I’m a runner now

Although I love fitness, it's been challenging to stick with any routine between residency and our toddler. Even when I do my 10-minute home workouts, I'm interrupted at least four times. Easily. Yesterday, I didn't even make it to the end of the ten minutes.

Enter running. I'm metaphorically surrounded by runners. My dad, my preceptor, my colleagues… lately it seems like everyone around me is talking about running.

The thing is, they're not really. Running has piqued my interest again for the first time in nine years, so I'm paying attention when other people talk about it. That's how I knew it was time to go back.

And now, I'm a runner. And by 'runner' I mean someone who walks for a minute and then runs for a minute. For 15 minutes total. Once a week.

What made me quit running years ago was the toll it seemed to be taking on my body. Rather than the anticipated runner's high, I felt a soreness that worsened over days. At which point I'd go for another run and feel even worse.

The antidote has been to run a tiny amount. It's done the trick - I've stuck with it for two whole months now. But more importantly, I'm excited about it again. I've even been seeing progress since I no longer feel like I'm gasping for breath after a minute of slow jogging.

James Clear writes that to effectively build habits, it helps to shift your identity. Hence, I consider myself a runner. A runner who runs 7-8 minutes a week but finally enjoys it.

Are you thinking of starting something you've been on the fence about? What's the smallest commitment you can make to help you stick with it?

Stay well friends,

Dr. Kuhnow

Dr. Kuhnow is a family medicine resident physician and former physiotherapist in Ontario, Canada. She writes about healthy habits for healthcare providers on her blog no trophies for perfect. To get healthy habits and practical tips directly to your inbox, sign up for her weekly newsletter.  

This post is meant for educational purposes only, and doesn’t replace advice from your qualified healthcare professional.