The Last Mile

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Jordan laced up his worn-out sneakers, preparing for the daily ritual that had once seemed impossible: the run. The morning air was crisp, the world still asleep, yet here he was again, taking that first step.

A year ago, Jordan couldn’t even imagine doing this. Back then, he was at a crossroads in life, facing a series of challenges that had him questioning everything. He’d recently lost his job, a career that had taken years to build, and to add to the feeling of defeat, his long-term relationship had ended in heartbreak. The future looked uncertain, and the weight of those failures hung heavy on his shoulders. It was the kind of place where most people would stay—lost, unsure of what comes next.

But Jordan chose to move forward.

In the beginning, it wasn’t about running or fitness. It wasn’t even about accomplishing something great. It was about proving to himself that he still had control over his life. He had hit rock bottom, and he was tired of the constant feeling of being stuck. Something needed to change.

So, one morning, without any particular reason other than a deep urge to do something—anything—Jordan decided to go for a run.

He had no experience in running. No clear plan. No expectation of success. He simply wanted to take action.

The first attempt was brutal. After only two blocks, his lungs burned, his legs felt like lead, and he thought he might collapse. It was embarrassing, honestly. He couldn’t believe how far he had fallen physically and mentally. But, despite every urge to stop, he kept going. He reached his house again, breathless, exhausted, and defeated, but there was something else too—pride.

He had finished something. He had committed, even when it felt impossible. It wasn’t about the distance; it was about the determination to keep moving.

The next day, Jordan went out again. And again. Each time, the run wasn’t easier. But over time, it became more manageable. It wasn’t so much the physical benefits he noticed at first—it was the shift in his mindset. The simple act of lacing up his shoes and heading out the door became his daily ritual, a symbol of his commitment to change. He no longer felt like a failure. He had made a choice, and every step he took was progress, even if it was small.

But progress doesn’t come overnight. There were days when Jordan’s legs felt like they were made of concrete, when it seemed like the world was against him. He had moments of doubt, when he questioned whether the effort was worth it. His thoughts wandered to the comfort of staying inside, hiding from the discomfort of pushing through. But he reminded himself: This was the price of growth. This was the cost of becoming the person he wanted to be.

Month after month, Jordan pushed himself further. The two-block runs turned into half-mile stretches. His body adapted. His mindset transformed. Slowly, but steadily, he was rebuilding his strength—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

The day came when he ran his first 5K. It wasn’t fast, it wasn’t flawless, but he finished. And when he crossed the finish line, something shifted within him. It wasn’t just about running anymore—it was about proving that he could overcome anything. He had rebuilt his confidence, not with grand gestures, but with small, consistent actions.

In the months that followed, Jordan ran more and more races. He wasn’t the fastest in any of them. But that didn’t matter. He wasn’t racing against anyone but himself. Every race was a personal victory, a reminder of how far he had come from the broken person he once was.

As his physical endurance grew, so did his resilience in life. The challenges that once felt overwhelming now seemed more manageable. He found a new job that was fulfilling, one where he felt valued. He started to build meaningful relationships and rediscovered a sense of purpose.

Today, Jordan runs marathons. Not because he’s the fastest. Not because he’s in perfect shape. But because he never quit. Because he chose to keep moving forward, even when the road was tough and the odds were stacked against him. Because, for him, the race was never about winning. It was about showing up, each and every day.

The lesson?

Progress doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a series of small steps, each one building upon the last. The journey is rarely linear. Some days will feel harder than others. Some days, you’ll want to quit. But don’t. Keep showing up, even when it feels impossible. Your progress may not always be visible, but every step you take brings you closer to where you want to be.

So, whatever your "run" looks like today—whether it’s writing that first page, applying for that new job, learning a new skill, or simply getting out of bed when life feels heavy—remember: persistence is key. The finish line isn’t always obvious, but with every step you take, you’re closer than you think.