Running — Reconnected

I’m training for my half marathon using a beginner program — even though I’ve been running for years and this is far from my first race.

As I mentioned in my first post, I use an interactive treadmill that has me running along with the instructor, wherever they are in the world. My six-week beginner program is set in Portugal, and I’m currently in week four.

At first, I was skeptical. It didn’t feel like enough. I questioned whether I was really getting a “good” workout. At one point, I almost talked myself out of it entirely — until I stopped and said, Wait a minute, Pamm. Let’s do this differently.

When I started this training, I had four months. There was no need to rush. No reason to push. Instead, I chose to slow down and focus on building strength and endurance steadily — paying attention not just to my runs, but to my whole body, my nutrition, and where I am in life right now.

This time, I’m not jumping back in the way I would have five or ten years ago. My life has changed. And so has the way I choose to take care of me.

Just because it’s a beginner program doesn’t mean it’s easy — or that it’s not good enough. Those are thoughts and beliefs I used to carry. Now, I see “beginner” as an invitation to start fresh, like a new student, and to let go of some old habits and thoughts.

Beginner means slowing down enough to enjoy the process instead of rushing through it. It means honoring the fact that I have time, and that there’s no reason to push harder than my body is ready for.

This shift isn’t just about running.

It’s about reconnecting body, mind, and spirit — and choosing to move forward with intention, awareness, and kindness rather than force.

Running again makes me feel like the me I remember.