Why did Chad start running?

What began as preparation for a Spartan Race became a complete transformation of his physical health, confidence, mindset, and sense of purpose.

In this episode of Why Did You Start Running, Chad shares how a difficult period following COVID left him struggling with mobility, spasticity, self-doubt, and depression. Living with cerebral palsy, he found himself facing an important decision: continue down a path of inactivity or take a chance on himself and see what was possible.

That decision led to his first 5K.

Since then, Chad has logged more than 1,000 miles, completed dozens of races, earned a first-place age group finish, organized a charity virtual 5K, launched a scholarship program, and become a voice of encouragement within both the running and cerebral palsy communities.

We also discuss the power of community, the mental health benefits of running, navigating grief, overcoming self-doubt, and how one small decision can create opportunities you never imagined.

Whether you're a runner, someone living with a disability, or simply looking for a reminder of what's possible when you take a chance on yourself, this conversation is packed with inspiration and perspective.

In This Episode

• Why Chad signed up for a Spartan Race in 2022

• Living with cerebral palsy and navigating physical challenges

• How running helped improve mobility and confidence

• The mental and emotional benefits of running

• The importance of supportive communities

• Running through grief and difficult life experiences

• Finding purpose through helping others

• Creating a scholarship program and charity 5K

• Building confidence through personal growth

• Why taking one chance on yourself can change everything

Connect With Chad

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Learn More About Cerebral Palsy Perspective

Website: https://cerebralpalsyperspective.com

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that progress doesn't require perfect circumstances. Sometimes the biggest transformations begin with a single decision to try.