The calendar proclaimed it was spring about a month ago (the weather hasn’t quite caught up yet), and that means people are starting to emerge from their winter hibernations and hitting the gym (or the road) and starting to get back into an exercise routine. Running is a super common way to get back into the workout life, so if you’re thinking about getting back into it, check out this internal monologue of a runner (me) who recently got back into running.

Pre-run: I’m so excited to get in shape again! My new shoes feel great, I’m practically bouncing.

Minute one: OK this is actually feeling pretty good, I can definitely keep with this pace for another 29 minutes.

Minute three: *glances at watch* How have I been running for ONLY three minutes I feel like I’ve already gone 5 miles.

Minute five: I’ve been going for five minutes, maybe it’ll be okay if I stop and walk for just a minute.

Minute seven: That was only supposed to be a one minute break, but I guess two minutes is okay too. Time to get going again.

Minute nine: I’m not even halfway done with this and I’m dying. Like, I literally cannot breathe.

Minute eleven: okay, in four minutes, I’ll be at fifteen minutes, which is halfway done with this run, which means I deserve another break.

Minute thirteen: Two more minutes, two more minutes, two more minutes.

Minute fifteen: I’m halfway! I’m walking now.

Minute seventeen: I could walk the rest of the way and that would still count for something, right? I should’ve drunk more water, my mouth is so dry.

Minute nineteen: I’m back at it. Positive mental attitude. Running is a mental sport. If I tell myself I can do it, I can do it.

Minute twenty-one: Less than ten minutes left! I got this! *increases pace*

Minute twenty-three: *slows down* wow, that was a horrible decision to speed up, gotta save some juice so I can make it to the end.

Minute twenty-five: Five minutes left!

Minute twenty-seven: I’m actually drowning in my own sweat right now, this is disgusting.

Minute twenty-nine: *increases pace* one minute left! I’ve got this!

Immediately post-run: I’m dead, I’m dead, I’m dying, I’m dead, I’m never running again, I can’t feel my legs, or my face, and I definitely can’t breathe.

Ten-fifteen minutes post-run: That actually wasn’t so bad, ya know? I’m actually feeling pretty good right now. I’m definitely going for another run tomorrow!