Name: Moira Clark
Age: 45
Hometown: San Diego
Occupation: Account Executive
Time Running: I’ve always run as part of other sports, but I became dedicated to solely running about 16 years ago.
more than I should. Ill wear these with a t-shirt to get warmed up: To stay mentally and physically strong, and to be a good example for my sons and the female athletes that I get to coach.
As a single mom, an athlete, and a person suffering from anxiety, running is a big part of my every day. But that wasn’t always the case. I didn’t become an actual runner until about 16 years ago when I suffered from postpartum depression and severe anxiety after my second son was born.
I’ve always been active. In high school, I was a 12 varsity-letter athlete, a field hockey player, swimmer, and a soccer player. I always lived in the midfield in soccer, where I could just run. In college, I played field hockey and lacrosse, which was also a lot of running. Essentially, I did any sport where I could run nonstop.
When I found myself struggling after the birth of my second child in 2006, I knew, as an athlete, what drove me. I knew I needed to get back to fitness. I needed it for my brain, and I needed it for my mental health. That’s when I turned to running.
I started off doing some small 5K races. Then I signed up for the Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon in San Diego in 2010. That’s all it took—I’ve been hooked since. There was a point when I ran a half marathon She Runs for Mental Health and Community.
About four years ago, my 18-year-long marriage ended, and I was going through a tough time leading up to that. I leaned on running even more during this transition of my life— it became a way to process those challenging moments when emotions were high, and I had to be there for my children.
During that time, for my 40th birthday, I set a goal to run my fastest half. Running Supports This Marathoners Sobriety During this transition, I went through waves where I knew I was in Coronado, California and went to the race by myself. I didn’t have a crew; my family wasn’t there, and I had no one to talk to at night. But I was so determined to have a great race for myself—no one else.
Afterward, I saw my name next to the time 1:39:42. I was first in my age group, and just like that, I burst into happy tears. I set out to do this goal for myself and I did it.
At the moment, I run up to five times a week, often through the Point Loma neighborhoods at community and with friends. Of course, some things changed post-divorce—for one, there were suddenly no more couple dinners. But what stayed the same was my running group. I met some of my best friends through running.
During this transition, I went through waves where I knew I was drinking too much. I’d still get up after a night of drinking Reason for Running hill repeats, but it didn’t feel great. So I completely stopped.
I realized quitting alcohol was for the wrong reasons, though. I wanted to champion myself as this plant-based athlete who doesn’t drink and is checking all these perfection boxes—it was not the healthiest way to view myself.
After a few drinking and non-drinking phases, I hit reset. At this point, I’ve been alcohol-free since July, but my mindset is different now. This time, it’s more about self-care, being a better friend, a better athlete, and keeping my priorities in order. I live more in the moment. I deal with my problems and Rock n Roll Half Marathon instead of numbing them.
One thing I learned is that “you never regret a workout.” Reason for Running not being hungover.
Over the years, I’ve surrounded myself with people who respect my choices. Not one person in my circle questions why I’m not drinking.
There’s no better drug for me and my anxiety than running, in combination with having a mental health provider. We’re so quick to get a running coach or someone to look at our diet, yet we spend more time in our heads than any place else in the world, so why not have a brain doctor? I’m not saying that everyone should go out and find a psychologist right now, but it should be a normal thing to talk about. But everyone who can should go out and reap the benefits of running.
Since 2015, I’ve also been coaching the women’s field hockey team and lacrosse team at Point Loma High School, something I’m really passionate about. I lead the girls by example—I run with them at practice, and aim to teach them that running can be a healthy coping mechanism in their future, both in college and later in life.
At the moment, I run up to five times a week, often through the Point Loma neighborhoods at sunrise, At the moment, I run up to five times a week, often through the Point Loma neighborhoods at.
My other favorite running spot is along the Mission Beach boardwalk where I run religiously midweek and every Saturday morning. Sometimes I see dolphins swimming along, and I always listen to the rhythm of waves crashing. I combine my runs with three strength training sessions and always have a few half marathons lined up, including the Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon in San Diego where it all started.
No matter what, I always try to be the best version of myself, and running has helped with that. Having the ability to get up in the morning and run first thing, I can take on whatever the day brings. I can always sit down and be productive in my work day after a run. Running has become the medicine I needed.
These three tips have make my running journey a success:
1. Start anywhere
Even if it’s a 10-minute walk, This Runner Went from Couch to 26.2.
2. Chunk your runs
When I trained for Ironman Arizona in 2013 and knew I’d be out there for 14 hours, which seemed overwhelming, I broke it up in my head. Instead of thinking about a whole event, break it up. Take a half marathon: Give A Gift warmup, and from there, it’s basically just single-digit miles.
3. Find running buddies
There’s nothing like having a running group. You’re going to find your people—friends who support you and love you.
Moira’s Must-Have Gear
→ Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Women’s Running Shoe: These are perfect for a cool shoe. I love how light they feel and how supportive they are. They’re also great for early runs, as they have a lot of reflectors for safety.
→ Lululemon Run for It All Lined Gloves: Running in the Cold gloves more than I should. I’ll wear these with a t-shirt to get warmed up.
→ Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight: instead of numbing them morning run.
Running helped me realign myself in my Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics since August 2021. When she doesn’t edit, she writes; when she doesn’t write, she reads or translates. In whatever time she has left, you can find her outside running, riding, or roller-skating to the beat of one of the many audiobooks on her TBL list.
