Saturday 28 February 2026
For the final group run in February, the weather was once again on our side. Almost pure sunshine and pleasantly mild temperatures — the kind of conditions that make you want to soak up every minute outdoors. So I wasn’t in the mood for shaded forest paths. I wanted sun. Open space. Light.
Spontaneously, I suggested a route through the fields. Wide skies, clear views, a gentle breeze — it felt almost like spring. What I hadn’t fully considered, though, was that I’m not completely back in shape yet. And this route came with more elevation than expected.
The climbs were longer than I remembered, and on the final kilometer I could feel my energy fading. But that’s part of the process. A training stimulus is still a stimulus.
In the end, satisfaction outweighed the struggle. It was demanding, but it was enjoyable. And that’s exactly what matters.
Wednesday 25 February 2026
Slowly, I’m finding my way back into my running rhythm. It doesn’t feel completely automatic yet, but it’s becoming familiar again. Today, the weather made it easy. A pleasant 12 degrees, clear skies, and a low evening sun — the kind of conditions that practically demand you put on your running shoes and head out.
So once again, I joined the 9-kilometer group on our standard route. Running at dusk has its own appeal, but it also requires common sense. In the dark, it’s wiser to stick to a familiar, well-lit route rather than exploring unknown forest trails or open fields. Safety comes first, especially when you’re rebuilding consistency.
The run felt smooth. No struggle, no forcing it — just a steady rhythm. In the end, it was nine kilometers and an hour of solid movement. Finishing Wednesday like that feels right. And this kind of consistency is what slowly brings me back.
Wednesday 18 February 2026
Motivation wasn’t exactly high that day. On my way home, the inner dialogue had already started: maybe skip it today, maybe restart tomorrow. But I knew that if I didn’t show up for the running group again, the comeback would be delayed once more. So no more debating. Straight after work, I changed into my running gear, laced up my shoes, and headed to the meeting point.
After last Saturday’s solid run with the 8-kilometer group, I decided to return to my 9-kilometer group. At first, it looked like we would only be three runners, but soon three more joined us.
We set off at dusk on our usual winter route. The cool temperatures worked in our favor, and the rhythm came easier than expected. In the end, we covered 9 kilometers within the hour.
I returned to the meeting point in the dark, feeling satisfied. It wasn’t spectacular — but it mattered. And now I’m ready for the next run.
Saturday 12 February 2026
After several months away, I finally made it back to my running group. On my way there, I wasn’t entirely sure whether running for a full hour would work. So instead of joining my usual 9-kilometer group, I deliberately chose the 8-kilometer group. A small step back in order to move forward safely.
It was carnival season, and some runners showed up in costumes. Between colorful wigs and playful outfits, the atmosphere felt lighter, almost carefree. That helped me not take my own uncertainty too seriously.
The run itself went better than expected. The pace of the 8-kilometer group was just right for getting back into rhythm — challenging enough to feel the effort, but not overwhelming.
In the end, I felt satisfied, not only because of the distance but because I was part of the group again. My watch stopped working on the way, but what's done is done. Next time, I’ll try my 9-kilometer group. Step by step on the way back.
Thursday 12 February 2026
There was another short break between runs — longer than planned, shorter than feared. Still, today after work I managed to get myself moving. No overthinking, no “just a few minutes on the couch.” As soon as I got home, I changed straight into my running gear and headed out for a short loop on my familiar route.
Those few minutes between walking through the door and taking the first step outside often decide everything. Wait too long, and comfort usually wins. Not today. Luckily, there was still some daylight left, the sky clear, the air cool. Only toward the end did it grow dark, as if the day had given me one last small window.
It wasn’t a long run, and the pace didn’t matter. But it felt right. Now I’m sitting here, satisfied, and I’ve decided to rejoin my running group on Saturday. A fixed appointment helps. And running together is often easier.
