24 January 2026
The break was longer than it should have been again, but today I managed to overcome that inner resistance. No excuses, no pushing it off until tomorrow. I went out on my shorter familiar route — one of those runs where you know exactly what’s coming and nothing can surprise you.
As expected, it was hard. My legs felt sluggish, the rhythm didn’t come easily, and more than once my mind searched for a good reason to stop early. These are the runs that demand more mentally than any long or fast session.
Now I’m sitting here, glad that I was stronger than my lack of motivation. Not euphoric, not hyped — just content. Sometimes you have to force yourself, not because you have to, but because you know how good it will feel afterward. And that alone makes it worth going out.
17 January 2026
Once again, it took longer than planned before I headed out for the next run. The plan was actually clear: three runs per week, well structured, sensibly built up. On paper, it looked solid. In reality, not so much. Somehow, it just didn’t work out.
After such a long break, the willingness is there, but motivation is still lagging behind. I know this feeling well. Your mind knows that running is good for you, but your body still remembers being inactive. That’s where this subtle resistance comes in — and it often slows you down longer than you’d like to admit.
This time, the weather helped. Cool temperatures, blue skies, sunshine — the kind of day you regret wasting if you stay indoors. So I went out. No pressure.
In the end, I managed over an hour on my old familiar route. Not spectacular, but a win. And sometimes, that’s enough.
4 January 2026
My first run of the new year was mainly one thing: an attempt to find my way back into my running routine. No big plan, no watch trying to prove anything. Just a short run on a familiar route, one of those loops you’ve run countless times and that usually feels safe and comfortable.
And yet, it became obvious very quickly how much the longer break had thrown me off. My breathing was heavier, my legs felt more tired than expected, and my mind kept reminding me how much easier this used to feel. Anyone who has started again after a break knows this moment well.
But so what. The first run is done. It wasn’t pretty, fast, or elegant — but it was honest. And that’s what matters.
The starting line has been crossed. The next runs will follow. One by one. And sooner or later, it will feel normal again.
