Why I Run — Finding Calm and Confidence One Mile at a Time

When I first started running earlier this year, it wasn’t about fitness.

It came from a story I saw online — a mum who had to run carrying her children to escape danger. It made me realise I couldn’t even run for a minute without stopping, and that scared me.

So I laced up my trainers one morning and decided to start. Not for weight loss, not to hit a pace, but because I wanted to feel strong enough to look after myself and my kids if I ever needed to.

What I didn’t expect was that running would become a lifeline for my mental health too.

Running Through the Fog

When you’re in the thick of depression, everything feels heavy — like you’re wading through mud just to make breakfast or get out the door.

Running became one of the few things that cut through that fog.

It’s simple: you put one foot in front of the other. You breathe. You move forward. There’s something powerful about that when life feels stuck.

Sometimes I run listening to music, sometimes I run with a friend. Either way, I always finish feeling lighter than when I started — not because my problems have disappeared, but because I’ve created space to breathe again.

💬 If you missed the start of my journey, read: [The Reset — Recognising Burnout and Starting Again]

The Confidence I Didn’t Expect

At first, I couldn’t run to the end of the road. Now, I can run a few miles comfortably, and that progress has done more for my confidence than I could’ve imagined.

Every run reminds me that I’m capable of doing hard things — and that’s something I want my kids to see too.

I want them to know that looking after our bodies and minds isn’t selfish; it’s how we show up for the people we love.

Finding Calm in Motion

A friend once told me that the peace he feels while running is probably what people feel when they pray. That really resonated with me.

When I run, I find that same stillness — that sense of presence, gratitude, and connection with something bigger than myself.

It’s not about speed or distance; it’s about quiet moments of calm in the middle of a loud, busy life.

My Plan Going Forward

Right now, I’m running twice a week and adding in gentle strength and stretching sessions to keep my body balanced.

I’m not chasing PBs or finish lines — I’m chasing consistency and mental clarity.

Running reminds me that small steps add up. It’s how I’m rebuilding trust in myself after burnout, one mile at a time.

Over to You 💭

Have you found something that helps you clear your head — maybe running, walking, yoga, or even dancing in your kitchen?

I’d love to hear what helps you reconnect with yourself when life feels heavy.

If this post resonated, I’d love to have you with me for the rest of The Reset Series. You can follow along on Instagram @julianneats1 for more honest chats about motherhood and mental health. 💛

Julia xxx