After losing his father to heart disease and receiving his own diagnosis of prehypertension, Ern knew he had to make a change. “At that moment, I said, No. I will be here for my family and I’m going to be the change that my family needs to put their health first.” Ern started running and began a journey that led to big changes: a vegetarian lifestyle, over 100 pounds of weight loss, new friends and a fresh approach to his mental health. “It’s helping me set goals to unlock the best version of myself,” Ern says. Ernest (ern_n_burn) is our #ReasonsWeRun winner for the month of September — sharing his story of why he runs and what keeps him going. Good luck at the #NYCMarathon, Ernest! We all have our reasons, what’s yours? Share your story at fleetfeet.com/reasons-we-run for a chance to win a $250 Fleet Feet gift card.