Thank you! Running a 5k was much easier than I thought it would be actually, but it mostly came down to a change in mindset. I used to hate running so so much, but I decided my cardio was too weak this year and wanted to improve it. After a few times of running a kilometer, breaking a sweat, really getting to focus on how the running felt, I found myself looking forward to it. I've never understood what people meant when they said they were "in the zone" until I started running. I would reach a 1km, then think "yeah I got 200 more meters in me", then run that and find myself with a bit more stamina to use up, so I would try to get to 1.5km.
I never would have ran 5k if I didn't start to enjoy it, no matter the health benefits and sense of achievement. If it doesn't feel right in the moment I can't stick with it. Idk if you're the same, but if you are, I recommend that you stop running if it stops feeling good.

