From Discipline to Self-Trust: Mariam’s Journey to the NYC Half Marathon with Team Still I Run

For Mariam Chubinidze, running didn’t start as a lifelong passion or a natural talent. In fact, she spent years believing she wasn’t really a “runner” at all.

She grew up in New York City in an immigrant family where expectations were clear and practical paths were encouraged. Mariam was always active as a child, spending years dancing, but she never identified as an athlete. Movement was simply something she did, not something she considered part of her identity.

That changed slowly, over time, in ways she didn’t always notice in the moment.

Her journey to the NYC Half Marathon with Team Still I Run was not built on speed or performance. It was built on discipline, self-discovery, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when running didn’t come easily.

And along the way, she discovered something powerful: movement can help us build a relationship with ourselves.

Learning to Move Without Labels

Mariam’s first experience with running happened almost by accident. While in college, she enrolled in a beginner weightlifting class, and her instructor offered extra credit for completing a 5K race.

She signed up simply to avoid additional homework.

At the time, running felt like a checkbox, not a passion. She completed a few 5Ks, but she never considered herself fast or naturally talented. Because of that, she didn’t think running was “for her.”

“I never really felt like a runner,” she shared.

After college, running faded into the background. Occasionally, she would go for a casual jog when a cousin visited home from school, but it never became part of her routine.

Then the pandemic changed everything.

Like many people, Mariam found herself looking for ways to cope with uncertainty and isolation. She went for a few runs simply because there wasn’t much else to do.

She didn’t enjoy it at first. In fact, she admits she still doesn’t always love running.

But she began to appreciate something else it gave her: structure.

Running became a way to practice discipline in her daily life. Even on days when motivation was low, she could still show up and move forward.

That consistency began to feel meaningful.

Navigating Mental Health and Finding Her Voice

While running was gradually becoming part of her routine, Mariam was also navigating deeper personal challenges.

During college, she experienced a period of depression that was difficult to talk about, especially within the cultural expectations she grew up with. Mental health was not something openly discussed in her family or community.

She also faced an incredibly heavy season of grief, losing five people in different ways around the age of 18.

It was a time when she felt isolated and unsure where to turn.

Rather than relying on external resources initially, Mariam began a process of self-discovery. Studying abroad gave her the opportunity to spend time living independently for six months.

That experience allowed her to reflect on who she was and what she needed in order to feel whole.

She realized that learning to trust and support herself would be an important part of her healing.

Later, she discovered organizations like NAMI and I Don’t Mind, which helped her see that mental health conversations didn’t have to stay hidden.

She began sharing parts of her story publicly, opening up about her experiences in ways that felt honest and empowering.

The response surprised her.

People she had known in high school and college reached out to say they related to what she shared. Many told her they had felt alone in their own struggles and were grateful to see someone speak openly.

Through those conversations, Mariam began to recognize something important: despite how different our lives may look, we often share similar emotions.

She shifted from hiding her feelings to embracing them as part of her story.

Mental health became an important part of her identity, and she wanted to use her voice to help others feel less alone.

Discovering Team Still I Run

Mariam had always dreamed of running the New York City Marathon, but she wasn’t entirely sure how to turn that idea into reality.

After cheering on a friend at the marathon and experiencing the incredible energy of race day, the idea began to feel more tangible. The excitement of the crowds, the sense of shared purpose, and the emotional atmosphere stayed with her.

The following year, she attended the NYC Half Marathon to support a friend and felt that same spark.

She remembers texting her friend that day, saying she wanted to experience that energy for herself one day.

Then, life moved forward, and she forgot about the conversation entirely.

Later, when she began exploring options to run the NYC Half Marathon herself, she searched specifically for charities connected to mental health.

Still I Run immediately stood out.

The mission aligned with her personal experiences, and she felt drawn to the idea of running not just for herself, but for something bigger.

She applied for a charity bib with Team Still I Run without knowing whether she would be selected.

When she received the news that she had been chosen, it felt meaningful. Her story had resonated, and she now had the opportunity to combine movement with advocacy.

She began fundraising, reaching out to her network, and committing to the training process.

Training for Her First Half Marathon

The NYC Half Marathon was Mariam’s first race of this distance. Prior to training, the longest she had ever run was six miles.

Like many first-time half marathon runners, she had plenty of questions.

What should she wear? What should she eat? How do energy gels work? What happens if something goes wrong?

Despite feeling unsure, she kept moving forward.

She leaned on coworkers who had running experience, asked questions, and allowed herself to learn as she went.

Her training block took place during the winter months, which added another layer of challenge. Still, she found joy in tracking her progress and sharing updates on social media.

Each run became a reminder that progress doesn’t always feel dramatic, but it still counts.

Race Day: Showing Up Through the Unexpected

Like many race days, the NYC Half Marathon didn’t go exactly according to plan.

Mariam realized before the race that she had accidentally left all of her energy gels in her backpack. It was a moment that could have created panic, but instead, the running community showed up for her.

Someone she met in the bathroom line shared an extra gel.

Later in the race, a coworker offered another one along the course.

She also connected with Elena, a fellow Team Still I Run runner, who traveled with her and ran alongside her throughout the race.

Because of those connections, Mariam never felt alone.

She also had friends cheering her on early in the race, and the energy of the crowds throughout Brooklyn helped carry her forward.

Despite the unexpected challenges, she achieved her goal time.

Her goal was to finish in 2 hours and 45 minutes. She crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 39 minutes.

“It was euphoric,” she said.

Not only had she completed her first half marathon, but she had also raised nearly $3,000 to support Still I Run’s mission of promoting mental health through movement.

The experience reminded her that success isn’t about perfection. It’s about continuing forward, even when things don’t go as planned.

Building Community Through Running

One of the most meaningful parts of Mariam’s experience was the sense of connection she felt throughout the process.

She attended a Team Still I Run shakeout run before race day and had the opportunity to meet fellow runners, including Raoul, another member of the team.

Through training and race weekend, she developed friendships that extended beyond the miles.

Running became more than an individual activity. It became a shared experience.

Even something as simple as running through Central Park with a friend began to feel special.

She also discovered that making time for movement helped her become more intentional with her day.

Running created space to step away from distractions and reconnect with herself.

What’s Next on the Journey

After completing the NYC Half Marathon, Mariam isn’t slowing down.

She is now working toward completing New York Road Runners’ 9+1 program, which requires runners to complete nine qualifying races and one volunteer opportunity within a calendar year to earn guaranteed entry into the NYC Marathon.

She already has six races planned and is preparing for the Brooklyn Half Marathon. Her long-term goal is to run the NYC Marathon in 2027.

The NYC Half Marathon showed her what she is capable of when she commits to something meaningful.

It also reinforced that growth happens gradually, one step at a time.

Mariam’s Advice for Running for Mental Health

When asked what advice she would give someone who is considering running to support their mental health, Mariam’s answer was simple and approachable:

Just get outside.

It doesn’t need to be fast. It doesn’t need to be impressive. It doesn’t even need to be a run.

Go for a walk. Leave your headphones behind. Notice what’s around you.

Being present outdoors can help create a sense of calm and clarity.

“There’s something beautiful about just being outside,” she shared.

Running doesn’t need to be glamorous to be meaningful.

Sometimes the most impactful step is simply choosing to begin.

Every Story Moves the Mission Forward

Mariam’s journey reflects the heart of Still I Run’s mission: movement can be a powerful tool for supporting mental well-being, and no one has to move through that journey alone.

Her story is a reminder that you don’t need to feel like an athlete to start running.

You don’t need to feel confident before taking the first step.

You just need to be willing to keep showing up.