A quick Instagram scroll for someone in their 20s and 30s might look like this: Baby shower. Engagement news. Running a marathon. Marriage ceremony. Morning jog. New running suit. Pre-wedding shoots.

 

And there you are, snacking in bed, passively absorbing the curated milestones of your peers. The endless stream of engagement rings and finish line photos can create a subtle, yet powerful sense of urgency to conform to these societal milestones. If your path looks different, it’s easy to feel left behind.

 

While they are two completely different things, marriage and marathons symbolize commitment and achievement, two values highly regarded in today’s society. Both require significant preparation and dedication, reflecting personal discipline.

 

 

Am I on the Right Path?
In a new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers investigated the association among social media use, depression, and other health-related behaviors of young adults over time. The result is that over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of depression in adolescents and young adults—and a simultaneous uptick in the inclusion of technology and social media in everyday life.

 

We know that everyone's timeline is different. We all have different goals, and running a marathon might just be someone’s coping mechanism. Many people finally care about their health and decide to run because it is an exercise that needs minimal equipment and can be done almost anywhere, making it easy and accessible. It is not only beneficial to one's physical health, but it also provides psychological advantages. There's even an interesting quote: "If your friend suddenly asks you to go for a run, just go with them. It's their way of staying sane.” 

 

Because of this kind of trend, so many running events have been held, especially in Southeast Asia. For example, in 2023, the Pattaya Marathon in Thailand drew about 15,000 runners from all over the world. Following that, almost 11,000 runners raced in Vietnam in the VPBank VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight. In Indonesia, the Jakarta Marathon drew over 10,000 runners in 2023.

 

A friend of ours, Yeghar Galed (27) has been running frequently since 2022. The global pandemic inspired him to get back into sports, as he spent most of his time at home. A new pair of running shoes sparked what later became a major part of his life. Running has become his passion, allowing him to spend two hours covering 20 km with friends, engaging in all kinds of conversations. When he seeks solitude, he enjoys running alone. For Yeghar, running is a powerful way to relieve stress.

 

Running outdoors offers numerous benefits, such as reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, as well as helping with depression and anxiety. Yeghar mentioned that many of his friends run to heal from a broken heart. The endorphins released during running make them feel good, especially with the right companion. According to Yeghar, our hearts seem more open to learning while running. Initially, he wasn't one to set plans, goals, or ambitions. However, running has taught him valuable lessons that have carried over into his daily life.

 

While many people in his running group seek relationships or enjoy spending quality time with their partners, Yeghar believes that the fear of missing out (FOMO) for not having a partner is unnecessary. He loves running because it pushes him out of his comfort zone, builds discipline, and teaches resilience. Yeghar shared a story about a friend who was addicted to alcohol. When Yeghar invited him to run, the friend could barely manage 2 kilometers and quit. Yet, 2-3 months later, this friend claimed he had stopped drinking, as jogging helped him relieve tension. For many, running becomes the best way to escape and find solace.

 

As we navigate the curated milestones of our peers on social media—baby showers, engagements, marathons, and marriages—it's essential to remember that our journeys are unique. Whether we find solace in running marathons, prioritizing health, or pursuing different paths altogether, the key lies in embracing what brings us fulfillment and mental well-being. Yeghar's journey with running exemplifies how individual passions can transcend societal expectations, fostering personal growth and resilience. Ultimately, it's not about conforming to timelines but about forging paths that resonate deeply with our values and aspirations.