In the Fall of 2023, what started as my journey to become healthier subconsciously turned into patterns that left me feeling guilty for eating and constantly questioning whether my body was ever enough.

It was lonely because I didn’t know why I was feeling that I always needed to be leaner, smaller, and different from who I was. Needless to say, learning to navigate the mental side of fitness has been just as much of a challenge as any physical pursuit I’ve taken on in these last two years. 

What actually started to help me rebuild a more balanced and compassionate relationship with food was finding people who could relate - a community, both virtually and in-person. 

That’s why this fundraiser matters to me: (1) to let people they're not alone if they've had similar thoughts and (2) that there IS a way to find eating that's balanced for life.

The Eating Disorder Foundation (EDF) is a non-profit based out of Denver, Colorado that is built entirely around community-based support. EDF provides free groups and resources, and professionals generously donate their time so individuals can receive support at zero cost.

As someone who knows these struggles don’t disappear even when you’re in a better place, I can’t overstate how critical having a resource such as EDF for ongoing support is. EDF saves people from feeling alone. 

As I take on my longest ultramarathon yet, I want it to mean more than just running up a mountain for 12 hours by myself. This is my platform to spread awareness about this tough topic and let you know of resources that are available anywhere in the world you are.

Whether I met you in Iowa in high school, Indiana & Colorado in college, in Texas & Connecticut at work, or somewhere in between, please know there there are virtual resources available through EDF, wherever you are.

If you choose to donate, I’m deeply grateful. But if even one person reads this and feels 1% less alone, then all of this is worth it.

I’d be honored if you joined me in raising $1,000 for an organization that embodies compassion, connection, and community-based support.

Your donation will go directly to:

• Supporting staff salaries
• Operational costs to keep the building open as a community space
• All programs including support groups, mentorship, and middle & high school educational presentations, since most programs themselves are low-cost and run by volunteer clinicians and mentors

Follow @anya_runs on Instagram for training updates, real stories from others impacted by eating disorders, and to learn more about EDF and why this cause matters.

♡
Anya

50forFUEL: 50 miles for Finding Unity. Eating for Life