We often look at our life or personal development as if it should always be a straight line that goes from start to finish, here to there, or beginner to expert. We look for progress over time and believe the more we do a thing, the better we get and that’s just the math of it. While that is mostly true, sometimes we run into an unexpected turn. That’s exactly where I found myself in 2021.

I was in the best shape of my (adult) life, conquering half-marathons, running like a champ, and loving every moment of it. I looked at an opportunity to go for a run as something I got to do instead of dreading it as something I had to do. At my peak, I was running twenty to thirty miles a week and I built my schedule getting outside and putting in those miles.

But in December of that year, I got covid and everything changed. I couldn’t leave my house for a week and at that point, I couldn’t run if I wanted to. After that week and in the weeks that followed, I tried to get out there a few times but my lungs just didn’t work like they used to. I just couldn’t catch my breath and my lungs felt like they were on fire. I decided to take a few more weeks off and try again. No luck. I just wasn’t the same.

It got easier and easier to not try and so running became a former hobby. Fast forward to today and I still don’t have the lung capacity to make it up a flight of stairs without getting winded. I don’t love that.

Last week, I decided to try something that my pride has kept me from even considering. what if I just went back to being a beginner? What if I just start from scratch as if I was just taking up running for the first time? I would forget the 5ks, the 75-mile relay, the half-marathon, forget it all. What if I go all the way back to square one and embrace a brand new journey.

Well, this is exactly what I plan to do. So, no matter what you may read in the archives or on a #throwbackthursday post, allow me to introduce myself today as Brandon, the beginner. I am going to learn, grow, and build myself as a runner as if its the first time. I am going to be patient. I am going to push myself, not for the milestones I’ve achieved in the past, but for the new milestones I’m determined to conquer in this fresh chapter.

Here’s my game plan.

Just Show Up

We all start (over) somewhere! The first step is simple: Show up. Yep, just show up, even if it feels a bit intimidating or embarrassing¹. I decided to hit the treadmill as a running newbie once more. That first day, I only did about 8 minutes of actual running out of the total 20 minutes I was there. I had to let go of my ego and understand that it wouldn’t be a walk in the park like it used to be. But you know what? Showing up is the first step on the road to rediscovering the joy I used to get from running. Don’t let the fear of stumbling deter you; remember that every step forward is progress. Just show up.

Remember What It Was Like to Love It

Next, let’s take a trip down memory lane. Think back to when you first fell in love with this activity. What was it that made your heart race with excitement? Now that I am starting over as a running rookie, I have to make a conscious effort to relive the excitement of those past years. I have to remember the little victories like conquering my first mile and feeling the wind on my face. I have to let go of all those past achievements and focus on rediscovering the simple joy of running. It’s like rekindling an old flame; the sparks are still there, waiting to ignite your passion.

Phone a Friend

Starting over can be a wild adventure. It’s even better with a friend by your side. Don’t be afraid to “phone a friend.” Share your journey with someone who gets your enthusiasm and can cheer you on. Or even better, who will put in the miles right beside you. Having a friend or mentor to guide you through the early challenges can make the process way more fun and less scary.

Right now, this is something I am actively working on. In the past, I had a small group of running buddies who provided the motivation and support for each other. However, since my recent move, I’m in the market for a new support system. We’re not meant to journey through life alone, and I’ve learned from experience that having a community is like adding a turbo boost to your progress. Accountability and shared experiences make any challenging path much more achievable. This type of community not only motivates us but also reminds us that we’re not in this adventure by ourselves. Having someone who shares your dreams can provide a powerful push, especially when the going gets tough.

Give Yourself Grace

Here’s the secret sauce to starting over: Give yourself grace. Be kind to yourself, because you’re not going to perform like you did back in the day, and that’s absolutely fine. Embrace the learning curve and cut yourself some slack. And when you experience those small victories along the way, they deserve a full-blown celebration.

As I begin my journey as a newbie, I have to constantly remind myself that it’s okay not to be where I once was. This time, I’m not after the medals or the records; I am after the thrill of the ride, the joy of the journey, and better physical health. So, focus on the journey and keep moving forward. Progress takes time, but every step is a victory worth cheering for.

I get it, no one wants to start over. Starting over is not cool. Beginner achievements aren’t “Instagrammable.” Trust me, having a half-marathon medal on the wall seems to mock you when you barely finish a mile the day before. But going back to the beginning can be healing, encouraging, refreshing, and renewing. Going back to the beginning lets you correct mistakes or missteps you made the first time around. Going back to the beginning lets you put your money where your mouth is on all of those, “If I knew then what I know now,” moments.

It’s ok to be a beginner at something you used to be great at. Begin showing up regularly and reminding yourself what it was like to absolutely LOVE. THIS. THING. Bring in others who want to go on the journey with you and give yourself tons of grace. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me. Wherever it is, I plan to enjoy every step of the ride! I hope you’ll join me.

What’s an area of your life or an activity that you need to allow yourself to be a beginner again?

¹ I am suddenly imagining an award-winning broadway performer showing up for beginner voice lessons and thinking how awkward that would be. Thankfully, getting on a treadmill as if its the first time is not nearly that big of a deal!