Finding Her Next Mile

Shannon’s story with the Miles with Misty Beginner 5K

The first step was a half mile. That’s it.

“I knew I could do that,” Shannon said. “Motivation is the hardest part for me. Once I start, I finish. The dopamine after those first few minutes? That’s what carries me.”

She’s a mom of two—boys ages one and three—so her training window is the slice of morning between spilled Cheerios and nap time. On a recent run, she looped her neighborhood and surprised herself: half a mile, no walk breaks. No fuss. Just a little promise kept.

“I felt energized and proud. I ran the whole way without stopping, and it felt good to keep a promise to myself.” — Shannon

Shannon joined the Miles with Misty Beginner 5K Training Program to find more than a finish line. “I need some discipline in my life,” she told us. “I want to be around when my boys are older and be able to keep up with them without feeling tired all the time. I also want to show them how to be disciplined so they can be successful in whatever they choose to do in life. I know my boys watch everything I do—they even try some of the workouts with me. That’s encouraging.”

She’s aiming for the Valpo Turkey Trot 5K with a simple goal: run the whole way. No drama. Just steady. The one thing she hasn’t done before? Run in the cold. “Honestly, I hate being outside when it’s freezing,” she said. “But maybe once I’m warmed up and moving, it’ll be fine.”

What the program feels like from the inside

Coach Misty Walker keeps things beginner-friendly and local. Think short, doable runs you can tuck into a busy day; form cues that make running feel lighter; and a group that cheers for the smallest wins. One week you’re celebrating a first half mile. The next week you’re jogging past the Butterfield Pavilion and realizing your breathing is calmer than it used to be. No one’s chasing perfect splits. The whole vibe is: show up, make it manageable, come back tomorrow.

For Shannon, that’s the point. “I’m building a routine I can keep—even after the Turkey Trot.”

A note to anyone still on the fence

Start tiny. Distance you know you can do—half a mile, ten minutes, corner and back. Don’t wait for the perfect time or perfect weather. Lace up, step out, and let the first promise be small and real. Around here, you won’t be taking that step alone.

Cold-Weather Tips for First-Time Runners 

• Layer smart. Wicking base → light mid-layer → wind-resistant shell. Start a little cool; skip cotton.
• Cover ears, hands, toes. Ear band or beanie, thin gloves, wool/synthetic socks.
• Warm up indoors. 5–8 minutes mobility + brisk marching so you head out warm.
• Out against the wind. Wind at your back on the return when you’re sweaty.
• Shorten your stride on slick spots. Quick, light steps = better traction.
• Hydrate anyway. Cold dulls thirst; sip before and after.
• Be seen. Reflective bits or a clip-on light for early/dark hours.
• Judge by effort, not pace. Layers and chill slow watches, not progress.

For more information on Miles with Misty Coaching, please visit www.mileswithmisty.com