Fourteen weeks ago, running 50m felt impossible.
After four ankle surgeries, along with knee, calf and Achilles issues, even the idea of a half-marathon seemed out of reach for me.
But my wife and I made a decision, we would take on the Christchurch Half Marathon.
It started small. Walk 100m, run 50m. Progress was slow, but steady.
Weeks later, I managed a 5km Sunday run.
Training stayed simple; three one-hour sessions a week, building to run 200m, walking 100m.
Weekend runs stretched to 5km-6km.
It wasn’t fast, but it was progress.
Then race day arrived. Alongside 8500 others, we stood on the start line.
Time didn’t matter; finishing did.
Step by step we got there and crossing the line brought a mix of exhaustion and pride. Yes, the body hurt but it was a hurt that was earned.
What made it even more special was sharing the journey.
My two sisters completed the event as well, walking the entire distance.
It was a reminder that we’re all on different paths, but moving forward is what counts.
In the end, the self-doubt faded, replaced by smiles, stories and a real sense of achievement.
It showed me that it doesn’t matter how fit or unfit you are, you just need to move.
So, this winter, set yourself a challenge.
Find a goal, take that first step and go smash it.
• Jason Holland is Active Southland’s geographic priority communities and Eastern Southland adviser.
