WE ALL START SOMEWHERE
RUNNING WASN'T ALWAYS FOR ME
In 2018, while on an exchange program in Honolulu, Hawaii with my girlfriend, Bree (we've now been together for 7 years), I would frequently go on morning walks around downtown to explore the area and enjoy the beauty of the island. I would often see people jogging through the streets and running along the concrete path next to the ocean. I always thought it looked enjoyable; however, I played sports growing up...where the only time we ran was for punishment. Like most people, I always had a distaste for running and cardio exercise.
At the time, I had never run more than a mile in one continuous effort. But I decided I would try it out. I put on my old worn-out gym shoes and headed out the door. I started my watch and took off running as hard as I could. I stopped when my watch hit the first mile. I was sweating, out of breath, and everything hurt. I thought to myself, "People do this for fun??? I'm never doing this again." I turned around and walked back home.
Something inside told me I had to keep trying... so I decided to try it again the next day. And the next day. And the next. For the whole first year of running, I didn't go more than 4 miles at any given time. Most days it was simply 1-2 miles. I would run as hard as I possibly could the entire time. I thought every run was supposed to be a suffer-fest. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. But I kept at it. Around the same time, I picked up David Goggins' first book. If you've read his book or know who he is, you know that I was ready to run through a brick wall.
For the last 4+ years, I have been continuously learning, working, and striving to be a better runner. I have since ran several half marathons, marathons, a 52-mile ultramarathon, and qualified for the coveted Boston Marathon.
Even though we may start with little to no experience, we can all learn and improve. All it takes is some dedication, hard work, and patience.
Now I strive to get Stronger, run Faster, and go Farther every day.
“IF A THING IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE, CONSIDER IT WITHIN YOUR REACH.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Stoic Philosopher