Yet again, I’m embarking on the Couch to 5K.

As mentioned in the past (likely countless times), I’m restarting what has always served as a useful accountability tool — helping me maintain some form of regular running, or in my case, middle-aged jogging.

Fortunately, I’ve long gotten over my ego crush from those longer distances — a far cry from my Brighton Marathon feat of yesteryear. Anyway, get over it, Sean. Embrace the win, and allow a moment of tentative celebration — quiet awe, really — at the healing power of the body that’s allowed this first run post-injury.

Today’s session: a total of eight minutes of running, broken into a one-minute run followed by 90-second walk ..repeated✅

Why start today? Well, why not? It’s as good a day as any. Although to be honest, when I lazily asked Siri how many weeks there were until Christmas, I serendipitously discovered my new goal and motivation to jump up and get going.

So with consistency, sensible, progressive training (and no more injuries, please), I’ll complete the Couch to 5K in the allotted nine to ten weeks — a little Christmas present to myself.

And perhaps that’s the real gift — not the 5K itself, but the humble return, the patience, and the reminder that even after setbacks, the body (and spirit) can begin again.