Embarking on the Journey: The First Milestone
One year ago, I was the farthest thing from a runner. I was more likely to be found on my couch than hitting the pavement. But something inside me changed. I wanted to challenge myself, set goals, and see what I was capable of physically. So I laced up my sneakers and hit the ground running – literally. Over the past 365 days, I’ve gone from running 0 miles per year to logging over 1000. I ran my first half marathon, my first full marathon, and even my first ultra marathon. It’s been a journey of highs and lows, but every step has been worth it. If you’re an aspiring runner looking for a little inspiration, perhaps my story will encourage you to push yourself further than you ever thought possible.
Finding My Stride: The Transition from Beginner to Distance Runner
The first thing I did when I decided to get serious about running was to set goals. They didn’t have to be lofty, but they had to be attainable. I decided that I wanted to run a half marathon within six months and a full marathon within a year. That seemed daunting at the time, but as I began training, I saw that it was achievable. I started with shorter trail runs with friends and gradually increased my distance. By the time I ran my first half marathon, I had already logged dozens of miles and felt comfortable running for sustained distances.
One of the keys to my success was finding a good running community. Two of my friends in Skopje were seasoned trail runners so I began to link up with them for our long runs on the weekends through the trails around Mt Vodno. Having the support and encouragement of others with similar goals helped me to stay motivated and accountable. I also used social media (Strava) to connect with other runners around the world. Seeing their progress and sharing my own successes and struggles kept me inspired.
One of the biggest milestones in my running journey was completing my first ultramarathon. I had trained hard and was as prepared as I could be. But as the race approached, I found myself doubting my ability to complete the distance. The morning of the race was nerve-wracking, but as soon as I started running, I felt a surge of adrenaline. The first few miles flew by, but by kilometer 10, I started to feel pain in my knee. The remaining 40 kilometers were brutal with the pain, but as I approached the finish line, I found a reserve of energy and ran across the finish line with a huge smile. The feeling of crossing that finish line is something I’ll never forget.
As I began to log more and more miles, I found that I needed to invest in better gear. Good shoes, proper clothing, a Garmin watch, and hydration tools all became necessities. I also learned about the importance of rest and recovery. Taking time to stretch, foam roll, and take days off from running allowed my body to repair and avoid injury. Some of this I had to learn the hard way. When running my first ultra, I ended up injuring my knee and had to take several months off from training afterward. The next time I started to feel a twinge in my knee, for example, I didn’t ignore it. I sought out advice from other runners and made a plan to rest and rehab my knee before it became a full-blown injury.
In the past year, I’ve learned a lot about myself through running. I’ve discovered that I’m capable of much more than I ever thought. I’ve found that pushing myself out of my comfort zone is where growth happens. I’ve seen that hard work pays off, but that rest and recovery are just as important. Running has become a part of my daily routine, and I can’t imagine my life without it.
Reflecting on a Milestone-Filled Year: The Running Journey Continues
If you’re an aspiring runner, I encourage you to take that first step. Set a goal, find a supportive community, and invest in good gear. Follow a plan, but be flexible. Celebrate your successes, but don’t be discouraged by setbacks. And above all, have fun. Running can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you run for physical health, mental well-being, or just for the joy of it, the journey is worth it. I can’t wait to see where my running takes me next, and I hope that maybe one day, you’ll be chronicling your own year of milestones.