Marion Luxem is a web product owner for a global data center solutions provider, as well as a freelance web designer. Living with her husband of six years, two dogs, and two cats, Marion also has a busy social life and is close with her two sisters. It may seem like she’s living a fantastic life—and she is. Nonetheless, Marion says she’s always struggled with anxiety. Over the past couple of years, it was starting to bubble up.
A Slow But Effective Start
Marion’s sister Allison had participated in Still I Run’s Starting Line Scholarship Program, found it beneficial, and suggested that both Marion and their sister Ashley apply. Marion had just started to get back into exercise, so the program offered both a potential outlet for her anxiety as well as a way to develop a more consistent exercise routine.
Marion admits that her anxiety levels didn’t change immediately once she started the program. Even with her sister at her side, she felt overwhelmed and struggled at the beginning. But by sticking to the program, which includes twice-a-week meetups to exercise, run, and attend group therapy, Marion found her anxiety dissipating.
“As I leaned into exercise and the support of the Starting Line group as a way of dealing with my anxiety, I was better able to balance my emotions.
“I loved getting to know the people in this group, and we really got close over the course of the program. Eventually, I could open up and be vulnerable with them when I needed to the most. There was no judgment, only support.”
A Change in Attitude and Confidence
Marion adds that she was able to stick to the program’s 12-week training schedule, demonstrating a commitment to exercise that she hadn’t been able to pull off in over five years. Once she completes the program’s capstone 5K race, she plans to continue running a few times a week.
“I would definitely recommend this program to anyone that is struggling with their mental health and needs extra support to develop healthy habits to support their mind and body,” she says.“Participating in this program has enabled me to feel more confident in myself and in my ability to prevent myself from burning out. I feel a sense of clarity and relief when it comes to what I can and can’t control. That has made such a difference for me.
“Before, I found myself picking up everyone else’s issues and carrying that weight. It was exhausting. Talking with others helped me realize what I was really responsible for and how I could use exercise to control my anxiety over other issues.
“Right now, we’re just days before our 5K race and I woke up with a cold this morning. I’m staying positive that I’ll be better by race day. But regardless, I plan to be there—even if I have to walk the whole way!”
Learn More
If you or someone you know could benefit from a Starting Line Scholarship, get more details on the program here. You can also find Still I Run Chapter near you to meet, network, and run with other members of the Still I Run community. If there’s not a chapter near you, we can help you start one.
