Dr. Preethi Srinivasakumar: Achieves resilience and well-being through running
Dr. Preethi Srinivasakumar, a neonatologist at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, started running seriously five or so years ago, and trains for half and full marathons. She’s no stranger to the annual Novant Health Charlotte Marathon and has participated every year since 2019. She also ran the Chicago Marathon in 2022 and raised funds for March of Dimes.
In 2023, she was part of a relay team of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) members – a dietitian, pharmacist, nurse , physician and nurse practitioner – who teamed up to help raise money for Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital. This year she’s running the half-marathon.
“I choose running as my form of exercise as it keeps me physically fit and helps with overall well-being,” she said. “As doctors, as anybody in the health care profession, our lives are pretty hectic with our schedules, managing work and family life, and striking that balance. I think that exercise becomes a very important and integral part of the work-life balance.”
When she’s not out on a greenway or in her neighborhood running with her husband, she’s on her treadmill.
Srinivasakumar says she is still learning about running and gaining experience. “Running helps me in my journey of self-discovery, and continues to increase my endurance, resilience and well-being.”
As a female physician, she also understands the importance of cardiovascular health for women and encourages others to incorporate some type of exercise into their lives. Additionally, she said one of her goals is to motivate and help others experience the joy of running.
“Take one small step at a time and expect to achieve your health and exercise goals over time. Consistency and patience are key,” she said. “There is a well-known saying, ‘Life is a marathon, not a sprint,’ so take one small step at a time.”
Sarah Ward: Worked hard, built strength and overcame asthma through running
Sarah Ward is a veteran speech therapist who has worked for Novant Health since 2023 and is tackling the annual Novant Health Charlotte Marathon in a bite-sized chunk as part of a five-member relay team.
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Come Saturday, Nov. 16, she will run the first leg of 4.8 miles, joined by other Novant Health team members. The rest of her team: Sydney Warren, speech therapist; Taylor Jones, speech therapist; Dale Ann Shealy, physical therapist; and her husband, Al Shealy.
To train for her part of the relay, Ward is running three times a week with increasing distance each time. She previously completed two full marathons on her own – the 2011 New York City Marathon and the 2015 Chicago Marathon – running four to five days each week with longer runs on the weekends.
Running became her pastime when Ward was in her early 30s. “Running did not initially come naturally as I had asthma as a child and young adult,” she said. “Running did improve my asthma, but I had to work hard to build endurance and strengthen my lungs.”
She enjoys running, especially solo, because it takes her outside and into nature. “I prefer a combination of greenway and neighborhood running which offers a lot more visual diversions and interest,” she said. “I also run with my phone listening to music, a podcast or audiobooks.”
When asked if she achieves the “runner’s high” we often hear about, she confirmed she does, particularly on longer runs. “It generally takes three miles to become warm and start running more fluidly, so any run over three miles is more enjoyable and likely to produce a runner's high.”
Beside the benefit of exercise, Ward said running also gives her time to clear her head and manage stress. “It's a time to recharge and reset,” she said.
For those interested in starting a running program, Ward recommends finding a simple training program and signing up for a 5K to have an initial goal. “Be consistent and enjoy the journey,” she said.
