Jen: Every Body Is a Running Body
Starting running can feel intimidating, especially when you feel like you don’t “look like a runner.”
This First Miles story is about pushing past that fear, challenging what you believe about yourself, and discovering that running is for every body, exactly as it is.
Why I Started Running
I started running to push myself.
I was already going to the gym, but cardio had always been my weak spot. Running was the thing I avoided, which is exactly why I knew I needed to face it.
I actually downloaded Couch to 5K twice before I finally started. Fear got in the way both times.
Eventually, I took that first step.
The Fear of Being Seen
Before I started, I was scared of people staring.
I felt like I didn’t belong, like I shouldn’t be there because I didn’t look like your typical “runner.” I had felt the same way when I first started going to the gym.
But running slowly changed that perspective. It made me realise there isn’t one way a runner is supposed to look.
The Moment Everything Changed
Completing week one of Couch to 5K was emotional.
I genuinely never thought I’d be able to do it. Finishing that first week, running in the rain, and pushing through years of low confidence and fear of being outside, it all hit at once.
I had never felt so proud of myself.
Learning to Trust My Body
Running challenged the way I saw myself.
I always believed I couldn’t do certain things because of my body, that I was too big, not capable enough. But running proved me wrong.
My body didn’t let me down.
Even when it felt hard, it kept going. And that changed everything.
Why I Chose to Share My Journey
I started recording my runs because I wanted to be the person I needed when I began.
I hadn’t seen anyone with my body type showing up for themselves online. Running is often portrayed as something you have to look a certain way to do and that’s just not true.
I wanted to show the reality. The highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Progress Isn’t Always Perfect
Running didn’t feel natural at first.
On my first run, I didn’t know what to do with my arms, my legs, anything. It felt awkward and unfamiliar.
But by the second run, that feeling started to fade. It became more natural. Still hard but possible.
And that’s what matters.
Advice for Anyone Who Feels Like They Don’t Belong
Don’t be put off by what you see online.
You won’t look like others, and others won’t look like you.
Every body is a running body.
Embrace it, even the parts you might feel self-conscious about. Just start. You won’t regret it.
What I Wish I Knew at the Start
I wish I could tell myself this:
You are strong. You are capable. And your body won’t let you down.
Stop worrying about what other people think. Focus on yourself. Be proud of the fact that you’re showing up and challenging yourself.
That’s what matters.
What Running Gives Me Now
Freedom.
There’s no better way to describe it.
Starting Your Running Journey
Running isn’t about how you look.
It’s not about how fast you go.
It’s about showing up, as you are, and giving yourself the chance to try.
Your First Miles matter.
Share Your First Miles
Got a story about how you started running?
We’d love to hear it.
Send us your First Miles story by following the link in our Instagram bio.