Mychal Kamara

For Mychal, running didn’t begin as a lifelong habit — it began as a challenge. A year ago, he decided his strength and HIIT routines were no longer pushing him outside his comfort zone, so he set a bold new goal: run a timed outdoor mile for the first time since 2003.

“It was humbling,” he recalled. “I was winded the entire time — but I knew right then that running would become a powerful new way to grow both physically and mentally.”

Fast-forward one year later, and Mychal has logged over 1,200 miles, including his very first half marathon — all within the first four months of his journey. That one decision has transformed into something life-changing. “Setting a new challenge, showing up consistently, and discovering what I’m capable of has been life-changing,” he shared.

There are two things Mychal never runs without. One is his iPhone, which he uses to live-track distance and performance. The second is much more personal — a gold necklace that belonged to his father.

His dad, who passed away from cancer in 2020, was an avid runner in his prime. “As a kid, I was always in awe watching him come back from his runs,” Mychal said. “I’d ask him, ‘How far did you go today?’ and then I’d tally up his weekly and monthly totals.”

Now, every time Mychal laces up, his father’s necklace is with him. “It gives me strength when I hit those tough stretches, knowing he once pushed through the same kind of challenges,” he said. “It’s not just about the miles — it’s about staying connected to him and honoring his memory.”

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