I never considered myself a runner. Watching marathon events like the London Marathon, I always admired the endurance and determination of those taking part, but running never seemed like something for me. That changed one day when I laced up my old sneakers, stepped outside, and decided to give it a go.

At first, it felt overwhelming. I wasn’t sure where to start, how long to run, or even what gear I needed. 

Building Motivation and Routine

Making running a habit was the hardest part. It took some effort to convince myself that I could actually do this. I found that setting a routine helped. Running at the same time each day and creating small rituals (like playing my favorite playlist before heading out) made a huge difference. Tracking my progress, even if it was just a short jog, helped me stay motivated.

The biggest game-changer was finding a reason to run beyond just fitness. I slowly started looking forward to my runs.

Starting with Walking Before Running

I didn’t dive straight into running. Instead, I started with brisk walks to get my body used to movement. Walking at a steady pace for 30 minutes a few times a week made the transition to running feel much easier. It also gave me time to enjoy the process rather than feeling pressured to run long distances right away.

The First Run

When I finally built up the courage to run, I took it slow. I used a run-walk approach, alternating between jogging and walking until my body adjusted. Those first few runs felt challenging, but with each step, I gained more confidence. Before I knew it, I was running without needing to stop as often.

Lessons from the Trail

Running on trails introduced an entirely new challenge. Uneven terrain, unpredictable weather, and the beauty of nature made every run an adventure. I quickly learned to respect the trail by adjusting my pace, wearing the right gear, and always bringing extra water. The peacefulness of trail running became one of the biggest rewards. I was exploring.

Gearing Up for Longer Runs

As I progressed, I started thinking about running longer distances. Setting my sights on a trail marathon felt like a bold goal, but I knew with the right preparation, it was possible. Training required patience, gradual increases in mileage, and understanding my body’s limits.

Key Takeaways from My Running Journey

• Start slow – Walking before running helps build endurance and prevent injury.
• Make it a habit – Running at the same time each day keeps you consistent.
• Set small goals – Focusing on short distances first makes the progress feel achievable.

Now, running has become more than just exercise for me. It’s an essential part of my routine, a way to clear my mind, and a challenge that keeps me coming back for more. If you’re thinking about starting, just take that first step.