Since she was in college, running has been a constant theme in her life.

Though Morrison enjoys running now, there was a time when she didn’t care much for the activity. In fact, at a time in her life, she avoided running at all costs.

“When I was on a dance team in high school, they’d make us go run for our warmup for conditioning, which makes sense,” Morrison said. “And I was known for hiding in someone’s backyard…that’s how much I disliked running.”

However, once Morrison began college, she needed time away from roommates and wanted time alone. Oddly enough, she found solitude and relaxation through running.

Courtesy Photo Sarah Morrison preparing for a run.

“I started just running and being outside…running just felt good,” Morrison said. “So it was more of discovering it on my terms, and it made me feel better. Then, I started listening to music while running…it was like a fun time to just relax.”

Morrison explained that her love for running grew from that time onward. However, she said she didn’t consider herself a runner until she moved to Alpena. A friend invited her to participate in a 5K and then a trail run from the east side of Michigan to the west.

“We had 10 people on our team, and that’s the most running I’d ever done,” Morrison said. “From there…it really was having less pressure to do it…a friend who invited me to do it…then it grew from there.”

Physically, running has made Morrison healthier, but she said there is also an element to running that has improved her emotional health.

“I know it has helped me have more confidence in my ability to do stuff…hard stuff,” Morrison said. “It also has helped a lot with stress. Just after a run or a workout or a power walk or whatever, you’re going to feel better about whatever might have been causing you some turmoil beforehand.”

Courtesy Photo Sarah Morrison is seen running along the beach in Alpena.

Morrison said that it was always important to include her children for this reason, as well, and to have them join her at races.

“I just wanted it to be something that was normal to them,” Morrison said. “Maybe them seeing something (that) could be considered hard being done by someone they know makes them think they can do it too.”

Morison said that her daughter, Odessa, was able to participate in cross country this year as a sixth grader. Morrison explained that now she is experiencing a whole new side to running that she hasn’t experienced before because she began running in her 20s.

Morrison noted that her son Oz isn’t that big of a fan of running yet, but he doesn’t seem to mind joining his mother at the races she attends.

“They have fun traveling,” Morrison said. “They have fun cheering me on, and seeing them on the sidelines of my marathons was incredibly helpful.”

Courtesy Photo Odessa, Oz, Sarah, and Chris Morrison at one of Sarah Morrison’s races.

Throughout her running journey, Morrison said that she’s noticed improvements to her pace and athleticism over the years, but consistent running has improved her confidence overall.

Further, Morrison explained that though completing races is a wonderful and exciting thing, she finds training to be the most enjoyable part. She enjoys having a plan laid out in front of her and then executing it.

“It also seems like, ‘How am I gonna do this?'” Morrison said. “But you really just take it one step at a time, and then you’re like, ‘I accomplished this huge plan that prepared me for something.'”

Morrison explained that apart from enjoying the training aspect of running, she enjoys experiencing the amazing things her body is able to do.

“I just get so overwhelmed by what my body’s doing,” Morrison said. “I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, feet! Great job! You’re doing amazing…’ It really is just this appreciation for what you’re capable of.”

Courtesy Photo Sarah Morrison seen running along the beach in Alpena.

Morrison has learned many lessons from running, and one of which is that she believes running has given her new perspectives on life.

“I was training for my marathon…sometimes I would think, ‘I gave birth to a child without medication. I can do this…'” she said. “It gives perspective…expands your abilities in life to handle hard things.”

For people who are considering trying out running for the first time, Morrison said that they should make sure they are doing it for the right reasons. She said that it is important to be excited about running.

“If we enjoy it, it’s easier to keep coming back,” Morrison said. “(Don’t put) a lot of pressure on it…just (make) it something that you look forward to.”

Morrison explained that she enjoys her morning runs because they are a peaceful time of the day. She explained that she doesn’t run as much with other people anymore, as she is busy with family and work, and she squeezes her runs into her day when she is able to.

Courtesy Photo Sarah Morrison ties her shoes before heading out for a run.

For other people with limited time, Morrison explained they can fit running into their schedules, too. They just have to make it non-negotiable.

“You got to make the time to do it,” Morrison said. “But the time is there. It’s honestly deciding that you’re worth it, and people are. You got to make yourself a priority.”

Morrison has made running a priority in her life, completing 41 half-marathons and two marathons. She’s also said that she has a long-term goal of completing a race of at least five miles in all 50 states. So far, she said she has 16 states completed.

Courtesy Photo Sarah Morrison poses with her kids Oz and Odessa after a race.

Courtesy Photo Odessa and Sarah Morrison are seen running in a race.

Courtesy Photo Odessa and Sarah Morrison pose for a photo at an event for RUN UNITED Wildcat Run Club.

Courtesy Photo Sarah and Chris Morrison pose before a workout at the Bay Athletic Club.

Courtesy Photo Odessa and Sarah Morrison at a race.

Courtesy Photo Sarah Morrison at her home preparing for a run.