There are clubs you can’t belong to, neighborhoods you can’t live in, schools you can’t get into, but the roads are always open. — Nike
I was sitting in a restaurant with some of my closest friends, drinking wine and chatting about the past year and what lay ahead when the conversation turned to running. One of them shared her ambition to run a half marathon. That’s interesting, I thought, impressed by her dedication to such a monotonous task. Running had always seemed dull to me, something people did just to stay in shape or prove a point.
Next thing I knew, I was running down the streets of my hometown in Mittelhessen, Germany. It was chilly without a windbreaker and my old sports shoes felt too tight. Streets were also full with people and I had to stop every couple of minutes to catch a breath before continuing. My coach from the Nike Running Club app encouraged me to keep going and somehow, I started getting it.
And something else happened: while running, I wasn’t thinking about work, deadlines, or what needed to be done before bedtime. I was simply focused on putting one foot in front of the other.
After my second run, I realized I needed proper running shoes and something warmer or my back would kill me. So, I dragged my boyfriend to the only (best) sports store in town and we walked out an hour later with brand-new, ridiculously expensive running shoes. Well, I guess I’m not buying food this month. And yet, I felt more motivated than ever. I wanted start straight away.
For me, running isn’t just a physical activity—it’s a metaphor for life. Here’s what I’ve learned. And if running isn’t your thing, swap it for lifting weights, doing yoga, swimming, or playing soccer. The lessons still apply.
Reimagine yourself as many times as you want
I’m living in an unimaginable world. There are things I never thought were possible—like turning thirty, getting a dog, or becoming a runner. And yet, all of these things happened. Some feel strange to me, like how I, the girl who was once afraid of dogs and despised running, now lace up my shoes willingly.
It sounds cliché, but embracing change and allowing myself to evolve has been freeing.We often lock ourselves into identities: I’m not a runner. I’m not the kind of person who wakes up early. But what if you are? What if you can be? Life is fluid. You can be a hundred different versions of yourself. Reinvention isn’t about becoming someone else; it’s about expanding into everything you already have the potential to be.
Don’t rush it—enjoy every step of the process
It’s easy to overlook progress. Some days, I feel on top of the world. Other days, I can barely get myself out of the house to run. I so don’t want to go. And that’s okay. Because the magic isn’t just in crossing the finish line—it’s in the small victories, like putting on your shoes and stepping outside when you don’t feel like it. Celebrate yourself today for showing up—not just for the big wins like a promotion or a completed task. Life happens somewhere in the in-between. The process itself is worth enjoying.
Embrace imperfection
It’s simple: perfectionism will convince you not to start at all. If I can’t run 5K right away, what’s the point? If I can’t lift heavy, why bother going to the gym? These were my thoughts for so many years.
Progress starts from the beginning—however messy and inconsistent that beginning may be.
I started running in freezing weather, with bad shoes, stopping every few minutes to catch my breath. I didn’t look like a runner. But I was one. The moment I stepped outside and started moving, I became one.
So whatever you want to do right now—starting a business, getting in shape, learning a new skill, traveling far—don’t waste time waiting for the perfect conditions. Start where you are, with what you have. Trust me, you’ll be surprised.
What’s next?
For me, the road ahead is to keep running. I’m not planning on entering a marathon just yet, but I’m thinking about joining a local running club. If there is one. And if there isn’t? Maybe I’ll start one.
And if you happen to be in the area, ping me, we’ll go for a run.
EXPRESSO NIGHTS 