Where the Mind Runs Free
Growing up in the countryside, I’ve always enjoyed being in nature. Simply being in nature made me happy. When I was a child, I would spend my time climbing trees, cycling to the next town, or playing team sports, like football, volleyball and so on for years.
However, I did not like running, like those long-distance runs we had to do in school. I loved the sprints, but not the loops.
I started hiking in the mountains a few years ago, but it wasn’t until much later that the idea of running crossed my mind. One day, while out for a walk, I suddenly thought, “Let’s go for a run.” So I tried, but I couldn’t even run for a minute. I didn’t know how to breathe properly.
I was curious and wanted to try something new. But I didn’t know where to begin.
Then a friend invited me to join a 5-kilometre run after one of our hikes. That simple invitation changed everything.
I had the shoes.
I had had them for months but never put them on for a longer run.
5 k felt like a long run to me.
And being invited to run 5K with a very fit runner felt both exciting and uncomfortable.
And I did not know what was expected of me.
Would he just run off and I would need to sprint?
Or would I be able to go at my own pace?
I gave it a try.
How was my first 5K?
My first 5K were exciting. We ran after an easy hike in the mountains and I remember side stitches and pain in my right knee. But we kept running. Soon, those side stitches and that pain in my knee faded. And I remember how happy I was when we finished that 5K distance. I could not believe that I had just done that. Because I had never been a runner, never liked it and never ran 5K. I remember I kept thinking “Wow. I just ran 5K today. I can’t believe it”.
Building Distance: from 5K to 25K Without Chasing Applause
Since then, I have been running on my own, here and there, but with no real training plan. I think this works best for me because I can always check in how I feel to prevent injuries. I don't run when I'm sore, I will go for a walk instead and perhaps throw in a run on another day during the week.
However, consistency is key. Over time, running became fun. And I kept running on my own and I have slowly built up, just for fun, from 5K to 8K, to 10K, to 12K, then 16K. This year, I ran several 20K and my first half marathon distance.
But that took time. And if you're just starting out, I wouldn’t recommend increasing your distance too quickly.
In the beginning, it’s all about covering the distance at your own pace. Stop if you need to, grab some water, then keep going. A lot of people focus too much on speed or try to ramp up their distance too soon, and that often leads to injuries. We definitely don’t want that.
The longest run I’ve done so far was a 25K this summer. It was the first time and I actually enjoyed the experience from start to finish. But honestly, the time didn’t matter to me. What matters more is being outdoors and knowing I can keep doing this for the long run, literally.
For me, that means not pushing too hard or obsessing over pace. Because I know that if push myself too hard, I won't enjoy it anymore. I just run to feel good, to be active and in the outdoors, and that makes all the difference.
At the moment, I do the occasional run which is an easy 10K (6.2 miles), maybe 2 times a week.
Why the hardest part is often just stepping outside
Most of the time, the difficult part is putting your feet outside of your door. It's not the run itself. And whenever I’m back from my run, I’m glad I’ve done it.
Why Running Feels So Good: The Benefits
Running makes you feel good, like literally! But here is more.
If you want to give it a try or are curious what it’s good for, here are a few of the many benefits. Happiness. Better sleep and focus. Builds resilience. Strong heart. Live longer.
Happiness: When you run, your body releases a cocktail of “happy hormones” and neurochemicals that elevate mood, reduce stress, and even sharpen your mind.
Better sleep and focus: A short run can already improve the quality of your sleep and overall cognitive performance.
Builds resilience: Running is one of the most powerful natural stimulants of neuroplasticity, which is your brain’s ability to adapt, grow, and rewire itself. It can also improve attention, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Many people feel much calmer and happier after a run.
Strong heart: Running strengthens your heart muscle, lowers blood pressure, improves circulation and your body’s ability to use oxygen.
Running also strengthens your bones, joints, and mobility, helps with weight management, and supports longevity.
Try What Works for You
Whatever you would like to start, if you want to be active and do something good for your body and mind, then it really does not matter how long it takes. As long as you’re enjoying what you’re doing and you’re not getting injured. That’s what matters.
At least this is what I do. It works for me.
If you don’t like it, you can try something different. But giving it a try, is the only way to figure out if you like it.
You can’t know what you don’t know. So why not give it a try? Nothing to lose?
Just like lifting weights makes your body stronger, running helps your body and mind grow stronger too.
