Simulations With You
It Started With a Small Decision
A few years ago, I started running every other morning. There wasn't any grand goal behind it at first. Just a small curiosity about starting my day differently. I still remember that first morning—tying my shoelaces at 6 AM when darkness hadn't quite lifted yet, stepping out into the quiet streets.
Looking back, that small decision changed my daily life in many ways. At first, even going out once or twice a week felt challenging. But gradually, as my body adapted, it became a steady routine—every other morning, without fail.
Some Days, I Don't Want to Go
Let me be honest: not every morning feels exciting. Some days, I've tossed and turned all night, and my eyelids feel like lead weights. Other mornings, it's too cold, or rain is pouring down, and the thought of leaving my warm bed seems unbearable. When the alarm goes off, a little voice whispers, "Just skip today. It'll be fine."
But there are opposite days too. Sometimes I actually look forward to my morning run. "I'll sort out these thoughts while running tomorrow," or "I want to run that route again." On those mornings, I wake up naturally before the alarm even sounds.
Still, the reason I keep going out—even on the reluctant mornings—is simple: I want to start my day properly. Like opening the first page of a book with care, I want to make the beginning of my day meaningful.
The First Victory of the Day
There's a peculiar satisfaction that comes after finishing a run. That feeling of having already accomplished something while most people are still asleep. That small sense of achievement shifts the tone of the entire day.
Winning the Morning
When work piles up in the afternoon and things get hectic, a thought crosses my mind: "I already went running this morning—I can handle this." It gives me a little extra strength to push through. Conversely, on days when I'm too tired to run, another thought creeps in: "I didn't even run this morning, so let's take it easy today." It's like I unconsciously give myself permission to slack off.
The way you start your day sets the rhythm for everything that follows. Like buttoning your shirt—get the first button right, and the rest fall into place naturally.
Thoughts While Running
One of the best things about running is that it gives me time to think. These days, we're constantly connected to something, aren't we? We check our phones the moment we wake up, stare at screens during our commute, and sit in front of monitors all day at work.
But during those 30 minutes to an hour of running, I'm completely alone with myself. Sometimes I replay yesterday's events, sometimes I mentally organize what needs to be done today. Occasionally, random memories from years ago bubble up unexpectedly, or suddenly a good idea strikes out of nowhere.
It's not always productive thinking either. Sometimes I just notice things: "That tree has more leaves than last week," or "The wind feels nice today." These small observations surprisingly bring a sense of calm.
Not Starting the Day With a Smartphone
Many of you probably check your phone first thing in the morning. I used to do the same before I started running. The moment my eyes opened, I'd reach for my phone—checking messages, scrolling through news, browsing social media.
But mornings that started that way felt strangely heavy. The day hadn't even begun, yet my mind was already cluttered with information and emotions from the digital world.
Running changes that. Breathing fresh air, moving my body, running at my own pace—it clears my head. Instead of the world inside a smartphone screen, I engage with the actual world. The color of the sky, dew on the grass, birds singing in the distance—these become the opening scenes of my day.
Listening to What My Body Says
Another benefit of running is checking in on my condition each day. Things I might not notice while sitting at a desk become apparent while running.
Did I push too hard yesterday? My legs feel heavy today. My shoulders are tense—must be stress. From my toes to my head, I can pick up on the small signals my body sends.
This isn't just about physical state either. Mental condition reveals itself during runs too. When I'm unusually out of breath, it often means something's weighing on my mind. On days when running feels effortless, my mood tends to be lighter as well.
🫁 Find Your Rhythm
Running is all about rhythm—the beat of your feet and the flow of your breath. If you're feeling out of sync, try our breathing guide.
Breath Guide →Changing Seasons and Familiar Routes
Even running the same route, the scenery changes with each season. Spring brings cherry blossoms drifting through the air, summer fills the streets with lush green leaves. Autumn arrives with crunching fallen leaves, and winter greets me with white puffs of breath in the cold air.
What strikes me most is being present at the boundaries between seasons. During the shift from summer to fall, one morning the air suddenly feels different. "Huh, it's cooler today"—and in that moment, I realize the season has turned.
Even on familiar routes, I keep discovering new things. A dog I hadn't seen before out for a walk, lights from a newly opened café, different sounds. The same path, but slightly different scenes unfold each day. I've learned that if you pay attention, there's always something new even in repetitive routines.
The Stability of Small Routines
Running every other morning naturally created a rhythm in my life. On running days, I try to sleep earlier the night before. Waking up early makes the whole day feel longer.
This regular pattern brings stability to life. Especially during busy or stressful times, this small routine acts as an anchor. "No matter how chaotic things get, I'll still run tomorrow morning"—that thought keeps me grounded.
Of course, sometimes the routine breaks—when traveling or when something special comes up. But that's okay too. What matters isn't maintaining perfection, but knowing you can always come back to it.
Watching Myself Change
After years of consistent running, I've noticed physical changes. I don't get winded as easily, and I can run longer. But the more important change is in mindset. What started as something I felt I "should" do has become something I "want" to do.
Also, I've become less likely to give up easily on small challenges. Running taught me to think "just a little more"—and that mindset carries over. When something difficult comes up in daily life, I think "I already ran this morning, I can handle this," and find the strength to push through.
It's Okay Not to Be Special
My running story isn't particularly special. I'm not training for marathons or trying to break records. It's just 30 minutes to an hour of running around the neighborhood each morning.
But this ordinary routine has gradually transformed my life. I use my days more fully, I have time to think, and I can check in on my body and mind. I experience the changing seasons, achieve small goals, and gain confidence along the way.
You don't need grand reasons or ambitious goals. "Just want to try it," "need a change of pace," or "want to start mornings differently"—these are perfectly good reasons.
Try This: Test Your Internal Clock
When you run, you often lose track of time. How good is your internal sense of rhythm? Close your eyes and see if you can count exactly 10 seconds.
For Those Thinking About Starting
If you're reading this and thinking "Maybe I should try it too," I genuinely recommend it. You don't need special equipment or elaborate preparation. Just comfortable clothes and running shoes.
Start slowly. Walking for 5 minutes is fine. Running for 10 minutes is enough. What matters is simply going outside. Don't aim for perfection—just begin.
You don't have to go every day. Two or three times a week, whenever you have time—that works too. Consistency matters more than frequency. And find your own pace. Don't compare yourself to others, only to yesterday's version of yourself.
Closing Thoughts
Lacing up my running shoes at 6 AM still isn't always easy. There are days I don't want to go, days I'm exhausted. But I keep going anyway because that small choice changes my day, and those days accumulate to change my life.
Running isn't just exercise to me. It's how I start my day, time to organize my thoughts, and moments to face myself.
You probably have your own way of starting each day—whether it's running, walking, meditation, or reading. It doesn't matter what it is. What matters is using that time to make your day a little more meaningful.
Tomorrow morning when your alarm goes off, ask yourself: "How do I want to start today?" Whatever your answer, that choice will make your day a little more special.
I'll be lacing up my running shoes at 6 AM tomorrow. Even if I don't feel like it, even if I'm tired—because I know the kind of day that small beginning creates.