; it reshaped my entire life, instilling discipline, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for the power of movement. Running is more than a part of my routine—it’s an essential part of who I am.