Why Just 1 Mile Per Day Changes Everything

Almost a year after getting out of the Army, and telling myself and friends I was going to stop running and just lift get big etc.

As they told me would happen, I found myself running, but not in the way I thought I would.

I was running from a dissatisfaction of who I was.

From the Dull ache of a 9-5. Haven’t escaped this one.

From the noise.

But also from the uncomfortable quiet that comes when the noise fades and you’re left alone with yourself.

I started running... just one mile a day.

That’s it. No pace goals. No watches. No PRs. Initially... Not to train for a marathon.

Just one intentional, present, no-excuses mile.

The Rules Were Simple:

Rain or sun, go.

Don’t worry about tracking it.

One mile, every day, no matter what.

What I Learned

1. The Battle Starts Before the Run

There’s something holy about that moment when your body says no, and your spirit says yes. Lacing up when you’re tired. Walking out when it’s cold. It’s a small daily rebellion against comfort.

2. Consistency > Intensity

Culture worships results. But the real flex? Quiet, boring consistency. A brick laid every day builds something. A random firestorm just leaves ashes. - This newsletter is an attempt at this, to prove to myself I can do something of my own volition, desire, and feels like play.

3. Motion Creates Meaning

Running is my moving prayer. It’s where I talk to God. Or yell. Or listen. Sometimes all three. That mile gives my soul space to speak up.

4. You Start to Love It

The high and craving for that dopaminergic release from running is unlike anything I have experienced so far. It truly is addicting but it also changes your mindset around your day. You also start to compare other aspects in your life to it as you get better. I.E. consistency at things your not good at or want to accomplish allows you to become good at them and accomplish them. I don't think I would have started this newsletter without it.

This Isn’t About Running

It’s about choosing presence. It’s about doing one small hard thing daily, something inconvenient, sacred, and totally yours. Because you don’t need more goals.

You need more anchors.

Mine is one mile.

Yours might be journaling.

Cold plunges.

Prayer.

Calling your dad.

Surfing at dawn.

Making your bed with intention.

I’ll leave you with this: You don’t find peace by accident. You move toward it, one faithful mile at a time.

See you out there.

-Griffin