When I signed up for the Oktoberfest 5k run here in Texas, I honestly didn’t know if I would make it to the finish line. It was my first official race ever, and although I had been trying to move more and eat better, I was still far from what people imagine as a “runner.”

But I wasn’t signing up to win — I was signing up to begin.

That morning, the sky was bright, the air had that crisp fall feeling, and the energy around me was contagious. People were dressed in colorful Oktoberfest shirts, some even in funny costumes, and music played as we stretched before the start. I remember thinking, this is not just a race — it’s a celebration of effort.

Learning to 5k Run While Living in a Land Full of Temptations

Moving to the United States changed a lot in my life — including how I eat. Back in Brazil, I used to cook fresh meals almost every day. Here, everything feels faster, bigger, and more tempting. Fast food drive-thrus are everywhere, and the shelves are full of snacks that are impossible to resist.

It’s so easy to get used to the convenience. You’re tired, it’s late, and there’s a dollar menu calling your name. I went through that phase — more than once. But over time, I realized I wasn’t feeling good. My clothes were tighter, my energy was low, and I felt like my body didn’t belong to me anymore.

So, I made a quiet promise to myself: I didn’t want to diet. I wanted to feel alive again.

Finding My Motivation Beyond the Scale

I didn’t start running because I loved it — I started because I needed something that reminded me I was capable of change.

I began with walks around my neighborhood. Some days I’d go with my husband or kids, sometimes just with my thoughts and my Apple Watch tracking my steps. I remember the first time I jogged for one full minute — I was out of breath but proud.

Little by little, those one-minute runs turned into five, then ten. I downloaded a 5K training plan and set a goal: finish a race, no matter how slow.

Living in the U.S. helped in one way: there are so many local races that welcome beginners. You see people of all ages, shapes, and speeds. No one looks at you like you don’t belong. That made me feel comfortable enough to sign up for the Oktoberfest 5K — even though I still had some extra weight and a lot of doubts.

If you want to learn more about Apple Watch settings, read my article Apple Watch for Workouts: How to Track and Improve Your Routine.

Race Day: The Challenge and the Joy

Race day came faster than I expected. I was nervous but excited. The sound of people chatting, the smell of pretzels and beer in the air, and the music made it feel like a festival — not a competition.

When the horn sounded and everyone started running, I felt adrenaline rush through my body. I tried to keep a comfortable pace, reminding myself that this was about finishing, not racing.

By the second kilometer, I could feel my legs burning. I wanted to stop, but I told myself to just keep moving — even if it was slow or walking a little bit. Around me, there were people walking, smiling, and cheering for strangers. That energy was everything I needed.

When I saw the sign that said “One Mile to Go,” I started tearing up. I thought about how many times I almost gave up on myself, and how this simple act — running — had become proof that I could do hard things again.

Crossing the finish line was emotional. I didn’t care about my time. I just knew I did it.

What Running Taught Me About Self-Love and Consistency

That 5k wasn’t just about exercise — it was about rebuilding trust in myself.

So many times, when we carry extra weight, we also carry guilt, shame, and the fear of starting over. I had all of that. But crossing that finish line reminded me that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Since that race, I’ve kept running — not every day, but regularly. I still enjoy my weekend pizza and the occasional chocolate, but now I understand balance better. I prepare snacks for the week, try to move daily, and focus on how I feel instead of chasing a number on the scale.

“The 5k didn’t make me an athlete. It made me believe in consistency — and that’s what I needed the most.”

Life in the U.S. and the Meaning of “Healthy”

Living here has taught me that health is a choice we make every day — and not always an easy one. When there’s fast food on every corner, vending machines at work, and celebrations with endless sugary drinks, making better choices takes intention.

But it’s also shown me that small habits create big change:

• Choosing to walk instead of drive for short distances.
• Cooking at home most days.
• Drinking water before coffee.
• Saying yes to one more run, even when I’m tired.

These are the things that built my healthier routine — not restriction, but awareness.

Encouragement for Anyone Starting Their Own Journey to 5k Run

If you’ve been thinking about doing something for yourself — whether it’s signing up for a race, going to the gym, or just walking around your block — this is your sign.

You don’t have to wait for the perfect day, the perfect outfit, or the perfect body. Start where you are. Start scared. Start tired. Just start.

“Every finish line begins with the courage to take the first step.”

And remember: it’s not about speed. It’s about showing up — again and again — for yourself.

Conclusion: My 5k run Was Just the Beginning

My first 5K at the Oktoberfest wasn’t just a race — it was a reminder that change is possible at any stage of life. It was the day I proved to myself that I can move forward, even when I’m afraid, even when I’m not in my best shape.

And now, every time I put on my running shoes, I remember that version of me — the one who didn’t quit, who ran through doubt and finished with pride.Because the real win isn’t the medal.
It’s learning that your body and your mind are capable of much more than you think.