I didn’t expect this. Not even a little. After months of sticking to a low-carb diet, regular walks, and some basic strength exercises, I’ve made a discovery I didn’t think was even on the horizon: I might be able to run again.
Let me be clear—I haven’t run in decades. Not seriously, anyway. At some point in life, I think I filed running under “things I used to do when I was younger and had no back pain.” But recently, something changed.
It started small. My partner and I had been walking regularly, getting stronger, feeling better, and one day we thought, “What if we just tried a bit of running? Just a few steps.” So we did. We ran for maybe fifty yards at a time, then walked. Then ran again. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
🏃♂️ A Slow and Steady Shift
Over the last few weeks, we’ve gradually added running to our walks—a little more each time. To our surprise, we enjoyed it. Like, really enjoyed it. There was something freeing and energizing about it, even if we were gasping for air afterward. And we quickly realized that this wasn’t just about fitness—it was about reclaiming a part of ourselves we thought was gone.
Now we’ve gone all in: we wake up at 5:30 in the morning just to get out there before work. We walk-run (okay, run-walk), and each session feels like we’re stretching the limits of what we believed we were capable of.
Where we once did fifty yards, we now run half a mile without stopping—and we’re not done yet. The goal is clear: one day, to run a full 5K, and not finish last (although to be honest, just finishing will be a win in itself).
💪 Not Just Physical Gains
The benefits have been almost immediate. Since adding running to our routine:
- My belly fat is disappearing faster
- My blood pressure is lower
- My mood is consistently better
There’s something so deeply satisfying in watching the body adapt to more effort, week by week. It’s a reminder that we’re capable of change, no matter how old we are or how long we’ve been stuck in our habits.
⚠️ A Quick Word of Caution
If you’re thinking about doing something similar, please make sure it’s safe for you. Running is great, but it’s also demanding. Talk to your health advisor, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or haven’t exercised in a while. Start slow. Walk. Then jog. Then see where your body takes you.
🚀 The Journey Continues
I never thought I’d say this, but running has become something I look forward to. It’s energizing, challenging, and oddly joyful. It’s not about competition. It’s about showing up, testing limits, and seeing what’s possible—even after 50.
So here we are, a pair of early-risers with running shoes and a goal. And while we’re not racing yet, we’re moving forward—one mile at a time.
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s too late to try something new, trust me—it’s not.
See you on the path. 🏃♀️🏃♂️✨
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