“The First Mile is a Liar,” says Gretchen Sloan

Gretchen Sloan says that when it comes to running, it is a state of “mind over matter.” She grew up between two brothers, constantly active and engaging in the same sports as them, especially soccer. In 2016, Gretchen began running again, believing to be running away from her problems but realizing that it was a way to face them and become her own form of therapy. She began to crave running, going so far as to feeling jealous when she would drive down the street and see people running. Soon after, Gretchen signed up for the Gibson Guitar 5K (now known as the Orion 5K) and began cultivating her new hobby.

After that first 5k, Gretchen went on to run the half marathon for St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, making sure to train in advance. She has run every year since 2017, saying that it is “the best you’ll ever see Memphis.” As well, she volunteers for an all-female beginner’s running group every summer called the Women Run Walk Memphis Program. Despite preferring running alone, she does a group run once a week, even going home with homework to do. This is especially crucial when it comes to training for her next run. When it comes to building up the gains, it is easier to lose them than to gain them. Even taking a short period of time off running can deter one’s progress.

When offering advice for how to start getting into running or even getting back into it, she repeats one line: “The first mile is the biggest liar of them all.” It takes the first mile for the body to realize that it is working together with the brain. She also reminds us that progress does not happen overnight. It can only be made with continuous effort and dedication. This is essential when one can risk injury, thus risking being unable to run. It is recommended to set small, realistic goals while refraining from comparing oneself to another runner. Every runner is different.

Gretchen has set a goal to try and run in all fifty states by the time she is fifty. As of today, she has run in seven states total. Even if she does not reach her goal by the time she is fifty, she still wants to see it through and accomplish it. Running is essential to Gretchen’s life and well-being. She says, “Running is my therapy. Other people pay people to talk. I pay people to run.” She continues, running towards her goals and navigating her way through whatever hardships she faces.

Gretchen Sloan is a Paralegal and manages our operations.