If I can run 5K each day for a week, so can you!

My relationsip with jogging has always been a little unsteady, but I always loved the boost of energy you get after a jog, so I challenged myself to jog 5k everyday. Photo: StockSnap/Pixabay

As someone who never struggled with her weight, I never saw the point in exercising.

But at the start of last year’s lockdown, even the most introverted souls (aka me) started feeling desperate to the leave the house, so I decided to give jogging a go - our relationship lasted four months.

Moving back to Cyprus from London, I initiated a breakup. Severe lockdown regulations, living with my family and extremely hot weather were all a deal breaker. Yet, here I am, challenging myself to return to that relationship.

Jogging by the seafront has helped me immensely to de-stress. Photo: Iliana Mavrou

To say that I have failed to keep up with the daily jogs is an understatement - I only managed four out of seven days. By the end of the challenge, my aim was to stay active and not force myself into any barriers (like jogging every day).

Waking up each morning, was dreadful. I would lay in bed for ages, thinking: why am I doing this to myself? But once you are outside and actually running, it’s not as bad as you think.

By the end of the week, I could manage to run all 5k. I never wanted to run the distance in a matter of minutes – my aim was to find a pace I could stick to, and keep going.

Keeping tabs on my jogging goals motivated me and the robotic voice in my phone helped me reach my distance goals. Photo: Iliana Mavrou (screenshot of jogging tracker)

But as my challenge comes to an end, I am faced with a much bigger question – will I continue running?

The short answer is yes. I love the routine and I feel so energetic (and very hungry) throughout the day, which helps me be productive. If you are also tired of sitting in the house, or is someone who has always hated the gym, why don’t you challenge yourself too?