Around August 2024, one of my best friends texted me asking if I was interested in running a 5K with her in October.
I immediately said yes, even though I had not run since, at least, before I had kids six years prior. In fact, when I turned on my running app, the last logged run was in 2014.
So maybe it was ten years ago.
But I said yes anyway. I was open to a new fitness challenge. I think at that time, I might have even been a bit bored of my usual fitness routine, which back then was just sporadic HIIT workouts and free weights in front of the TV.
The First Run Back
So, I dusted off my running shoes that were shoved in the back of my closet and went out for my first run in a decade.
How did it go?
Good, but OMG did I need new shoes! My feet hurt so badly that I had to spend the next two weeks healing them and getting new ones.
Lesson: Don’t wear old running shoes. (Duh, I know. But at that time, it was all I had.)
After healing my feet and getting new shoes, it was September, and I mostly just ran on my own to get the feel of it so I could at least get through the 5K.
Race Day: My First 5K
(That’s me!)
The 5K came, and honestly, I was just excited to complete it with my friend! (Even if I did walk a bit.)
But it was soooooo much fun.
Then I stopped running because it was winter, and I just couldn’t bring myself to go outside. So I didn’t run again until another 5K was put on my calendar the following spring, which was June of this year.
Doing It Right This Time
Around March, I decided I was going to do this properly and downloaded the Couch to 5K app.
Running with a plan and doing it properly changed everything for me.
I started to fall in love with running.
Every time I hit “DONE!” on that day’s run in the app, it was an instant motivational boost. And then when that second 5K came…
I rocked it.
I ran the entire time, which, even as a slow runner like myself, felt like the biggest win. I had a goal, I made the plan, and I finished it.
Finding My Rhythm
Now it’s almost November, and I have run every week since March. Some weeks three days, some only one. And I recently realized it’s been over a year since this new running journey restarted.
I wake up excited to run. I am happy during the actual act of running (which before felt soooo hard). My legs are stronger. My cardio fitness has improved. And more than anything…
I feel like I’ve accomplished something major every time I finish the day’s running plan goal.
The Ripple Effects of Running
I noticed that my sleep is better. I sleep deeper and get more restful sleep, which, of course, makes me more energized during the day.
I am drinking less. Because I don’t want to mess with tomorrow’s run, I often second-guess that nightly cocktail. Which in turn also helps me sleep better and have better mornings.
I plan my days more efficiently and get more done. Since I have to plan my run into my day, I have to prioritize my to-do lists, which enables me to focus better on tasks.
And my moods are better. “Runner’s high” is real, and it carries over into the rest of the day. Even if I feel crappy before, I always feel better afterward.
Since, I suffer from anxiety and its a constant work in progress for me. Running has been a big help in decreasing it.
What I’ve Learned
Honestly, I still don’t feel like a “runner.” In fact, I still feel like I’m pretending to be one. But knowing that one year ago, running for one minute felt like forever, and now I can run 40 minutes without even stopping to walk… that is a big change for me.
I also realized that having a specific goal makes you want to exercise more. You can’t force it if its something you look forward to. (Again, obvious when written out, but people don’t often use this approach when making a consistent exercise plan that they actually stick with).
Not an “I want to lose 10 lb” goal. But something that’s tangible and focused (A SMART goal if you will).
- Running for one minute.
- Running for one mile.
- Running for six miles.
- Beating your last 5K time.
These are tangible, realistic goals that you can track and work toward.
It makes me want to lace up my shoes.
Because yes, that runner’s high is awesome—but so is doing and finishing something that once seemed out of reach and finally checking it off.
A Final Thought
If you’ve been thinking about starting something—running, lifting weights, eating better, or simply taking time for yourself—start small.
Your first step doesn’t have to be big or perfect. It just has to happen.
All I did was put on running shoes one day.
One minute becomes ten. Ten becomes a mile.
And before you know it, you’re doing the thing you once thought was impossible.
Just one more thing….
Everyday, I teach people how to build automatic healthy habits—the kind that make life easier, not harder. If you want to learn how to create sustainable habits that run in the background of your busy life (just like this one did for me), take my free Healthy Habit Automation Quiz.
It’ll show you exactly where to start—so you can feel better, stress less, and reach your goals without overthinking it.