Whenever I have a long run planned for a Saturday morning, I find myself dragging out my morning routine as long as possible, like a kid stalling to go to bed at night. It’s not uncommon to take slower sips of coffee, reluctantly switch out my PJs for a running tee hours later than I had planned, and suddenly realize that my sock drawer totally needs to be reorganized before the world can keep spinning, let alone before my morning run can commence. As much as I love running, the struggle to sometimes start a run is REAL.

However, once Michel pushes me out the door and I start putting one foot in front of the other, running, once again, becomes fun. It seriously just takes a few steps, a few slow strides, before I realize how good running makes me feel and how fortunate I am to have good health, as well as the time and means to cultivate it.

Whether I’m reflecting on my day, coming up with new ideas, or simply not thinking about anything and getting lost in my own thoughtless void, running makes me happy. And no matter what the distance, I finish up brimming with endorphins and feeling proud of myself for just getting outside and moving my body.

Just like in life, getting out the door and taking the first step is the most challenging. My goal for this weekend’s long run is to be conscious of that, channel the happiness I feel while running, and just put one foot in front of the other.

Do you have running goals for this weekend or upcoming week? What motivates you to start your run?