Why I Run

By: Katelyn Clunk, Charm City Run Race Team Member

My love for running began for a fairly common reason: my friends were running, and I had FOMO. I started running in 2017 and signed up for the Baltimore Running Festival 5K. Shortly after the 5k, I did what most runners do and registered for a 10k, and then a half marathon.

January of 2018, prior to even running my 10k yet, I spent my 23rd birthday at Baltimore’s very own, Power Plant Live! During this birthday excursion, quite a few beverages in, my friends and I decided to sign up for a full marathon, the Baltimore Running Festival 2018.

After a few (failed) attempts at running with my Rottweiler, Puck, I knew I needed a running buddy that didn’t hate running more than I did. Enter Phoebe. For her, no run is long enough, and even at my fastest, I’ll still never be fast enough to satisfy her. 

By the time I adopted Phoebe, I had already completed my first half marathon but we now had a really big goal in front of us and she made it so much more fun.

Running is our “thing.” She knows when I grabbed my running shoes, and as soon as she sees my hydration vest, she starts her spins and under the breath shrieks…it’s her Christmas morning. Phoebe and I have accumulated many miles over the years. At this point she has trained with me through four full marathons, over 15 half marathons, and so many miles in between. 

In 2021, I delivered twins at 29 weeks gestation. My son Mack passed away at four days old. The grief was immeasurable, but running helped. It was very hard to get back to life, to “normalcy,” and running after his death. If it wasn’t for Phoebe, I don’t know if I would have ever ran again. 

In 2022 I wanted to get back into longer distances, and I signed up with a CCR training group and from there I ran the NYC Marathon, also through CCR. CCR brings a sense of community and camaraderie to running. It is inclusive and welcoming. I never thought in my wildest anxiety ridden dreams did I think that I would run with a group, but i’m so glad I did. It’s been so much fun, i’ve learned many new things, and made some really cool friends. I now have three (four legged) running buddies to spread my miles between, and while Phoebe will always be the number one girl in my group, Tuna and Chili also get miles in with us. They love coming to group and are excited to see our two and four legged friends on Saturdays for long runs!