Marie Aulino

Connect What fuels your passion for health and fitness?

My passion for health is more intrinsic than extrinsic. I love how proud and good I feel after moving my body (as humans should!). I am also very passionate about mental health and the two are so intricately connected. I have had difficulty in the past with my mental health, so I use physical health to help keep myself balanced and in check. I never want to experience that again and it's very evident to me how physical movement and fueling your body can sometimes help curb those tough times.

What’s your favorite way to train or stay fit?

My favorite ways to stay fit are through running and yoga. Running requires endurance, determination, mental toughness, and focus. After a run, I feel like I have honored all parts of myself--physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Being outside, connected to nature and my own thoughts, brings me so much peace (and that runner's high!). It helps me push through the pain and tediousness that longer runs can have. I also love yoga to give me courage, balance, and intention.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would first do the boring (but responsible) thing by paying off a little debt. I'd then give some to my mom who has encouraged me and helped me so much (I'm crying typing this). And then I'd love to invest it in one of my dream races: either the Kilimanjaro Marathon in Tanzania or the Marathon du Medoc in France (yes, they serve wine & cheese on the race but I work in the wine industry, so this tracks!) Either way, it would be nice to incorporate my passions together: travel and running.