“We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.” – Calvin Coolidge

It was around two years ago when I first decided to put some effort into exercising and improving my overall health. And I’ll admit, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed. I had no idea where to start and even the practicalities (like buying workout clothes) just seemed to add to the confusion. Although I had been quite active when younger, over the years the confidence and desire to participate in any kind of sport or exercise just seemed to evaporate and now, approaching 30, it felt like a completely new world to me.

Fast forward two years and I definitely feel a lot more relaxed and open when it comes to trying new activities. One of the things that helped me get to the place that I am now is realizing: you don’t have to do everything at once. It’s ok to learn as you go along. Get the dance moves wrong. Bring the wrong kind of shoes to the game. Forget your towel. Put your goggles on upside down.

It’s ok.

When I first started getting into fitness, joining a gym seemed quite daunting, both financially and time-wise. The membership fee, the workout clothes, the lost time getting to and from the gym… just thinking about it all was enough for me to put the idea on the back burner (yet again). But then I stumbled across Blogilates, a Youtube channel with fun, accessible workouts – both cardio and toning – that you could do at home. All I needed was a yoga mat. I could wear an old t-shirt and pyjama bottoms. And I could fit it easily around my schedule.

And you know what?

It worked! Because I didn’t feel overwhelmed by it all, I started and (more importantly) stuck with it. As the months went by, my confidence grew and I began to branch out. I started running. All I needed was a pair of trainers. I wore an old t-shirt and my boyfriend’s running tights. I registered for a race. I ran it. And the addiction began. I’m running my first half marathon soon – in my boyfriend’s tights (yes yes, I know that sounds kinda weird!). I guess I just want to say – it’s nice to have all the shiny new workout clothes and fancy GPS watches and whatnot but if you don’t, that’s ok. No-one really cares.

Over time, you build momentum. Things accumulate. You can get the nice clothes, join the gym, become competent, become stronger… but don’t try to do it all at once. It’s ok to start with the very basics, with something, anything.

When I got the call saying that I’d been chosen for the Henley Mile, my immediate reaction (in my head) was: Oh! I don’t even have a swimming costume! Well, that was true. But I scouted around a bit and found a discount one that will do for now. Then I had to wait to get the swimming cap and goggles (being a student and working part time means I can’t just buy things willy nilly). It’s taken a few weeks to save and get these things together, and they look a bit funny, but it’s a start, it’s one step forward, one foot in the water.

And that’s enough to begin.