Running has been with me since I was a teenager in Italy. It started as a way to burn calories and lose weight, but over the years it became my way to stay in shape, clear my mind, and stay disciplined while living in the U.S.

A habit born from necessity, strengthened by discipline, and now leading toward my first marathon.

I didn’t start running because I loved it — in fact, it was the opposite.
I began running at 17 years old in Italy, simply because I wanted a way to burn calories and lose weight. I didn’t know anything about pacing, shoes, or training; I just knew that if I ran, I felt lighter — physically and mentally.

What started as a way to control my body slowly became something deeper.
Running became a ritual, a moment of clarity, a place where my thoughts finally made sense.

When I moved to the U.S., everything changed — new country, new life, new rhythm.
Back home, it was easy to play soccer or basketball with friends.
Here, it wasn’t. Everyone had their own schedule, their own life, their own responsibilities.

But running… running was always available.

It didn’t require a team, a field, or planning.
Just shoes, the street, and a bit of courage.

So I kept running.
Not because I had to anymore — but because it became part of who I am.

Running keeps me in shape, yes, but more importantly, it keeps me balanced.
It’s the one area of my life where discipline and freedom coexist.

Now, running has nothing to do with weight loss.
It’s about discipline, clarity, identity.

Running helps me:
✔ Process stress from long restaurant shifts
✔ Build mental toughness
✔ Stay consistent in a busy life
✔ Feel proud of the person I’m becoming
✔ Push my physical and emotional limits

Some runs are smooth.
Some runs are a battle.
But every run teaches me something.

For the first time, I’m training with a real purpose.

My dream is to qualify and run the New York City Marathon — one of the most iconic races in the world.
But big goals require smart steps.

So my journey officially starts with the Jersey City Marathon in April, my first full marathon.
It will be my test — my way to prove to myself that I can do 26.2 miles, mentally and physically, before stepping onto the streets of New York.

This isn’t about medals.
It isn’t about bragging rights.
It’s about evolution.

The boy who started running to burn calories is now a man running toward something greater.

I’ll share updates, struggles, victories, training lessons, and honest reflections in my blog.