I didn’t start running to get fit. I started running because teaching was breaking me. I was a primary school teacher doing my best, showing up every day, caring deeply — and slowly feeling like I was disappearing. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck in a cycle of stress that I could no longer think my way out of. I didn’t want a dramatic quit-the-job moment. I didn’t want hustle culture or “just manifest a new life.” I just wanted to breathe again. So I started running. Nothing impressive. No fancy plan. Sometimes only 7 minutes. Sometimes slow. Sometimes messy. But running became the only place where: - My nervous system could settle - My thoughts could line up - I could hear myself again Somewhere between those quiet runs, something shifted. I realised I wasn’t just running away from teaching — I was slowly running towards clarity. Towards the idea that: - I don’t have to stay stuck to be responsible - I’m allowed to want a different life - Small, consistent steps matter more than big dramatic decisions Running gave me space that led to clarity. Clarity led to the question I couldn’t ignore anymore: “What if I don’t stay in the classroom forever?” This space exists for teachers who feel that question stirring too. Not for elite runners. Not for people who have it all figured out. But for burnt-out teachers who want: - Gentle movement - Emotional regulation - Consistency without pressure - And a supportive path toward life beyond the classroom If you’re running to survive teaching… If movement is the only thing keeping you grounded right now… If you know you can’t do this forever but don’t know what’s next… You belong here. This isn’t about quitting overnight. It's about taking one run, one breath, one step closer to yourself. 🤍🏃‍♀️