I’ve always wanted to run a marathon, but along the way I’ve learned that running is just as much a mental challenge as it is physical. So far, I’ve completed a half marathon and I’m heading into my second 10-miler, and what I’ve come to love most is how much the process pushes you mentally. At the end of the day, it’s really you versus you—learning how to stay disciplined, focused, and resilient even when it’s hard.

On the toughest days, having a “why” makes all the difference. For me, that “why” is raising awareness for sex trafficking—one of the most silent and overlooked forms of abuse. It’s something that affects people every single day, often without enough attention or conversation.

Running this marathon gives me the opportunity to turn a personal goal into something bigger than myself. Every mile is a reminder of why I started, and a way to help bring awareness to an issue that deserves to be seen, talked about, and acted on.