I didn’t start running because I had some big athletic goal in mind. It began much more simply: I got a dog who needed exercise. What started as short walks turned into jogs, then into something I began to enjoy for myself. Somewhere along the way, I decided to sign up for my first 10km.
That decision sounded exciting at the time. The reality of training for it… was a mix of progress, frustration, small injuries, and a lot of learning.
Starting Out: More Enthusiasm Than Structure
In the beginning, I did what many beginners do—I just ran. No real plan, no proper progression. Some days I’d go too fast, other days too far, and I didn’t think much about recovery.
It felt fine at first, until my legs started sending clearer messages.
Shin Splints: The First Reality Check
Shin splints showed up early and stayed longer than I wanted them to. That dull, persistent ache along the front of the lower legs became a constant reminder that enthusiasm alone doesn’t equal smart training.
What helped:
- Slowing down pace (this was harder than expected)
- Reducing distance temporarily instead of pushing through
- Running on softer surfaces when possible
- Calf strengthening exercises (simple raises made a difference)
- Ice after runs when sore
The biggest lesson here was simple but important: pain isn’t something to “run through” when you’re building a base.
Blisters: Small Problem, Big Annoyance
Blisters don’t sound serious until every step starts feeling like friction. Mine came from a mix of new shoes breaking in and longer runs than my feet were ready for.
What helped:
- Wearing proper running socks (this alone was a game changer)
- Making sure shoes weren’t too loose or too tight
- Gradually increasing distance so my feet adapted
- Keeping feet dry and changing socks after long runs if needed
It’s one of those things you don’t think about until it affects every run.
Finding a Rhythm: When Running Started to Feel Good
After a few weeks of inconsistency, soreness, and adjustments, something shifted. I stopped trying to “push through” every run and started listening more to my body.
I slowed down. I took rest days seriously. I focused less on speed and more on finishing comfortably.
That’s when running started to feel different—not just something I was doing, but something I was building.
The Lead-Up to the 10km
By the time I could comfortably run longer distances, my mindset had changed. The goal wasn’t to prove anything anymore. It was just to complete the distance feeling strong enough to enjoy it.
Tapering before the event helped more than I expected. Shorter, easy runs kept me moving without draining energy. I also stopped overthinking every minor ache, which honestly helped more than any training plan adjustment.
Race Day: More Mental Than Physical
Standing at the start line, I wasn’t thinking about pace or splits. I was just thinking: keep moving forward.
The first few kilometres felt controlled. Around the middle, it got harder—but not impossible. I expected a wall, but what I got was more of a steady grind.
And then, somewhere after 7km, I realised I was actually going to finish it.
The final stretch felt surreal. Tired legs, yes—but also a strange sense of calm. Crossing that finish line wasn’t explosive or dramatic. It was quiet satisfaction.
After It Was Over
What surprised me most wasn’t the time or the distance—it was how I felt after.
Not just physically tired, but genuinely proud in a calm, grounded way. Like I had built something over weeks and followed through on it.
Even the sore legs afterward felt different—not injury pain, just effort.
What I Took Away From It
If I had to summarise the whole experience:
- Start slower than you think you need to
- Injuries like shin splints are warning signs, not challenges to ignore
- Good socks and shoes matter more than you expect
- Consistency beats intensity
- The mental side of running is just as important as the physical
Most importantly, I learned that running doesn’t need to be perfect to be rewarding. It just needs to be consistent enough to improve and patient enough to let your body adapt.
Final Thought
That first 10km didn’t turn me into a “runner” overnight. But it did change how I think about progress. It’s not about doing everything right from the start—it’s about adjusting, continuing, and showing up again even when it’s not smooth.
And somehow, that makes the finish line feel even better.
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