The Comeback Mile (Well… Half Mile)

Today might be the first day of my new life… and I am feeling like an absolute rock star.

I just ran a half mile… and no one can tell me anything. 😂

About 8 or 9 years ago, I had a season where I ran—a lot. For about a year, I was all in. I’m talking 2 to 4 miles most days, and long runs that stretched all the way to 10 miles. TEN. MILES. Who was she?!

I didn’t have fancy gear. No high-end running shoes. No smart watch. Just some earbuds, good music, fresh air… and a homemade tracker where I filled in a star for every mile I ran.

But here’s the catch—I could only log whole miles.

So you better believe I was finishing that mile no matter what.

Looking back… I was slightly obsessed. And honestly? I kind of love that for me.

Now let me paint the full picture…

I was slow. Like, real slow.

I had major runner’s envy watching people glide past me—effortless, graceful, unbothered… looking like they belonged in a fitness commercial.

Meanwhile, I was out there trudging around the track, convincing myself I wasn’t about to die.

But it didn’t matter.

Because that year?

That year felt amazing.

Then winter came. I stopped running… and when spring rolled back around, I just never picked it back up again.

Until today.

It’s 2026… and I just ran a half mile.

And you know what?

It kind of sucked. My lungs were on fire. My legs were questioning all my life choices.

But also?

I feel invigorated.

I feel alive.

I feel ready.

This morning, I listened to a podcast from Rachel Hollis, and something she said hit me right in the gut:

Just do it.

Not perfectly.

Not someday.

Not when you feel ready.

Just… do it.

So I did.

I laced up my sneakers.

I stepped outside.

And I ran.

And here’s the best part…

Tomorrow is Day 2.

I’m putting this out here because I want accountability. I want you in this with me. This is me saying it out loud:

I’m back.

Half a mile today…Who knows what’s next.

But one thing I do know?

This feels like the beginning of something really, really good.

Here’s to fresh starts, burning lungs, and showing up anyway.

With Grit, Grace and Good Vibes,

Mary Anne