This morning, after watching the sunrise, I was driving home and saw a runner passing by.
My first thought was, “Good for them!”—but truthfully, I have no desire to run anymore.
When I was younger, I hated running. I was a chubby kid, and the worst day of the school year for me was Field Day. I was always last. Always. But I proudly brought home that green participant ribbon every time.
Fast forward to my mid-20s, when I got into triathlons. I’m incredibly proud of those accomplishments—including completing two Ironman races—but they came at a cost. I didn’t have healthy structural mechanics at the time, and my body paid the price.
Then life happened. Babies. Moving across the country. Starting a practice from scratch. Navigating single motherhood. Caring for my mom during her battle with Alzheimer’s.
Eventually, running became too much—physically and energetically. My nervous system said, “No more.”
As I’ve worked to restore my health over the past few years, I’ve occasionally felt the urge to jog again—but I’ve found much more joy in tennis, paddle boarding, walking, and lifting weights.
Still, a recent travel moment gave me pause—and a new goal.
I was running late for a flight and had to literally run through the airport. I made it, but not without consequence. My lungs were gasping, my heart was pounding…and my pelvic floor was not impressed. I boarded the flight with wet pants and a racing heart.
I shared this story with a patient recently. Her concern? Being able to play with her kids—and protect them if needed. She needed to restore her ability to run.
We can’t lose the skills we need for survival.
Ask yourself:
- Could you run to save someone—or yourself—from danger?
- Could you chase down a flight?
- If you fall, can you get up on your own?
- Can you sit and play with your kids on the floor?
If not… why not? And more importantly, what would it take to get those skills back?
Let’s not wait until life demands these abilities from us.
For me, running hasn’t been on my radar. My workouts have focused more on intervals and short bursts—great for fitness, but not enough to carry me through a long terminal.
And my pelvic floor? She needs me to stay committed to proper alignment and stability—especially in my low back and pelvis.
So now, I’m making a mental note: Incorporate short jogs into my walks. Start rebuilding that skill. Not because I want to run a race. But because I want to run for life.
What about you?
- What life skills do you want to improve?
- What skills do you need to stay safe, independent, and strong?
- What’s getting in the way—old injuries, inflammation, misalignment?
- What’s your next small, doable step?
- And who can support you in getting there?
Whatever your finish line looks like—whether it’s a race, a flight, or simply holding your child safely—I’m cheering you on.
It’s not about being the fastest. It’s about being strong enough to show up when life asks you to.
Jennifer Shepherd (PT, FFMT, FAAOMPT, IFMCP)