aleks (@runwithaleks) is a runner and a friend of the brand. she started running at 29 with a half marathon for the american cancer society. she thought that would be it.
it wasn't.
78km in bosnia, the same mountain she lived on as a child during the war. a marathon in antarctica. 350km solo, self-supported, brooklyn to maine.
now she's back in sarajevo. running through forests, past deer and bears.
her words on what 'gone running.' means to her:
‘at first i ran to soothe my grief. it was a space where i found community that took me in with open arms. runners impacted by cancer in one way or another. running conversations became balm to my sore wounds. ones that no matter how much i tended to, i couldn't mend on my own. this was my first running lesson: you get further when you run together.
then came the trails: long treks and getting lost in nature. an awakened sense for adventure took me further than i ever dreamed possible. discovering new depths and meeting different versions of myself every time i pushed against a boundary to break free. it was chrysalis. but on the other side newfound courage, fearlessness and patience needed to survive the long journey. my second lesson: not all who wander are lost.
and now, when i run i am able to touch something sacred. a kiss of heaven on earth. a cleansing ritual. a chance to begin again, and again. when i run i am not afraid to feel. i allow it to crack me open. surrendering and opening to more joy, love, and awe. the only fear that exists is that i might stop. but if i do, it's to hug a tree, admire the beauty around me or feel the sun's gentle warmth on my face. and that in itself gives existence meaning. the lessons keep coming and this strange obsession of mine has become my biggest teacher. ‘
