Running Towards Something More: Why My Fitness Journey Isn’t About Anyone Else Anymore

Running Towards Something More: Why My Fitness Journey Isn’t About Anyone Else Anymore 🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️

Three months ago, I laced up my running shoes, not with a lofty goal or a deep sense of personal drive, but shamelessly to impress a guy. I know, I know—talk about being a pick-me girl, right? 🙈 Somehow, in my 30s, I found myself literally chasing a boy, taking on a new pass time in hopes of having an activity to enjoy together. It’s almost funny looking back at it now, knowing how that small spark of motivation would turn into something completely unexpected.

My first run, a 5K (about 3 miles), was painfully slow, clocking in at 7:54 per kilometer and taking a full 40 minutes. Every step felt like I was pushing through cement. It felt like my legs were on fire, and my lungs had gone on strike. I could barely focus on the “why” of it all—I just knew it was hard, and every part of me was begging to stop. But my desire to get this guy was the reason I kept going.

Little did I know, that I was entering into my running era. Every run became a little competition within me, a small whisper to see if I could shave even a few seconds off that time to get just a bit better, a bit faster each time. And then, something shifted.

Finding Joy in the Challenge

Somewhere along the way, I found a new love for the challenge in running. Each run became about pushing myself just a little further, going a bit faster, letting the rhythm of my feet and the sound of my breath pull me forward.

I stopped thinking about the guy and started focusing on the thrill of seeing what I was capable of. Running became fun! I noticed the way my body felt stronger, the way my mind cleared up, and the sense of accomplishment that came when I finished each run. Last month, I hit a personal best: 5K in 29:22 at a 5:52/km pace. For me, that was a huge win, and I felt so proud! Especially in comparison to where I started, practically 3 minutes slower.

Now, I’m less than two weeks out from running my first half marathon. If you told me a few months ago I’d be here, I would’ve laughed. But here I am, having ran my longest run yet (17km) and smashing new PRs this week: a 5K at 26:10 (5:14/km) and a 10K at 54:12 (5:25/km). It’s like every week, I’m discovering new parts of myself, parts I didn’t know were so resilient or so determined.

So as for the guy? He’s just a distant memory—a faint echo I had honestly forgotten about until a friend reminded me the other day. My “why” has completely transformed.

Shifting from External Validation to Internal Fulfillment

Reflecting on this journey thus far, I realized something big: I started out trying to prove something to someone else, but now I’m here to prove it to myself. It’s no longer about trying to impress anyone. In these few months, running has taught me that personal goals are way more powerful when they’re driven by a desire to see what I can do rather than by comparison or validation from others.

This shift from external to internal motivation can be transformative in fitness—and life in general. It’s not just about working toward a goal; it’s about creating goals that matter to you and that give you purpose and fulfillment. When we get caught up in others’ expectations, we lose sight of what truly matters to us. But when our goals come from within, they light us up. They give us something to be proud of, something that feels authentic and worthwhile.

Lessons in Strength, Growth, and Resilience

In these past three months, running has been a constant teacher. When it was hard, it forced me to examine where I needed to grow, whether in my endurance, my mental grit, or my patience. And when it got easier, I could see what was working and what I needed more of—better pacing, smarter recovery, maybe even new shoes.

If we pay attention to the journey, there’s always a lesson, a redirection, or an opportunity for growth. I’ve started bringing that perspective into other areas of my life, whether it’s my work, my relationships, or my goals outside of fitness. It’s become clear to me that every challenge, every setback, is a chance to learn, improve, and become a better version of myself.

The Power of Setting Performance Goals

One of the biggest shifts for me was the way I viewed my body and exercise. Like many people, I had often associated fitness with aesthetics—getting slimmer, more toned, fitting a certain look. But when I started running for performance, that changed. My goals became less about how I looked and more about how I felt and what I could accomplish with the proper fuel. I noticed the same thing when I set goals in the gym, whether it was increasing my barbell squat weight or improving my form on the megaformer.

That mental shift was everything. When I focused on performance, I began to celebrate my body for what it could do, not just how it looked. The motivation that came from feeling stronger and seeing tangible progress has been so much more sustainable.

I challenge you to try setting one performance goal for yourself—whether it’s running a faster mile, adding weight to your lifts, walking 10k steps, trying a new form of movement altogether, or simply getting quality sleep each night. I bet you’ll see how that small goal can transform your mindset.

Setting Goals That Reflect Your Personal Growth

With 65 days left in 2024, it’s the perfect time to think about your 2025 goals. So, how do we set goals that keep us focused on growth rather than comparison? Here are some simple ways to start:

1. Define Your “Why”: Ask yourself why this goal matters to you. Is it something you’re passionate about? Does it align with your values or interests? When your “why” is strong, your motivation becomes unstoppable.

2. Keep It Real: It’s easy to set goals that sound impressive or mirror what others are doing, but make sure your goals are achievable and relevant to you. They should reflect where you are now and where you want to be, not where you think others expect you to be.

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Each step forward is a victory. Don’t wait for the “big” accomplishments to feel proud. Take time to celebrate every PR, every workout completed, and every time you show up, even on the tough days.

4. Stay Open to Adjustments: Sometimes, the journey reveals things we didn’t expect. Be flexible and willing to shift your goals if your interests or circumstances change. Staying true to yourself means adapting when needed.

5. Share the Journey, Not Just the Results: When you’re on a personal growth journey, share it with others to inspire and hold yourself accountable. When we let people in on the “why” behind our goals, our progress can have a new layer of meaning.

The Road Ahead

With my first half marathon just around the corner and a few more already lined up for 2025, I feel ready to embrace the unknowns and surprises that running—and life—will bring. It’s no longer about achieving for others; it’s about discovering my potential, one step at a time.

So here’s to all of us who’ve found the courage to pursue goals that are just for us. Here’s to those who celebrate progress, not perfection, and who push forward because the journey itself is the reward. If you’re reading this and you’ve felt that nudge to start something, to chase a goal, or to test your limits, know this: you are so capable. You are allowed to pursue something for the joy it brings you, for the sense of purpose it gives, and for the lessons it teaches along the way.

Let’s keep running towards something more—whatever that may look like for each of us. Keep going, keep improving, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself.

If you’d like to follow my journey, follow along on Stories on Instagram, Threads or Strava.

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