It’s five in the morning. The sky is dark and the chill of the night is still in the air. Financial Director Kathy Cullen steps outside and is ready to run three miles before starting the day.

“When I get to run, it seems to be a better day for me,” Cullen said. She runs at least four times a week and finds it important to take time to run. Using running as a stress relief, Cullen runs for quiet time to think.

“Running is for my mental health and to stay physically healthy,” Cullen said.

Cullen has been a part of a running group and has run in races and marathons. Running her first marathon in 1998, Cullen found a way to connect with her siblings after the death of her mother the year before.

“I ran with my siblings in honor of my mother. It was great for getting me through that part of my life, and then I was hooked from there,” Cullen said. Cullen has run five marathons and multiple races since then.

The races range from running through D.C.’s blossoming trees in the spring in the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run to running beside members in the military in the Armed Forces Day 10K Run.

Cullen has run next to those decked out in Santa Claus suits in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis and listened to an outdoor concert in the summer after running the Charm City Run 5K Trail Run at Boordy Vineyards.

In addition to the physical benefits of the races, they also raise money for special causes and can help runners socialize with other runners.

“You could end up running beside someone who is a complete stranger and have a really great conversation,” Cullen said.

Cullen plans on running more races in the future. She thinks that it is important to help those in need with raising money in the races and to have fun at the same time.

According to Cullen, “I would encourage anyone to give running a shot. Running is something that you can do anywhere and it is free. All you need is a pair of running shoes.”

Erica Kelble is a Multimedia Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.