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Recently, I went to watch a few of my friends complete the 10K Barossa Marathon that they had been practising and preparing for over the past few months. Watching them cross the finish line was incredibly satisfying and inspiring.

As a child, I always despised running. I blamed my lack of speed and endurance on my non-existent calves and iron deficiency. After high school, with no one forcing me to run, I simply stopped. Every gym session was purely weight training with no cardio whatsoever. I declined every invitation to go on a run by simply saying, “I’m not built for it.”

Several months ago, a few of my friends decided they were entering their "running era," whatever that meant. Every morning, they would wake up at ungodly hours to go for a run before class. By the time I was awake, they would be back home, faces red with exhaustion and completely puffed out. I remember looking at them and thinking to myself, “Why would you do that to yourself?” But despite the exhaustion and pain, they always had an accomplished grin on their faces as they discussed how much their pace had improved from the previous run.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I started to wonder if there was more to this running thing than I had thought. Studies have shown that people who regularly exercise have better mental health and emotional wellbeing. Exercise not only boosts our mood, concentration, and alertness but also improves our cardiovascular and overall physical health.

Inspired by my friends, I decided to give running a try. I started slow, with short distances and a comfortable pace. At first, it was tough. My legs ached, my lungs burned, and I felt like giving up. But I kept at it, motivated by the visible improvements my friends had achieved and their constant encouragement.

As the weeks went by, something amazing happened. I started to notice changes—not just in my physical health, but in my mental wellbeing as well. The more I ran, the better I felt. My stress levels dropped, my mood lifted, and I found myself more focused and alert during classes. I even started to sleep better, waking up feeling more refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Running also became a social activity. Joining my friends on their morning runs created a sense of camaraderie and support. We celebrated each other's progress, shared tips, and motivated one another to keep going. It turned what once felt like a solitary, gruelling activity into a fun and rewarding experience.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health, I encourage you to give exercise a try. You don't have to start with a marathon—just find an activity you enjoy and stick with it. Your mind and body will thank you.