Sometimes when she’s running, Bender finds herself reflecting on her journey. “It’s usually at the end of a long run. I start thinking about where I was and where I came from,” she says. “Sometimes I cry when I run. I assume no one’s noticing because I’m super sweaty. I’m never really sure if it’s a runner’s high or I just can’t believe I’m able to do this. I’m so proud of myself. There was a time I couldn’t, and it wasn’t that long ago.”
