I started running in the past couple of years because I put a high demand on my body [doing stand-up]. I knew running was a great way to take care of myself. Now when I land in a new city every morning, I literally hit the ground running.
Last summer, I decided to see how many people I could get to join me for an impromptu 5K run through social media. It started out with just 200 runners, but now it’s consistently 3,000 people.
I call these 5Ks races, but I don’t want them to be misconstrued as real. It’s not about who finishes first or last. It’s about running together.
I don’t think people expected me to run the way I ran at the beginning. I go at about a seven minute pace. Once I finish, I stay and high-five everybody. I do not leave until everyone has crossed the finish line.
I teamed up with Nike to do these runs on a larger scale while I was on tour. The whole “Hustle Hart” movement is real.
What I love most is hearing why people come out. Those stories make it worth it. It’s affecting people’s lives. You can’t do bigger or better than that.
I’m from Philadelphia, and that event was our biggest turnout so far. We had 5,000 people running, including my staff, my family, and my kids.
With my kids, running is contagious. It’s about constantly bettering ourselves as a family.
I run in every city I visit. I do a 5K whether it’s a race or just the exercise. People see me and respect me when I’m working out. They say hello and keep on moving.
When I’m traveling, I love to go find places while I’m running where I can see things. It’s about capturing moments—capturing that city while you get your healthy side on.
When I’m running, I’m not competing for a gold medal. The reward is telling myself, “I’m staying consistent. I’m staying true to something.” If I continue to set goals and accomplish those goals, that means I’m doing something right. Who knows where that could take me?
Dana is a freelance journalist who covers a variety of subjects for health and fitness publications. She specializes in writing and editing health and wellness pieces and has contributed to Runner’s World, Yoga Journal, Livestrong, PopSugar Fitness, Women’s Health, and Self.
