It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t a moment of inspiration, a grand epiphany, or even a new year’s resolution. It began as a passing question, a casual suggestion from my best friend, Rohan: “Would you come jogging tomorrow? I’m thinking of going.”
At that moment, I wasn’t thinking about fitness, goals, or challenges. I was riding the momentum of Waking up early every day—(a streak I never thought I could maintain). So I said, “Sure,” not expecting it to lead anywhere.
I didn’t know it then, but that small “yes” was about to spark something much bigger.
Looking Back: Why I Never Stuck with Running
If I’m being honest, I’ve tried jogging before. Five, maybe ten times in the past, each attempt ending the same way: failure.
There were always excuses—some valid, most not. I’d get tired too quickly. My body would ache for days after. My schedule was already “too packed.” But the real reason? I didn’t want to face the discomfort.
Running felt like a mirror, reflecting back all the things I didn’t want to see about myself—my lack of stamina, my inconsistent discipline, my unwillingness to push through.
So I quit. Every time.
The Moment of Harsh Truths
The day before Rohan’s question, I had written something raw and unfiltered in my journal. It wasn’t pretty, but it was honest:
“I need to lose weight. I’m not looking good. This is my body, and I have to take full responsibility for it. I can’t keep indulging in comforting self-talk. I need to face reality and put in the work.”
That entry wasn’t just about fitness. It was a declaration, a moment where I stopped making excuses and started holding myself accountable. I wanted to take control of my life and running just happened to show up at the right time.
Why Running?
Running is raw. There’s no equipment to hide behind, no shortcuts, no fancy tricks. It’s just you, your body, and the road ahead.
That’s why I chose it—or maybe it chose me. I didn’t need a gym membership or a personal trainer. All I needed was the courage to step out the door and start moving. And honestly? I needed something that would push me beyond my comfort zone, something that would force me to confront myself, head-on.
Running is my way of saying, “This time, it’s different. This time, I’m not stopping.”
I didn’t start running because I love it
I didn’t start running because I love it. I started because I need it. I need the discipline, the mental clarity, the feeling of pushing past limits. I need to stop lying to myself about what I’m capable of.
And now, six days in, I can say this with certainty: I might not be a runner yet, but I’m becoming one.
Takeaway
If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s this: You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to take that first step.
Because sometimes, that’s all it takes to change everything.
