October 1, 2023
From Couch to 5K: My Journey to Starting a Running Habit
Embarking on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle can be daunting, especially if you’ve spent years living a sedentary life. For me, the idea of running was like a distant dream – something I admired others for but never thought I could do myself as I always thought my Asthma will be a block on my way . However, coming to Sweden and seeing people running day and night pushed me to take that first step. This is the story of how I’m starting my running habit.
My journey to running began with a spark of inspiration. It was a beautiful summer morning when I was waking and I saw a marathon and I notice people effortlessly glide by on their morning run . Their determination and the serene look of contentment on their face caught my attention. That was the day when I decided that I will give it a try, when? I did not know. Two months later, all my friends from my program were forming teams to participate in a running challenge in the city. All of them were excited and welling to participate, I was kind of stepping back until one of them asked me: “Rana, we are missing someone on our team, do you want to join?”. I was about to say NO but my conscious mind took over my thinking and I told myself, If I wanna start it, then this is the time.
I had two weeks to prepare myself for 5km run. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned during these two weeks is the value of setting realistic goals. I knew I couldn’t go from a sedentary lifestyle to running a marathon overnight. Instead, I started with small, achievable goals. My first goal was to run for just one minute without stopping. Then, it was two minutes, five minutes, and so on. Each milestone felt like a victory for me.I knew that consistency is key when it comes to developing any habit. So, I decided to make running a part of my gym routine. I set aside a specific time each day for my going to gym specially for running. Having a routine made it easier to stick with my new habit.
As a beginner, I was asking all my friends who have running as a daily routine for advices I can learn through the preparation period. One friend recommended to have good pair of running shoes and moisture-wicking clothing, and this advice made a world of difference. As I progressed, I learned the importance of listening to my body. There were days when I felt tired or sore, and on those days, I gave myself permission to take it easy. Pushing too hard can lead to burnout or injury, so it’s crucial to find a balance between pushing your limits and practicing self-care.
Throughout my journey, I celebrated small wins. Whether it was achieving a new personal best or completing my first 1K running without stop. , acknowledging these achievements kept me motivated and reminded me of how far I had come. On 19th of September I was kind of prepared to try my first real race. Having 600 people running with you was the best motivation I Could have when it comes to running. I completed my first 5K race in 35 min which for me was a big achievement.
Over time, what started as a simple desire to improve my physical health turned into something much more profound. Running became a form of meditation, a time to clear my mind and reflect on life’s challenges. It boosted my self-esteem and gave me a sense of accomplishment that spilled over into other areas of my life. 3Starting a running habit was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It taught me that change is possible, and that even the seemingly impossible can be achieved with dedication and perseverance. If you’re considering starting your own running journey, remember that every step counts, and every stride brings you closer to your goals.
