So, a few months ago — in a burst of optimism, Pinterest-fueled ambition, and maybe one too many motivational TikTok’s — I decided I was going to run a 5K by the end of the year.
I told my friends (and even put it on my bingo card!) that I wanted to run a 5K. It felt exciting and empowering — like I was diving headfirst into my Hot Girl Running Era. But now that the initial thrill has worn off and it’s literally July, I have to face the truth:
I haven’t worked out consistently all year.
Not once. Not even close.
I’m a big fan of sweets and comfort carbs, and I tend to process all my emotions through sugar and procrastination. So yeah, the 5K dream? It’s cute. And currently very theoretical.
“How Do You Run a 5K?”
To kick things off, I asked my brother what felt like a very fair, totally normal beginner question:
“How does someone even run a 5K?”
His answer? A casual, completely unbothered:
“Run.”
Cool. Thanks for the clarity, champ.
For the past two years, my weight has danced between 186 and 198, no matter what I try — calorie counting, “clean” eating, gentle walks, or shedding tears into my yogurt. Nothing sticks. I give it my all for a few weeks, don’t see instant progress, and spiral.
Deep down, I want that glow-up montage.
The dramatic before-and-after.
The magical “she believed she could, so she did” moment — preferably in 30 days or less.
And let’s not forget:
I’m a full-time student, planning a wedding, and running on caffeine and vibes. It’s chaotic. It’s overwhelming. But guess what?
I’m Still Doing This.
Not because I hate my body — but because I want to feel better in it. I want to nurture it. Celebrate it. Show up for myself in small, sweaty, wildly unglamorous ways.
Even if I never make it past the walk-run stage.
Even if my “5K” turns into a dramatic 4.3K with extra water breaks.
Even if I cry halfway through and then reward myself with a smoothie.
This Is: Trying to Run a 5K — A Series
This is part one of what I’m calling Trying to Run a 5K — a mini series where I document:
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The wins 💪
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The fails 😩
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The cravings 🍫
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The breakthroughs 🌟
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The brutally honest in-betweens
What’s Coming Next:
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Finally using the running app I downloaded back in March 📱
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Documenting my (very humble) starting stats
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Trying to cut back on soda without emotionally unraveling 🥤
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Battling my all-or-nothing mindset (again)
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Probably failing a little. Definitely trying again.
This journey is already shaping up to be beautifully messy — and I haven’t even tied my shoelaces yet.
But I’m here. I’m starting.
And honestly? That counts for something.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
(And seriously… send electrolytes.)
