shift
I started walking last winter. I'd finally gotten my footing after a whirlwind 2023, and walking on the trail near our house seemed like a good way to cope with new stress. When the weather turned nicer, walking turned into running: slowly and small distances at first. I had a few strained muscles and melted in the summer morning humidity, but I persisted, adding mileage and pushing myself to run further. Eventually I stopped feeling each step and saying "just one more" to myself. Running still feels like childbirth: the night before I dread it, while I'm running I feel like I'm going to die, and afterwards I think, That wasn't so bad. I'd do that again . I use an app that logs all my times and distances; an unemotional lady tells me my splits at each half mile, which keeps me on pace no matter how emotional I'm feeling. Running has been a Very Good Thing. The sun rises too late now for me to continue my rushed before-school runs, though. And
