“I started running a couple of years ago. One day I was tired of being in the house, so I put on my shoes and ran. Now I run along the roads and highways around Fairhope. I can run for long distances pretty fast. I listen to rap or techno music or motivational videos and pay no attention to the miles, I just run. Sometimes I run twice a day.

I turn 24 on April 14, and running has helped me embrace myself. I love the adrenaline and being in nature. Running eases my anxiety and depression, and at the end of each run, I feel calm and healthy. 

People honk and wave. Some call me Mowgli from The Jungle Book or Tarzan. I work at Big Daddy’s restaurant on Fish River and many customers have seen me running. They tell me to keep it up or that I inspire them. That makes my day, and I want to run more.

I didn’t do sports in middle or high school, but I should have. I could have gotten a scholarship, but I didn’t see myself attending college. I am learning it’s never too late to get started, and I am proud that I have become an athlete. I want to do this for people who need to know they can run their own race. 

I dream of being on a track or running team. When I am running, I pretend there’s a finish line and push myself to it. I want to run in races and help raise money for autism or cancer to show there are still good people in the world who help others. If I won a million dollars in the lottery, I would give it to charities. 

I haven’t had a chance to run in a race yet because I work on Saturdays. On my days I do yard work, wash cars, or trim trees — anything I can do to help people. I like working. 

I grew up outside of Fairhope, but we moved around and lived in Texas and Mississippi for a while. It was hard to make friends and then leave them, but I learned how to get along with people. I had a friend in Seattle and tried to move there to start a new life, but I couldn’t do it. I returned to Fairhope two weeks later. This is home.

I hope I make my mom proud. She is a hard worker and likes to help people. She taught me that regular people like us can help others and make a difference.”

Khamron