Driven to Run
There’s been a growing buzz around marathon running lately—or maybe it’s been there all along.
During the COVID-19 era, solo activities gained popularity, and running was one of the easiest ways for people to stay active. That might be when the “citizen runner” boom really took root.
Inspired by that movement, I decided to give running a try over the past year.
I Used to Hate Running
To be honest, I’ve never liked running.
Back in school, I was in a sports club that had us run until we dropped. It was exhausting—and mentally scarring.
Instead, I was more into strength training.
Before having children, I used to hit the gym nearly every night after work (unless I was on call). That all changed after becoming a parent. With limited free time, I had to quit the gym.
But running? That I could do near home and squeeze into tight schedules. So, I gave it a try.
Struggling to Run Even 2km
At first, I went out in my everyday sneakers—big mistake. My feet hurt, and I couldn’t even run 2 kilometers without losing my breath.
I didn’t even know how to pace myself.
For the first two weeks, I just ran blindly, gasping my way through every step. Eventually, I could manage 2km. After about a month, I worked my way up to 5km.
By the third month, I could complete a 10km run in one go.
Winter Break… and a Spring Restart
Then winter came. I stopped running for about four months due to the cold.
When I tried again in the spring, I had to start almost from scratch. But to my surprise, my body remembered more than I expected. My pace and endurance returned faster this time, and running started to feel… kind of enjoyable.
The Gear Bug Bit Me: Enter Garmin Forerunner 965
Once I felt more confident in my runs, I started wondering: Could I actually enter a race?
With that goal in mind, the next step was—naturally—gear.
I couldn’t resist. I bought myself a Garmin Forerunner 965.
Sure, the newer Forerunner 970 was already out, but it seemed like overkill for my needs. It had features like call functionality, shorter battery life, and a price tag over ¥100,000. I decided that the 965 was more than enough—and more affordable.
Now, with my new gear in hand, I’m more motivated than ever to keep running.
The Half Marathon Wall: 21km Isn’t Easy
These days, I’m aiming to complete a half marathon (21km).
But let me tell you—it’s tough.
Just the other day, I tried pushing myself past my limits. At 18km, my legs simply stopped. They wouldn’t move. I hit the wall, hard.
My race is scheduled for October, and I’m still not sure if I’ll be able to finish all 21km by then.
But I’m determined to keep trying.
Running is More Than Just Exercise
One thing I’ve realized: running has become a time for self-reflection.
Between work and parenting, my days are nonstop. But while I run, I get to breathe, focus, and just be. It’s a kind of mental reset that I never expected.
The person who couldn’t run 2km a year ago is now chasing a half marathon goal.
You don’t always need a dramatic reason to change—you just need to take that first step.
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