MCM runs a couch-to-5k program, usually twice a year. The idea is simple but powerful: take people from the couch to running 5 km in just eight weeks.

The latest program kicked off recently, and on their first Saturday, those of us at track got to meet some of the new group. That morning, one woman arrived early. She didn’t want to walk alone, so I offered to walk with her. At first, I set off too fast, but soon slowed to her pace. Just starting is a tricky thing; I’ve forgotten what that feels like.

We chatted as we walked. For me, it was a refreshing warm-up. For her — new, unfit, and often out of breath — it was a real challenge.

Halfway through, I looked over at her and thought: That was me, eight years ago.

Back then, I could hardly walk 30 minutes without stopping. Running felt impossible. I weighed around 130 kg when I started, and I had to learn everything from scratch — first walking, then running.

That memory hit me hard. I often feel like I’m not making progress, but looking back reminded me how far I’ve come. I’m nowhere near the person I was eight years ago. The days can feel long and difficult, but the years are short — and change happens in those quiet, steady steps.

The truth is: who you are today is not who you have to be forever.

A friend recently found a notebook from her school days while packing up her house. It was filled with quotes and thoughts her younger self had written down. She remembered keeping those notes, but reading them again, she felt so far removed from that version of herself that she wondered, “Who are you, girl?”

Maybe that’s the point of life. Our younger selves carried us this far, but we’re meant to grow so much that we hardly recognise them anymore. While it’s normal to look back and see how much has changed, it’s a gift to know it was in the right direction. Isn’t that what we all want?

Don’t be concerned with how long something will take to achieve; the time will pass anyway. The real concern is:

Time passing and change are inevitable. Are you working towards becoming the person you want to be?