Yep, it's certainly true that marathons are easier on Netflix but I can now promise you that running a marathon is way more rewarding. Don't get me wrong though, I understand how great binge-watching "Grey's Anatomy" or "Friday Night Lights" is. But think about what you can do for yourself and or the charity you love by participating in a marathon -- a running marathon, that is.

On Oct. 11, 2015, I ran my first marathon with four of my sorority sisters. The 26.2 miles seemed impossible just a short five months ago, but I can now tell you that with the proper training and determination, running 26.2 miles is very possible. Think about it. Millions of people run marathons each year and by people, I mean those of all different shapes, sizes, genders, ages and backgrounds. I have always loved to run, and running a marathon has always been on my future "to-do" list. I certainly never thought I would run one at age 19, but when the opportunity presented itself, I thought "Why not?" I ran cross country in high school and I've always been one of those who believes that "runner's high" is a thing. Trust me, it's a thing! Getting into running shape is hard at first, but once you've been running for a couple weeks, I swear it gets easier and becomes more enjoyable. Five months ago, I was that girl bent over on the side of the road hyperventilating after a 3-mile run... not a good look. As the months went on, the training runs got longer and the muscles got sorer but all that was worth it once race day came around.

I signed up for the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Team Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and Team Alpha Delta Pi. Ever since becoming a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, RMHC (our national philanthropy) has become a charity I've grown to admire. RMHC does the great deed of providing a welcoming, home-like setting for families of ill children all across the nation and even beyond the United States. This year Team RMHC raised over $1,115,000, which is approximately 13,927.5 nights in Ronald McDonald Houses for families with sick children. It truly was a blessing to be a part of such an inspiring team of runners who also have a desire to help those in need.

Marathon day couldn't be more beautiful; it was 70 degrees and sunny with a slight wind (we were in the Windy City after all). We woke up at the crack of dawn and hit the streets of Chicago. Despite the fact that it was still pitch dark outside, runners from all over the country and the world filled the streets. The other 44,999 runners and I were about to embark on a mentally and physically taxing journey throughout the various neighborhoods of Chicago. As the race began at 8 a.m., the energy and morale of the runners and the millions of spectators was infectious. It sounds cheesy but honestly,I couldn't help but smile at the sights and sounds around me. As hour three and four of the race came around, our bodies began to feel fatigued, but the families and Chicagoans that constantly shouted and lined the streets kept us going. And in the times where our bodies wanted to give up, the children of RMHC kept us going. Creative Signs, clappers and balloons: it was pure entertainment for the runners. Some of my favorite signs read, "You're running better than government," "Run now, beer later," "Run like your creepy Tinder date is chasing you," and "You trained for this longer than Kim Kardashian was married!"

Beside the high energy and spirit of the runners and spectators, what I loved most about the Chicago Marathon is that each runner had their own story as to why they were running. I saw a blind man running; women running with Tinker Bell wings, tutus, and tiaras running; people running with pictures of loved ones on their shirts; people running for various charities; and people running with their country's flag. I also saw marriage proposals and runners stopping for pictures with family members. It was the most spectacular sight I think I've ever seen. And though every single runner had a different story, we all came together that day to run the same course and to help each other get through the challenge of 26.2 miles. That October day in Chicago was a celebration of life.

Though running a marathon is undoubtedly the most physically challenging thing I've ever done, I'm so happy I pushed myself through all the hot training days and minor pains to experience crossing that finish line. It was a feeling of true accomplishment and almost nothing can compare. I challenge you to experience this for yourself!

I understand if running just isn't your thing because it isn't for everyone. But if you've ever had the slightest desire to run 26.2 miles (sounds crazy, I know), get out there and train for it. If you don't have much experience running or have never run longer distances, give yourself about 18 weeks (or five months) to prepare for the race. I promise you can be a marathoner with the proper training! In fact, you can do anything you set your mind to. With that being said, have a fabulous week!

Thanks my sorority sisters (and fellow marathoners!) who supported me through training and the finish!