The habit of running regularly is difficult to form and can be a discouraging process, but despite my qualms with pouring sweat, I’ve decided to try (even in Texas heat). For the past six days, I've run three miles everyday to improve my stamina. During my runs, I tend to invent excuses for quick breaks and think about anything to take my mind off running. As I watch the waves of heat rise from the pavement and regret my long sweatpants, I dig deep into my imagination to think of a good distraction, like current events or my plan for the day, but I come up with nothing since all my energy goes into focusing on my sore legs. When I’m running it seems I can’t focus on anything but stopping, so I don’t have to run against the wind.

I realized I needed to make a lifestyle change or I'd get used to living with a short attention span. I decided to take on this challenge using an unconventional method: make myself think about running so much it’d drive me crazy not to go running. I invested in several different running apps and I spent at least an hour coming up with a good playlist and agonizing over the separation from the book I’ve been reading. From here came the first push to actually go running, starting small, just around the neighborhood and progress from there.

On the first day, I had to take breaks after every half a mile to do tedious things to distract me from lack of feet coordination and the heavy breathing, like fixing my shoelaces. I also thought that ridding myself of insecurities would help propel me further, leading to more clarity and energy for the rest of my day. I hate sunscreen and breaking in new sneakers, but the mood improvement I get after a run makes the soreness worth it.

Coordination has never been my strength, so breathing properly seemed impossible when I first started. Keeping relaxed and remembering all the tedious yet essential details to running is certainly the most testing part of running. You have to carry your arms at a 90 degree angle, relaxed and by your sides, keep your eyes focused ahead rather than at your feet, digging deep and continuing even if you’re very tired, and it's best to use the 3-2 breathing pattern (inhale for three strides and exhale for two).

Despite the exhaustion there’s something so gratifying about finishing three miles, then working my way up to four miles, etc., so, while it’s far from instant-gratification, since I'm still getting used to the rhythm and structure of speeding along after watching Netflix for a few hours, it’s a step in the right direction to feeling accomplished and calm. Running soothes my mind and gives me a minute to reflect in a constructive manner, even if it’s hot out.