Slower Days, Stronger Me

I used to run almost every day. Like, clock-in-the-miles, feel-the-sweat, clear-my-head kind of running. It gave me structure, confidence, and a sense of control. But then came my injury—and suddenly, my miles turned into minutes lying still, just trying to heal.

At first, I felt like I lost a piece of myself. Going from high energy to “do nothing and rest” was frustrating. I missed moving. I missed pushing limits. I even missed being sore (crazy, I know). But eventually, I found something else: physical therapy.

Now, I’m not sprinting or racing, but I am showing up. Every single day, I do my leg lifts. I work on balance. I stretch to increase my range of motion. And even though it’s slower, smaller, and less intense, it still matters. Honestly? It feels like something again.

Each rep reminds me that progress doesn’t always look like a stopwatch or a finish line. Sometimes it looks like standing on one leg without wobbling. Or bending my knee a few more degrees than I could last week.

This version of movement isn’t about speed. It’s about rebuilding. Gently, steadily, with care. It’s not glamorous, but it’s growth. And in its own quiet way, it’s kind of empowering.

Running will be there when I’m ready. For now, this is my new rhythm. And I’m proud of it.