Big change rarely starts with big, dramatic decisions. More often, it begins with one small, almost unremarkable choice made consistently over time. This season of training has become a living example for me of how tiny changes — a short (and now long) run, a quiet “yes,” a decision to keep going for just one more minute — can slowly but steadily move the needle.
At the end of last year, one of my best friends casually threw out the idea that a few of us should train for a half marathon. Her main motivation was simply to stay active through the winter and holiday season. I had always thought, “Wow, that would be amazing to accomplish,” but deep down I truly believed running just wasn’t for me. It felt like something other people did.
My first run in November.
Rather than tell you my own dramatic internal story, I asked the people closest to me to tell the truth.
“Lauren could barely run for a minute at Thanksgiving.”
“If you’d told me 15 years ago she’d train for a half marathon, I would’ve laughed and taken you to get her favorite gallon of sweet tea.”
“Lauren has a great work ethic (thanks, Mom), but most of her athletic pursuits growing up happened because her parents told her to.”
My Running Journey… So Far
It’s been fun being out exploring the city in a new way!
Nine weeks ago, I started a training plan and could run about 40 seconds without stopping. My heart rate was all over the place. My brain was panicking. I couldn’t convince my feet to keep moving. Then one day I watched a random YouTube video of two seasoned runners (one an Olympian), and they said something simple: you have to train your brain like any other muscle. Push it a little more, and it gets stronger.
Two weeks later, I ran five miles.
I honestly couldn’t believe it.
Since then, even on hard days, I’ve learned how to just keep going. My longest run so far is 7.5 miles, which still feels completely surreal.
I have five weeks left before race day, and my stomach still drops when I think about it. My mind still tries to tell me I can’t do it. But now I recognize that voice for what it is: just fear, not truth.
The Lessons for Goal Setting
The real reason I’m sharing this isn’t about running. It’s about what this season has taught me as we step into the new year (or a new month or week even!):
Don’t wait for January 1. Starting a few weeks earlier gave me rhythm instead of pressure and helped me ease back into routine after the holidays.
Remove decision fatigue. I use the Runna app and let it be my “running brain.” I just show up and obey.
Expect off days. At the strong encouragement of my husband, I’m learning not to spiral when things feel hard. Even very athletic people have days when nothing clicks.
Whether it’s changing how you eat, moving your body, getting morning sunlight, or just washing your hair more regularly — the biggest lesson I’m learning is that tiny steps, taken consistently, carry you much farther than you ever expect.
My Mini-Milestones:
Milestone 1: Deciding I didn’t care if I peed my pants (lol 3 kids) and realizing no one is paying attention (dark leggings exist, and truly, people do not care).
Milestone 2: No longer tying a sweatshirt around my waist (see above).
Milestone 3: Letting a friend run with me, even though I was embarrassed by my pace and walk breaks.
Milestone 4: Running three miles with my six-year-old son (they love running with Dad — now they can run with me too).
Milestone 5: Running five miles without stopping.
Milestone 6: Running 7.5 miles with one bathroom break.
Milestone 7: Going on several runs with my husband — something he’s always wanted us to share.
My Favorite Houston Running Spots
Where I like to run: Memorial Park Loop, White Oak Bayou - make it a lunch date and stop at MKT or Heights Mercantile, neighborhood trails (most of the big developments have miles of trails open to the public)
What I like to wear: Leggings and this is my favorite new running tank.
What I am eating/drinking: I don’t like to run with much on my stomach, but if I do it’s a banana or oatmeal. After I have been using Taylor Dukes electrolytes to replenish hydration. I’m still working on understanding the nutritional piece for myself.
A run to lunch date.
Five weeks to go, and while I’m still scared and still learning, I’m showing up and beginning to see that the real work — and the real growth — is happening long before the finish line.
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