I used to hate running. Like, really hate it. The idea of voluntarily making myself breathe hard and sweat seemed absurd when I could just walk everywhere or ride my bike. But last year, after spending way too many hours hunched over my laptop editing photos, my back started screaming at me. My doctor casually mentioned that running might help, and I figured I’d give it a shot for a month.
That month turned into a year, and now I can’t imagine my routine without it. Not because I’ve become some fitness fanatic, but because running in the city has completely changed how I experience the places I thought I knew. When you’re moving at that pace, somewhere between walking and cycling, you notice different things. The way shadows fall across certain streets at 7 AM. The smell of fresh bread from that bakery on Irving that I’d walked past a hundred times without really noticing.
The mental health benefits hit me before the physical ones did. Those first few weeks, when I was still huffing and puffing after half a mile, I started noticing that my brain felt clearer afterward. All the creative problems I’d been wrestling with seemed more manageable. Ideas that had been stuck suddenly started flowing again. It turns out there’s actual science behind this, something about how aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain, but honestly I don’t care about the mechanics. I just know it works.
My route has evolved over time based on what I need that day. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I run through Golden Gate Park where the trees create this natural buffer from city noise. When I need inspiration, I take the loop through the Mission where there’s always new street art to discover. On days when I just want to zone out completely, I stick to the waterfront where the rhythm of waves matches my footsteps.
I’ve learned that consistency matters more than speed or distance. Some days I run three miles feeling great, other days I struggle through one mile and call it good. The key is showing up, even when motivation is low. Especially then, actually. Those reluctant runs often end up being the ones where I have the biggest breakthroughs, whether it’s solving a work problem or just working through something that’s been bothering me.
The gear obsession is real though. I started with whatever sneakers I had lying around, but quickly discovered that proper running shoes make an enormous difference. Not just for comfort, but for preventing the knee pain that was making me dread longer runs. I also invested in a decent pair of wireless earbuds after getting tangled in wires one too many times. Sometimes I run with music, sometimes with podcasts, and sometimes in complete silence depending on my mood.
What surprises me most is how running has made me more present in my daily life. When you’re used to moving through the city at that steady pace, really paying attention to your breathing and your body, it becomes easier to notice when you’re getting stressed or overwhelmed in other situations. It’s like having a built-in reset button that I can access whenever I need it.
I’m not trying to convince anyone to become a runner, but if you’re feeling stuck or stressed or just need a way to see your surroundings with fresh eyes, it might be worth trying. Start small, be patient with yourself, and see what happens. The worst case scenario is you get some exercise and fresh air.
