This week felt like a real turning point in my return-to-running journey.
On Tuesday, I knocked out my scheduled drill workout from Garmin Coach. I actually really enjoy the drills—they’ve been good for form, cadence, and easing back into consistent movement. But something inside me on Thursday said it was time to shift gears. I’ve been paying attention to where I should be according to Hal Higdon’s prep schedule as I gear up for true half-marathon training, and I kept feeling like my cardio just wasn’t improving at the pace I wanted.
So I made a decision:
Pause Garmin’s plan for now and transition fully into the 1.5-mile steady runs recommended by RunWithHal.
It felt like the right move—simple runs, consistent mileage, gradual conditioning. And it clicked immediately.
Thursday Night: The Run That Changed Everything
Thursday I went out for my first 1.5-mile run. And when I got back home, I was absolutely elated. It was one of those runs where your body finally gives you a glimpse of what’s possible. I felt awesome—strong, uplifted, and genuinely excited for the first time in a while. I’m not running a continuous full mile and a half yet without walk breaks, but I’m walking less, recovering faster, and—best of all—I’m coughing less and breathing better. Everything about it felt like forward progress.
Saturday: A 3 A.M. Wake-Up and a Soaked Hunt
Saturday didn’t start slow—it started at 3:00 a.m. I rolled out of bed, out the door by 3:45, and headed north to meet my buddies for duck hunting. We met at the marina, loaded up into the boat, and rode out across the water in the dark to set up.
Once we started arranging decoys, things got… interesting.
While moving gear around, I tripped over a submerged log and went face-first into the water. A rush of cold water poured straight down the top of my waders, soaking me completely. I spent the entire morning wet—freezing towards the end, sloshing around in my waders—but still laughing with the guys.
We didn’t see a single duck. Tons of water turkeys, sure. And the sunrise was beautiful. But on the hunting scoreboard? Zero. On the good time with friends scoreboard? Solid win.
I drove home in wet clothes, peeled everything off, warmed up, and still got out later for my 1.5-mile run although walking in waders in the water had me worried because my hip extensors and legs were tight, tired and gassed out, when I ran I did fine thankfully.
Not the day I expected—but exactly the kind of day that makes this whole journey memorable.
Locking It In: Saturday Evening + Sunday
Despite the chaos of the morning, I still got that 1.5-mile run in on Saturday… and again today. Three of these runs in a row now, and I’m feeling good—really good. There’s something incredibly encouraging about repeating a distance and watching your body adapt to it. Each outing has been a little smoother, a little stronger, a little more confident.
The Big Picture
I know exactly why I’m doing this:
To build the base I need to step into real half-marathon training and ultimately line up healthy and ready for Rock CF Rivers on Grosse Ile in March.
These early weeks aren’t about speed or bravado—they’re about consistency, breath control, confidence, and showing up even when I don’t feel perfect. This week showed me that the path forward is working. The miles are sticking. The adaptations are happening. My lungs and legs are starting to trust the process again.
And honestly?
It feels amazing.
Here’s to next week, more miles, unexpected adventures, and more evidence that I’m becoming a runner again—one step, one breath, one decision at a time.
Dr. Sorenson
