I have been a regular participant in the 10K Race of Tirana Marathon from 2017 to 2019. At that time I would only start my training 2 months ahead, to get fit enough to run the 10K. After that, Covid-19 happened and we all know how that went. Not just because of the pandemic, but also because of my lifestyle (all work & no fun) and my emotional state I managed to gain 20kgs. I was around 80kg when I ran my 10K in 2019.
In 2021, for my New Year Resolution, I decided to embark on a fitness journey that would not only test my determination, but also transform me both physically and mentally. My resolution? To become a regular runner. I’d like to emphasis on the fact that I wanted to run, it was something that I knew gave me a sense of freedom that I really liked that feeling. My primal goal was to run, not to lose weight. This idea helped me focus more on my performance & endurance, rather than my weight progress. Losing weight was just a big bonus!
Setting the Stage: One Run a Week
My New Year’s resolution was simple yet challenging: I committed to running at least once a week, for a minimum of 40 minutes or 6 kilometres. You might wonder why I chose such a modest goal. The reason was clear in my mind: I knew that if I set the bar too high and missed a week, the pressure to catch up would likely lead me to give up altogether. So, once a week it was.
This approach turned out to be a game-changer. It allowed me to build consistency, gradually increasing my stamina, and avoiding the burnout that often comes with overly ambitious goals. I missed my run only for two weeks when I went skiing on the weekend and I managed to compensate for them in the weeks to come. Now I try and manage to pack my trainers with me and do my run wherever I am.
Progress and Key Milestones
Surprisingly, my once-a-week running routine paid off remarkably well. I tried to follow the strategy I used when training for my 10Ks. I began extending my running sessions, adding an extra 5 minutes each week. While the initial 20 minutes felt like an eternity, I soon found myself slipping into the runner’s mindset, where the minutes seemed to fly by.
Those first 2–3 kilometres were a struggle, but once I hit my stride, it was as if a switch had been flipped. I became more in tune with my body, aware of my pace, and capable of maintaining a comfortable rhythm. I have never been a fast person, so I was more focused on distance, and with the right playlist, those runs felt like walking.
Consistency Is Key
One crucial lesson I learned was the importance of maintaining a steady pace. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of running and start too fast, only to lose steam later. To prevent this, I focused on running at a pace that felt comfortable for me, gradually speed increased as my fitness improved. This approach helped me avoid injuries and maintain the motivation to keep going.
Tracking Progress: Time and Distance
Tracking my progress was vital to keep me going. It provided a tangible way to see how far I’d come. I monitored both the time I spent running and the distance covered. I’d like to mention that this is something personal. I’m not here to show you how to do it. I believe each person has a unique approach to sports, and mine might not fit you. I’m not a coach. However, I am a person who really likes numbers, and I really need to see progress in numbers, be it distance, pace, elevation, you name it. I could always find a number to be proud of myself.
The Importance of Personalisation
Again, (and I can’t highlight this enough) what worked for me may not work for you. Running became my passions because I genuinely enjoy it. The thrill of crossing a finish line motivated me to stay active. It’s crucial to explore various activities to find what ignites your passion and keeps you committed to a healthier lifestyle.
Never Too Late to Start
In October 2021, I achieved a significant milestone on my journey — I completed my first half marathon, and I did it 20 kilograms lighter than when I restarted running in January that year. It was a testament to the power of consistency and personal determination. These do sound like big fancy words and hard to do, I’ll soon publish another blog post highlighting how the commitment and persistence I invested in running didn’t disrupt other areas of my life.
Remember, it’s never too late to start. Whether it’s running, cycling, swimming, or any other activity. However, the beauty of running is that it requires minimal investment and no time constraints. Whenever you’re ready, take that first step.
Conclusion
I hope my running journey inspires you to set and achieve your fitness goals. Remember, the key is to start small, be consistent, personalize your approach, and find something you’re passionate about. In doing so, you’ll unlock your potential, one step at a time.
Follow my journey on Strava to see the real story behind the runs and join me in embracing a healthier, more active lifestyle.
