Somewhere along the way, I became someone who could run 10 kilometers.

There was no particular milestone day. I just looked up and I was there. The version of me who found 100 meters impossibly far away never could have imagined it.

After Distance, Speed

Once I could run 10 kilometers, I started thinking: “Could I go a little faster?”

Same distance, slightly quicker pace. That became the next goal.

I started paying attention to time as I ran. Measuring the average pace per kilometer, then gradually shaving it down. The same approach as when I was building distance — a little at a time, no rushing.

My Current Pace

My jogging pace right now is about 10.8 kilometers per hour.

On good days I can push that to 11.5 kilometers.

Seventeen years ago, I was fighting just to cover 100 meters at something between a walk and a speed-walk. Now I run at this pace. Looking back, I’m honestly surprised at myself.

Starting in Your 40s Isn’t Too Late

I’m still running now, into my 50s.

A herniated disc, pulmonary tuberculosis, an ankle injury, quitting smoking. There were so many walls. Every time, I stopped — and then started again.

“Starting in your 50s isn’t too late,” I wrote about fermented foods once. Jogging is the same.

Whatever age you begin, your body responds in proportion to how much you keep at it.

That first day, the day I started from 100 meters — that’s the reason I’m still running today.

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Both “running” and “fermented foods” have taught me the same thing. No rushing, no anxiety — just keep going. That alone is enough to change a person.

※ 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.