Ana Keene: Breaking the Tape, Breaking the Stigma...My Journey from Burnout to Boston

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be running the Boston Marathon, I wouldn’t have believed you. Not because I didn’t dream of it—I grew up just outside of Boston, and every Patriots’ Day, I watched in awe as runners powered down the course, imagining what it would feel like to cross that famous finish line. But for a long time, I didn’t think I would be in a healthy enough place to make that dream a reality. In fact, the majority of my support systems believed I would never be able to run competitively again. I almost believed them. 

I was a Division I runner at American University, and like so many athletes, my identity was deeply intertwined with my sport. But college running didn’t unfold the way I had imagined. As a freshman, COVID-19 disrupted my collegiate career before it had even truly begun. Navigating a pandemic in a new city was difficult, but even more challenging was what came next. As the world started returning to normal, I found myself unable to do the same—this time, not because of a global crisis, but because of my own struggles with mental health and an eating disorder, both of which had spiraled out of control. I felt lost and alone, unsure of how I had gotten into this position and unsure of how I would get myself out. I spent my final year and a half of college unable to race, undergoing mental health treatment, and desperately trying to piece myself back together. 

During this time, I found solace in advocacy. As a Campus Captain for The Hidden Opponent, I connected with other athletes who had faced similar struggles, learning that I was never alone in this battle. That experience shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time, but looking back, I can see how it set the foundation for the person I am today. 

Now, as a post-grad still living in Washington DC, my collegiate racing days may be behind me, but my love for the sport is stronger than ever. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a member of Georgetown Running Club, an elite running team sponsored by Tracksmith, where I’ve rediscovered my passion for running in a healthier way. This past August, I not only completed my first marathon but also won it, securing a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Just a few years ago, running that pace for such a long distance felt unimaginable. While I’m still chasing big dreams on the track and roads, I’ve also found a deeper sense of purpose beyond running. I work in healthcare and aspire to become a physician assistant, specializing in either primary care or psychiatry. These are fields where I can provide the support and compassion I once needed myself. My mission is simple: to ensure that no one feels alone in their mental health journey. 

And now, as I have crossed the finish line of the 129th Boston Marathon in 2:55:45, I can say that I have achieved a lifelong dream that once felt impossible. This journey represents so much more than just 26.2 miles. It’s proof that recovery is possible, that the sport I love is still here for me in a healthier way, and that my story is far from over. I am living proof that life doesn’t stop after college. What I thought would be “the best four years of my life” turned out to be the most challenging. I know firsthand the pain of losing a sport that once defined my existence. But I also know the strength it takes to build yourself back up from rock bottom. I’m incredibly grateful to The Hidden Opponent for providing me with a voice and the support I needed during a pivotal time in my life. In appreciation, I had the opportunity to give back by raising over $1,300 to help further their mission of mental health advocacy and stigma reduction. Thank you for being such an important part of my journey!