Running Saved My Life: A Personal Journey of Transformation
There are moments in life—fleeting, seemingly insignificant at the time—that later prove pivotal. Only upon reflection do we realize how deeply they influenced the path we walk, the choices we make, and sometimes, our very survival.
For me, one of those moments was the first time I ran.
I grew up in Cyprus loving sports. In elementary and high school, football (soccer) was everything. I was a solid defensive player. When Greece’s national basketball team triumphed over the USSR in 1987, like every other boy in the country, I shifted my focus to basketball. I even made the school team, short as I was. Athleticism ran through me. And underneath it all, even then, was running.
My father once told me a story—a simple tale of how he won a race back in his school days. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but that story lived quietly in me. It eventually pulled me into running. That memory, forgotten then and treasured now, may have saved my life.
In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus. The occupation continues today. That act of aggression changed the course of my country’s history and my personal trajectory. All Greek Cypriot men were required to serve in the military after high school. I did 26 months, rising to second lieutenant in the antitank division. The army taught me resilience. It also introduced me to cigarettes. At 19, I became a smoker—a habit that would last 16 years.
After military service, I studied computer engineering at the University of Patras. I lived in Greece for 11 years, still smoking, eating poorly, and stacking up health issues. When I returned to Cyprus in 2005, I was juggling multiple jobs and living in survival mode. I was overweight, depressed, plagued by digestive problems, and stubbornly refusing to quit smoking. At 34, my health was deteriorating.
At 35, I quit smoking—cold turkey. I did it with my father, who had been a chain-smoker for 42 years. It was one of my proudest moments.
After quitting, I gained weight rapidly. Nicotine had been suppressing my appetite and stimulating my metabolism for years. Without it, my body demanded calories in new ways. I didn’t know how to respond, so I ate junk food.
One day, I caught my reflection in the mirror after a shower. I barely recognized myself. I had ballooned to 94 kilos. My mind still saw a young, fit, high-school athlete, but the reality was jarring. I was angry, disgusted, and ready to take action.
I began walking, then jogging, then running again. Initially, I ran to lose weight—nothing more. But within eight months, I had dropped 18 kilos. Running became addictive. The “runner’s high” took hold. For two years, I ran almost a half-marathon daily. I raced. I competed. I got serious.
Eventually, I hit a plateau. I wasn’t refueling properly. My nutrition was poor. But I didn’t quit. I adapted.
Through reading, trial, and painful error, I transitioned to a whole-food, plant-based diet. I stopped eating meat and removed refined and processed foods. White sugar, salt, flour, and rice—all replaced with nutrient-dense alternatives like dates, molasses, whole grains, and plant-based milk.
My energy soared. My mood improved. My immune system strengthened. I haven’t had the flu in years.
We don’t get sick because a virus enters our body. We get sick when our immune system is compromised. Running, combined with a plant-based lifestyle, keeps my immune system sharp. It keeps me mentally grounded and emotionally resilient.
Most importantly, running saved me from a future of chronic illness. I avoided type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and digestive cancers. It saved me from myself.
Today, I run not just for fitness but for clarity, purpose, and joy. Running solves problems. It restores balance. It connects me to nature. It makes me whole.
If you’re lost, unhealthy, or seeking a change, start where I did. With one step. One run. One choice.
Because sometimes, all it takes to save your life is to move your body and change your mind.
And keep moving forward from there.
Discover more in my book: “42 tips that will make you a better runner” where I share my experience of more than ten years of running.
Disclaimer: This article shares personal opinions and experiences. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use this information at your own risk.
