Running Journey – Week 2

Week 2 felt like a big step forward—not because of any specific performance milestone, but because of how much freedom I experienced.

I completed three runs this week, and every single one left me smiling.

I continued my simple approach of alternating jogging and walking intervals without tracking pace, counting rounds, or obsessing over data. I still don't know how many intervals it takes me to get around my block. I only know that my block is just under a mile, and that I'm enjoying every step of the process.

One unexpected win this week was realizing how much my heat tolerance has improved. Not because of running, but because of the work I've done over time creating safety and gradually expanding my comfort zone. There was something incredibly freeing about being able to head out for a run in the middle of a scorching hot day and simply enjoy it.

This week also brought an unexpected challenge: a finger injury that temporarily took pickleball and strength training off the table.

To my surprise, that made me even more grateful for running.

Instead of focusing on what I couldn't do, I was able to focus on what I could do. Having a running practice gave me a way to move my body, clear my mind, and stay connected to myself during a week when I otherwise felt somewhat limited.

During one run, I decided to experiment by shortening my walk intervals from 60 seconds to 45 seconds. I gave myself full permission to go back to a full minute whenever I wanted, but the new rhythm felt surprisingly good and I ended up making it all the way around the block.

By the third run of the week, I felt recharged and motivated enough to add an extra session. I returned to my one-minute walk intervals, increased my pace slightly, and once again felt amazing.

Perhaps the most meaningful moment happened during that run.

For a brief second, an old pattern surfaced. I caught myself wondering how long it would take before I was strong enough to run the entire loop without stopping. For a moment, the goal felt distant and almost impossible.

But this time, I caught it immediately.

I reminded myself that there is no timeline.

There is no rush.

And there is absolutely no doubt that I will run the entire loop continuously one day if I keep showing up. Whether that takes weeks, months, or longer simply doesn't matter.

So I returned to gratitude.

Gratitude for what my body can do today.

Gratitude for the progress that's already happening.

Gratitude for the freedom to move.

Week 2 reinforced something I've been learning over and over: progress feels a lot different when it's driven by trust instead of urgency.

And I'm excited to see where that takes me next.

Reflections for the week: 

• Where in your life are you focusing on what you can't do instead of what you can?

• What would change if you trusted your progress instead of rushing it?

• What is one small freedom you've gained recently that you're grateful for?