My ankle healed, and I started running from 100 meters again.

It was my second start. But this time there was something different in how I felt. The will to “keep going” was stronger than it had been before.

Slowly But Surely, the Distance Grew

Once I could run 100 meters consistently, a natural urge grew: “Maybe I can push a little further.”

500 meters. 800 meters. 1 kilometer. 3 kilometers. 4 kilometers.

No dramatic leaps. Just the steady, small progression of going a little further today than I did yesterday. But that accumulation added up to something significant without me noticing.

The first time I ran a full kilometer, I thought: “I can actually do this.” I still remember that feeling.

I Started Getting Proper Jogging Gear

As the distances grew, I started paying attention to my equipment.

I bought a proper new pair of jogging shoes — ones that fit the shape of my foot and absorb impact. I switched my clothes to jogging-specific gear. And I started wearing support braces on my knees and ankles and other joints that tend to take strain.

Gathering the right gear raised my own sense of commitment. “This is what I’m running in now” — that feeling helped sustain the habit.

Running Became Enjoyable

Around the time I could run 4 kilometers, I noticed something.

Running had become enjoyment, not obligation.

Every time the distance grew, there was a sense of accomplishment. After a run there was a feeling of freshness. A small pride of “I ran again today.” That’s what kept pulling me back the next day.

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Next time: It took 8 years, but I lost 10 kilograms.

※ This article is based on personal experience and publicly available information. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. If you have health concerns, please consult a doctor or registered dietitian. See our Disclaimer.