Meet Ana Stoilova, a resilient runner who overcame a significant lung surgery four years ago. 

Despite reduced breathing capacity, her determination saw her running 10 km just a year and a half post-surgery. Running has been key to regaining her strength and living a full life. Ana and her family now combine their love for running with travel, participating in races worldwide and supporting causes like youth with disabilities.

What initially made you interested in running?

Thanks to sport, I am able to maintain good physical condition. Running in the morning provides me with important time to myself. While running, I put my daily tasks in order in my head, observe nature, relax, or indulge in creative thinking.

Tell us your story, why you run.

A few years ago, my family and I, who are also into sports, decided to give direction to our travels and combine running with traveling. We started participating in organized runs in different countries.

Four years ago, I needed to have part of one of my lungs removed and was left with reduced breathing volume. The recovery was slow and difficult, but I was persistent. A year and a half after the surgery, I could run 10km again with a new tempo. I am convinced that sport is what has helped me work and lead a full life again. The support of my family and coach is also priceless.

Have you ever participated in any races or marathons for a charitable cause? What motivated you to combine running with supporting a cause?

My family and I participate in sports events whose goal is to gather funds for an organization that helps youth with disabilities. We also participate in information campaigns about diabetes and other conditions. I wish that such events become ever more popular.

Please give us more details if you are running for a specific cause this year.

In running events, I do not feel like a person with disabilities, but like a standard, healthy runner. My times put me in the middle of the rankings, and that speaks for itself. We will continue to travel and run!

Share your why here.