In January 2012, I stood at a crossroads, feeling overwhelmed, out of shape, and wondering how on earth I’d gotten to that point. I weighed 142.6 kg, and the thought of running—even for a few minutes—felt impossible. I was carrying more than just physical weight; I was burdened with self-doubt, low energy, and a fear of failure.
Sound familiar? If you’re feeling stuck or intimidated by the idea of running, trust me, I’ve been there. But here’s the thing: transformation is possible, and it all starts with one small step.
The Turning Point: The Decision to Commit
I knew something had to change, but the idea of running a marathon (the goal I stupidly set myself) was daunting—miles out of my comfort zone (literally). It wasn’t just about the distance; it was about overcoming years of inactivity and the mental blocks that made the idea of running feel impossible. I started small. Really small.
The first step wasn’t a marathon, or even a jog; it was a simple walk around my neighbourhood. I decided to commit, and I took that commitment public through a blog. I knew that if I was going to succeed, I needed accountability and a community of supporters. By sharing my story online, I could no longer hide behind excuses. It was out there—I was going to run a marathon.
The Challenges: One Step at a Time
The early days weren’t easy. Waking up at 5 am to go for a walk felt like a mountain to climb. I remember lying in bed, feeling the pull of comfort and the voice in my head whispering, “You can skip today. You’ve got time.” But deep down, I knew that if I didn’t show up for myself now, I never would.
My first walk was monumental, not because of the distance but because it marked the beginning of something new. I was carving out time for myself, and that was a victory in itself. Over time, those walks became a habit, and I noticed that my body—and mindset—were changing. The simple act of getting up and moving gave me a sense of control I hadn’t felt in years.
But let’s be honest—it wasn’t a linear journey. There were days when I’d struggle, when my motivation would wane, or when my doubts crept in louder than ever. There were temptations, like the cupcakes that seemed to pop up in the office every week, or the comfort of staying in bed on a cold morning. But each small win, like turning down an extra treat or shaving a few seconds off my walking time, reminded me that progress is about consistency, not perfection.
The Small Wins That Built Momentum
Running isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s a mental game. I knew that to make this work, I needed to build a strong mindset, one small win at a time. I started to track my progress, timing my walks and, eventually, my short jogs. Each time I improved, even by a few seconds, I celebrated it. I wasn’t trying to be fast; I was trying to show up, and that was enough.
I remember the first time I jogged for five whole minutes without stopping. It might sound small, but for me, it was huge. It was proof that my body could do more than I ever thought possible. That’s when I realised the real power of running: it wasn’t just about burning calories or hitting a distance; it was about proving to myself that I could move beyond my own limitations.
The Transformation: More Than Just Physical
As weeks turned into months, something shifted. Running became less about the physical challenge and more about the emotional and mental benefits. I felt stronger, not just in my body but in my mind. Running became my way of clearing my head, of building resilience, and of finding a sense of joy I hadn’t felt in years.
And the physical changes were a bonus. My weight started to drop, my stamina improved, and my confidence soared. I went from struggling to walk a few hundred metres to jogging longer distances without that nagging voice of doubt. I realised that I was transforming not only my body but my entire outlook on life.
The Invitation: Your Journey Starts Now
If you’re reading this and you’re at your own crossroads, wondering if running is for you, let me tell you this: it absolutely is. You don’t have to be fast, fit, or fearless. You just have to start. Running isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard, and taking one small step at a time.
The first step doesn’t have to be a marathon, or even a jog. It could be a 10-minute walk around your neighbourhood, just like mine was. The key is to start where you are, and to remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
Find Strength in Community
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that running doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Having support made all the difference for me, turning what once felt like an impossible task into an experience of growth, support, and connection.
That’s exactly what Runners Gateway is all about—a welcoming space where people just like you are taking those first steps. It’s a place where you can find motivation, share your wins, and get the encouragement you need to keep moving forward. Whether you’re aiming for your first 5K or simply looking to build a consistent routine, you’ll have others right there with you, cheering you on.
