How Running Has Changed My Life

1. Introduction: My Journey with Running
2. Physical Benefits 
3. Mental and Emotional Growth
4. Transforming My Lifestyle
5. Conclusion

Introduction: My Journey with Running

In the past two years, running has become an integral part of my life. Surprisingly, I didn’t start running for the usual reasons, like getting fit or improving my mental health. I began my morning runs in early March 2022 for a different motivation—one that might sound a bit cheesy but holds a special place in my heart. I started running simply to spend more time with my then-boyfriend, my now-husband. Instead of staying in bed for another hour, I would lace up my shoes and head out, just so we could start the day together, sharing those peaceful early moments. At the time, he was already an experienced runner, while I didn’t know the first thing about it. I ended up learning everything from him, and now, I think he’s starting to regret it! These days, he often jokes, “Why did I ever introduce her to running?”—especially when I drag him out of bed for a run, even on weekends.

And that’s how my relationship with running began. At first, I couldn’t even manage 200 meters without needing several breaks. In fact, I still remember one day when I felt so dizzy that I actually fainted mid-run! But, oddly enough, I never felt like giving up. Instead, I saw it as a personal challenge and became determined to improve. As time went on, I realized something unexpected—I genuinely loved running. It wasn’t just about getting better; I actually enjoyed every moment of it. Less than a year after I started, in February 2023, I proudly completed my first 5K run.

Physical Benefits

Even though physical fitness wasn’t my original goal when I started running, it became one of the best perks along the way. Back then, I was quite skinny and lacked healthy muscle mass. But as I began to run regularly and incorporate HIIT training, I noticed significant changes. My lower body grew stronger and more toned, which not only improved my overall fitness but also provided a solid foundation for my upper body strength. Running, along with HIIT training, didn’t just boost my endurance—it completely reshaped my body, giving me strength and confidence I hadn’t anticipated.

Despite being skinny, it wasn’t because I had a fast metabolism—in fact, it was the opposite. My metabolism was slow, and I could easily gain weight if I ate too much. Before I started running, I wasn’t active at all. To avoid gaining weight, I would eat small portions, which became my shortcut to staying thin without any exercise. Of course, I wouldn’t recommend such an unhealthy approach, as shortcuts rarely work in the long run.

Once I started running, which naturally boosts metabolism, everything changed. I began to eat properly, focusing on balanced, nutrient-rich meals that fueled my body for the exercise. Running didn’t just change my fitness; it taught me the importance of nourishing my body in a healthy and sustainable way.

Another major physical benefit I gained from running was a significant increase in my stamina and energy levels. Before I started, I often felt sluggish and lacked the energy to tackle even small tasks without feeling fatigued. As I continued to run regularly, I noticed a remarkable shift—not only could I run longer distances without feeling drained, but I also had more energy throughout the day. Everyday activities became easier, and I found myself more alert and focused. This newfound energy gave me the motivation to stay active and embrace a healthier lifestyle overall. Running became a powerful tool not just for fitness, but for feeling more alive and engaged in my daily life.

Mental and Emotional Growth

Running has had a profound impact on my mental and emotional well-being, far beyond the physical benefits I initially expected. One of the things that keeps me going is setting small, achievable milestones. For instance, I tell myself, “Just reach that tree ahead, and you can stop.” But what amazes me every time is that when I get to that tree—despite my legs feeling like they can’t take another step—my mind kicks in. I hear this inner voice cheering me on, saying, “Come on, Thushari, you’ve got this! One more round!”

At that moment, I feel an incredible surge of motivation. My legs may be tired, but my mind is so fired up that I push through, completely forgetting about the pain. I find myself running another round. This mental boost has not only transformed my running experience but has also profoundly shaped my everyday life.

Through running, I’ve learned endurance and perseverance, and these traits have naturally carried over into other aspects of my life. Now, I approach difficult tasks with more determination and face challenges with greater resilience. Running has given me the strength not just to keep moving physically but to push through the obstacles that life throws my way.

Whenever I’m feeling down or having a rough day, my instinct is to lace up my shoes and head out for a run. It’s almost like hitting a reset button for my mind. No matter how heavy the burden feels before I start, as I run, my thoughts begin to clear. What once felt overwhelming or emotionally charged starts to unravel, and I can see the situation with fresh eyes—unbiased and logical—rather than being caught in an emotional spiral.

There’s something about the rhythm of my feet hitting the ground that helps sort through the mental clutter. By the time I finish, I may not have solved the problem, but I’m in a much better place to approach it calmly and rationally. Running has become my go-to tool for regaining clarity and balance, no matter what life throws at me.

With time, I’ve developed the habit of setting monthly running goals. Achieving those goals has been transformative, boosting my confidence and giving me a powerful sense of accomplishment. This practice has significantly improved my self-esteem. We all need small victories to stay hopeful about the future and to overcome the inevitable self-doubt that creeps in. For me, running is that source of victory—each run is a reminder that I am capable of more than I realize. It has become a cornerstone in my journey toward personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

Transforming My Lifestyle

Before I started running regularly, I didn’t fully grasp the importance of mental and physical well-being. I knew it mattered, but I didn’t live by it. However, once running became a habit, everything changed. It wasn’t just a form of exercise anymore—it became the foundation for a complete lifestyle transformation. 

Running taught me the value of balance between mind and body, and this realization has reshaped how I live. My sleep quality has improved dramatically, leaving me more energized and refreshed each day. I’ve become more mindful of my eating habits, paying closer attention to what fuels my body and how it affects my performance. It’s also instilled in me a new level of discipline, which has rippled out into other areas of my life. Now, I follow a productive routine, staying focused and organized while also making time for self-care.

What I once thought was just a physical activity has turned into a practice that keeps me centered—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Running hasn’t just changed how I move; it’s changed how I live.

Conclusion

However, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned from running is that we don’t need to be great or have all the answers to start something meaningful. The key is simply to show up every day. I’m still not an expert in running; I haven’t fully mastered my breathing techniques yet, and there are moments when my breaths become labored as I push through a run. But that hasn’t deterred me from showing up at the park daily. Each run is an opportunity to grow, learn, and embrace the journey, regardless of where I stand on the path to mastery. It’s the consistency and commitment that truly matter, and that’s what keeps me going.

I’m not here to tell you that you need to start running tomorrow and become a runner like me. I understand that not everyone shares my passion for running. What I want to emphasize is that if you’ve been contemplating joining a gym but are waiting for the “perfect” day to begin, or if you’ve downloaded yoga lessons but haven’t started yet because you’re still searching for the ideal yoga mat, or if you want to cultivate a reading habit but are looking for the perfect book to kick things off—don’t wait for perfection.

The truth is, there will never be a perfect moment to start. The best time to take action is now. Embrace the imperfections and start with what you have. Whether it’s a workout in your living room, a few stretches on the floor, or picking up that book you’ve been eyeing, just begin. Each small step you take is a step toward progress. Remember, every great journey starts with the first move, no matter how imperfect it may seem.

For me, running was that unexpected habit I picked up without any grand expectations or a solid plan. Little did I know, it would completely transform my life in unimaginable ways. Just like my journey with running, there may be other good habits waiting to change your life. But to discover them, you have to take that first step.

If a habit has changed your life in an unexpected way, just like my running experience, let me know in the comments: What is the one habit that changed your life?