Extended Answers to Ms. Health

What fuels your passion for fitness?

Does the runner choose the path, or the path the runner?

I'm not sure exactly what fuels my passion for fitness--how does one person choose to be an artist or another an architect? But what I can say is that there are a few moments in my life that made a profound impact on my decision to be healthy.

First, my Native American name is "Little Running Deer." I grew up running track in elementary school and dancing with my mother and sisters in powwows. There was never a time when I didn't love to run.

Second, I once saw a YouTube video of a 100-year-old man running a 100-meter dash.

Running.

When he was 100 years old.

Fitness isn't just about longevity for longevity's sake but having the lucidity and ability to do the things I love. I want to take care of my body such that I'll still be able to dance and run when I'm old...even if I have to take more breaks and longer naps.

Finally, as an introvert, I used to run alone frequently; now that I guide visually impaired athletes, I feel that literal connection with another person (through a handheld tether). Being able to help someone enjoy something (running) as much as I do is very rewarding.

Tell us your favorite way to stay fit?

Health is holistic. Staying fit isn't just about exercise, eating right, or taking enough multivitamins. Fitness is a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance of wellbeing, so there isn't just one way that I stay fit.

First and foremost, I prioritize sleep. I'm fortunate enough (and worked my ass off enough) that I can set my own schedule. I am a freelancer, which means that I wake up when my body naturally wakes up; even when that wasn't an option, I gave myself a good 8-9 hours per night. Not everyone needs that much, but my body does. Sleep is the absolute foundation of health.

Second, I go to therapy at least once per month. Sometimes, it's a check-in; sometimes, I need to vent or seek wisdom or understand my own mind and emotions better. Whenever I carve out that time, I feel invigorated.

Third, I cultivate healthy relationships; I water them like plants. I used to self-isolate a lot (introverts tend to do that), but now I understand the balance of having alone time and seeking connection with other people. When my relationships prosper, so do I; they make me want to be a better person, and thus, I take care of myself more.

Fourth, I am not joking when I say that having really great, emotionally intimate sex is a vital part of staying fit. I'm not talking about how much you can crunch your abs (although it helps); the simple--yet profound--act of touching another human, of having skin-to-skin contact, of playing, releases endorphins, promotes our sense of wellbeing, and reminds us what it means to be human. Humans are made for deep, intimate relationships; having sex fosters that psycho-social-emotional bond--and thus fitness.

But you probably meant "What's my favorite exercise activity?"

So here we go.

Running.

I am free when I run.

When I run, I feel the connection to the Earth, to my swinging arms, to the singing of my blood beneath my skin. I smell the fragrant grass, the wet dirt and leaves, and even my own sweat. When I run, I feel the wind on my arms and listen to the birds singing. The burning in my lungs reminds me that I am alive, that I am well, and that I can conquer any obstacle that comes my way.

When I run, I can be whoever I imagine. I can be Viola Davis in The Woman King, running toward the city to save her daughter; I can be Pheidippides, with his important message; I can be the sky itself.

In the words of Robert Frost, "I have miles to go before I sleep."

What would you do with $20,000?

I'm a very patient person, and I've seen the power of time. This contest isn't about me; this is about using funds wisely to elevate other people. When the community succeeds, we all success.

Investing $20,000 with a 6% return compounded annually with an additional $1,000 added (by me) per month would yield $517,581.34. My percentages would stay the same as I stated in my short blurb, but let me tell you why they are important to me.

The Miracle League of Arlington is a group that helps adults with different capabilities play baseball--because everyone deserves to play ball. My little sister has Down Syndrome and participates in Miracle League, and I've seen firsthand how she has developed her social network, her fine motor skills, and her confidence. It is a worthy cause.

Second, United in Stride is a volunteer group that pairs sighted athletes with visually impaired folks who love to run. They need resources to be able to market themselves and provide athletes with equipment (such as tethers).

Third, I have three cats, and every time I see a stray, I want to adopt it. However, I think resources would be put to better use if I donated directly to a cat shelter.

Fourth, I would invest in my small business; I'm just a humble freelance writer. I love helping people share their stories and experiences with the world.

Finally, it is my dream to own a house. I would use the rest to pay down some of a mortgage. I don't want to be greedy with what wasn't mine in the first place; I want to show people that you can be generous with the gifts that you are given.