Running Journey Day 2. Today was my second run, and the difference was not my legs, it was my head. The hardest part was the first minute, when I overthink everything and watch the clock too closely. After I started moving, it got quieter. This post is the real recap, what I did, what I felt, and the stats.

The beginner run walk plan I’m using (Day 2)

I’m following a simple 10 week beginner run walk plan built around short, realistic intervals. Day 1 looks like this:

Warm up: 5 minutes walking
Intervals: 1 minute running, 4 minutes walking
Total time: 30 minutes

I like this structure because it keeps the session approachable. It also gives my brain a clear finish line. I do not need to negotiate with myself for 30 minutes. I only need to get through one minute at a time.

I tracked it with Runkeeper

I used Runkeeper again so I can keep a clear record of my sessions and build a progress log week by week. I want this journey to stay honest and measurable, not just emotional. Stats keep me grounded, especially on days when my feelings try to tell me a story that the data does not support.

The run stats

I want to start with the facts, because numbers keep me honest and they keep me motivated.

Distance: 3.35 km
Time: 39:54
Pace: 11:54 min/km

What surprised me today was how quickly I shifted from “this is going to be awful” to “wait, I’m actually enjoying this.” That moment matters, because it changes what I expect from the next run.

Here’s the real part.

Day 2 started better than I expected. I was in a good mood, and being at Estádio Universitário helps because I genuinely like that place. The first running minute was done. I was surprised that it went fine.

The second running minute had a slope, so it felt tougher. Still, I liked it. The vibe there is great, and you see people running, walking, biking. I also noticed something that matters: a woman walking her dog on a leash. That is how it should be in a place like this, because people are moving fast and it can get dangerous if dogs are off leash.

Then I decided to run the stairs. From a distance, it looked harder. In the moment, it was manageable. After that, I started going down, and it felt fast, so I reminded myself to stay in control.

Post run reflection

I finished the session feeling really happy. It went by faster than I expected, and I enjoyed the whole experience more than I thought I would. The weather helped a lot, and doing this outdoors made it feel even better. I left thinking, “This is worth it. I want to keep going.”

I noticed a few things today that genuinely made a difference. If you are starting a beginner running journey too, these basics matter more than people admit.

1) Comfortable running shoes

If your feet are not happy, your whole run becomes harder. Cushioning and stability change the experience immediately.

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2) A water bottle you actually like using

Hydration is simple, but when you are starting, everything feels harder when you are slightly dehydrated.

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3) Earphones for mental support

Music helps, but for me, audio coaching and podcasts help even more because they stop my brain from spiralling into “I hate this” mode.

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4) Phone armband or a secure place for your phone

If your phone is bouncing around, it becomes irritating fast.

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5) A small running pouch for keys and essentials

Having your hands free matters. It keeps the run cleaner and more comfortable.

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What I learned from my first run

• First, choosing the right place makes a difference. I love running at Estádio Universitário, and that alone makes me more willing to show up. It’s a green space, it’s free, and the environment is motivating because you see people running, walking, and biking.
• Second, the session is still simple, but the terrain changes the effort. The second running minute had a slope, and it felt tougher. I handled it, and it reminded me that little details like a ramp can change how a minute feels.
• Third, some things look harder from a distance. I looked at the stairs and thought, “This is going to hurt.” Then I did it, and it was more manageable than it looked. That’s a useful reminder for me.
• Fourth, safety matters in a place like this. I noticed someone walking her dog on a leash, and that is how it should be. People are moving fast here, and it’s not the place to let dogs run loose.

My beginner approach (what I’m doing so I don’t quit)

• I keep it realistic: 30 minutes outdoors and I follow the plan.
• I focus on finishing the session, not on speed.
• I accept that some parts will feel harder, like slopes and stairs, and I keep going anyway.
• I’m building consistency by showing up again this week.

If you’re starting too, pick a place you actually enjoy and just repeat the session.

Watch the video and join me

If you want to see this first run and the start of this Running Journey on video, watch it here: