Running -- It helped me cope with a growing disability and depression

I don't know whether this can be classified as a hobby ? I mean running long distance as in 10k, half/full marathons. In any case it did help me avoid a life of disability due to knee injuries on both legs and associated depression.

In 2003, I was speeding across a lonely stretch of road frequented by animals. The evening had just set in and visibility was low. I rammed into a big bison who had bounded on to the middle of the road and got thrown off resulting in several injuries which included two broken knees. Over an year or two, the knees went so bad that I could barely strain them without feeling excruciating pain. In the midst of despair and an onsetting depression, I chanced upon a Bible verse ( Isaiah 40:30-31 ) and had the craziest of inspiration to start running long distance. I was 35 ( in 2005 ) when I first started my initial walking stint, gradually extending it to long distance, then went on to light jogging and finally to running.

It was very tough initially, but then a miracle happened, somewhere along the way, the knees stopped complaining and I started competing in 10K races, coming 4th in a state level 10K race ( that was my best so far ). The depression vanished along the way and my outlook picked up. I now find running exhilarating and liberating. It helps me sleep and keeps me fit. There were gaps in between due to injuries and illness but I have picked it up whenever I can. With age, I have mellowed it down a bit and I take care to listen to my body, but I have kept the feet working. :)