Push Through the First Mile: Finding Your Rhythm in Life

My husband used to say, "The first mile is a liar." He believed that during the first mile of a run, your body screams in pain, begging you to stop. It’s uncomfortable, exhausting, and every step feels like a battle. He argued that once you push through that first mile, your body begins to settle. Your breathing evens out, your heart rate stabilizes, and you find a pace that feels almost effortless—a rhythm that makes you feel like you could keep running forever.

I often disagreed with him, saying, "No, it’s not lying. Your body is telling you the truth! It’s hurting, and it does want to stop!" And honestly, I still think there’s merit in that perspective.

I mean, when your body is crying out, it’s sending a message that deserves acknowledgment.

But here’s the thing: It’s not about ignoring or dismissing the pain; it’s about honoring it—acknowledging it without letting it dictate your actions.

After the first mile, something miraculous happens. Your body recognizes that you’re not going to stop. It adjusts, quiets down, and does what it was designed to do: keep moving forward. Eventually, you find that gorgeous pace, where every step feels like freedom. That’s the beauty of endurance—it rewards those who persevere.

Learning to Honor the Struggle

Honoring your body doesn’t mean entertaining its complaints or bowing to its resistance. It means recognizing the discomfort and responding with resilience. For me, this is where self-talk and affirmations become essential. When my body pitches a fit, I counter it with truths:

• You are strong.

• You were made for this.

• If you can run a marathon, you can do anything.

• If you can birth five kids, two without meds, you can run for an hour.

This shift in mindset transforms the struggle. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it reframes it. Instead of seeing resistance as a wall, you begin to see it as a hurdle—something to overcome, not something to stop you.

The First Mile in Life

Running isn’t the only place where the “first mile” shows up. It’s a universal experience in life. Whenever you begin something new—whether it’s starting a business, pursuing a dream, or stepping into a season of personal growth—the first mile is always the hardest. It’s messy, gritty, and full of reasons to quit.

Most people do quit. They’ve never learned how to push through the initial resistance. Instead, they entertain the pain, make space for the doubt, and ultimately decide it’s too tough to continue.

But what if that hard thing you’re facing is exactly why you’re here? What if it’s so aligned with your design that you can’t find satisfaction anywhere else? What if, instead of stopping, you pushed through—gritty as hell, ugly as sin—and made it to the other side of your first mile?

Finding Your Rhythm

On the other side of the struggle is a rhythm that’s uniquely yours. It’s the pace that allows you to move forward with joy, energy, and purpose. But you can only find it if you’re willing to endure the messy beginning.

Pushing past the first mile isn’t easy. It requires grit, self-talk, and the courage to face discomfort head-on. But the reward is worth it. When you reach that place where your heart, body, and soul align, you’ll realize that every step was leading you to something beautiful.

Today, Embrace Your First Mile

Whatever you’re doing today, I hope and pray it aligns with your design. Whether it’s pursuing a passion, starting a new chapter, or simply taking a small step toward your goals, remember that the first mile is always the hardest. It’s messy, it’s painful, and it might make you want to stop.

But don’t quit. Speak life over yourself. Honor the struggle without entertaining it. Push through with everything you have, and trust that your rhythm is waiting on the other side.

You were made for this. Keep going. Your pace, your purpose, and your joy are just ahead.