Running After 40: How Early Morning Runs Transformed a Doctor’s Life

Started Running After Turning 40

Before I realized it, most of my days were spent sitting, buried in work.
Being a physician demands mental effort, emotional investment, and physical stamina. Yet, paradoxically, I had become indifferent to my own health.

I would advise patients to “exercise regularly” and “improve lifestyle habits,”
while my own life was completely irregular. Late-night meals, barely making it out of bed in the morning, and rushing to work again.

One day, looking in the mirror, I thought:
“Wow, I look older than I feel.”

Lack of exercise had slowed my metabolism, fatigue lingered longer, and my body felt sluggish.
I realized I needed to change—before thinking as a doctor, I needed to reclaim my health as a human being.
That small sense of urgency became the spark that made me start running.

---

Gasping After Just 2 Kilometers

The first month of running was incredibly tough.
Just 2 kilometers left me breathless, my legs heavy, and the next day brought muscle soreness.

After work, I couldn’t just run immediately.
With family responsibilities, including taking care of the kids, my personal time was limited.
So, I decided to wake up at 4 a.m. and run.

The house was still asleep, the streets quiet.
Running in the dark, feeling only my breath and footsteps, was initially grueling but gradually became my precious time for myself.

Wearing ordinary sneakers also didn’t help—my feet hurt, and my knees complained.
Running, which was supposed to improve my health, seemed like it might just injure me.

When I consulted a more experienced runner, they said:
“Shoes are an investment.”

I understood immediately—I had underestimated the importance of equipment.
I went to a specialty store and bought beginner-friendly running shoes.
The moment I put them on, it felt like the world had changed—running suddenly became light and effortless.

“So this is what running should feel like.”
That was the moment I fell in love with running.

---

The Joy of Gear ― Like an RPG

From there, I gradually upgraded my running gear as if collecting RPG equipment.

I bought running tights, matched running clothes,
and within six months, I was comfortably running 10 kilometers.
I even added bone conduction headphones to my setup.

Through early morning runs, I noticed not only my physical stamina improving, but also my mental rhythm stabilizing.
Running while listening to music or podcasts in the sunrise became the time when I felt most like myself.

Five months ago, I finally bought a GARMIN watch.
It was an older model, but more than sufficient for my needs.

In hindsight, like in an RPG, I had gradually saved up my “gold” (my allowance, as our family uses an allowance system)
and upgraded my equipment one piece at a time. The process itself was enjoyable.

---

Facing the “21-Kilometer Wall”

Once my gear was ready, I set my next goal:
Why not challenge myself with a half marathon?

The next four months were a “preparation season.”
Having reached 10 kilometers, I now faced the unknown distance of 21 kilometers.

At first, my legs would give out past 15 kilometers.
“6 more kilometers? Impossible.” I thought.
But gradually extending my distance, running became a part of daily life.

On mornings after a run, my mind felt clearer than usual.
During work, I noticed increased focus.
Moving my body contributed to both physical and mental stability.

---

Race Day ― Starting in the Rain

Race day arrived, and unfortunately, it rained.
As a first-time participant, I started from the very back.
Even after the starting gun, progress was slow.
“Does it really take this long to start?” I thought.

Even when I began moving, the crowd made running freely difficult.
Dodging people consumed energy unnecessarily.

“Take it easy for the first 5 kilometers. Set your pace once you hit the wider road,”
I remembered the advice of a more experienced runner.
Indeed, the first 5 kilometers felt heavy—just like training.
Patience, patience.

---

Support from the Crowd ― Feeling the Power of Others

After 5 kilometers, the path opened up.
I naturally regained my rhythm.

What impressed me most was the crowd cheering, even in the rain.

Children shouted, “Go, go, go!”
Elderly spectators clapped under umbrellas.

Strangers were supporting me.
In that moment, the warmth of people touched my heart.

---

The Final Kilometer ― My Personal Promise

My training rule is to run the last kilometer at full effort.
I applied the same rule on race day.

As the 1-kilometer-to-go sign appeared, my body reacted naturally.
“Here we go.”

A fellow runner who had already finished shouted:
“Your head is down! Look forward, look forward!”

I smiled, waved, and sprinted.
Weaving through runners, I ran the final kilometer at a 5:01 pace.

The finish time was 2 hours 14 minutes 30 seconds.
I didn’t hit my goal of under 2 hours, yet strangely, I felt no regret.

---

Running Reshaped My Life

After the race, a quiet satisfaction came with the pleasant fatigue.

What I realized through running was how much the power of consistency can change a person.

In work and life, effort rarely brings immediate results.
Yet by continuing to run, I noticed myself gradually progressing,
and that awareness gave me confidence.

---

Over 40 ― “Consistency” is Stronger than “Winning”

When I was younger, I valued producing results.
But after turning 40, I feel that continuing is more precious than any result.

Running every morning, maintaining proper nutrition, reviewing sleep—
these seemingly small actions shape the quality of life.

---

Looking Ahead ― Preparing for the Spring Race

My next goal is a half marathon in spring.
This time, I aim to break 2 hours.

But more than the record, I cherish the joy of running itself.
Running is not just physical training; it is mental maintenance.

And above all, through running, I’ve come to like myself a little more.

---

Closing Thoughts ― Living as a “Running Doctor”

Completing a half marathon made me realize that I exist as a person, not just a doctor.

Running reminded me of the achievement and joy of taking on challenges
that I had lost in the busy daily grind.

A journey that began with just 2 kilometers
led me to experience the 21-kilometer horizon.

This small challenge has already begun to enrich my life, and I believe it will continue to do so.