The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

Exercise. That’s the one thing I’ve been avoiding, though it haunts me daily. If I’m honest, it’s more than just avoiding—I’ve been putting it off because I can’t seem to do it the way I used to, and that’s a bitter pill to swallow.

Let me take you back to my younger days. I hated running for the sake of it—don’t get me wrong. But give me a football, and I’d run like my life depended on it. There was something about having a ball at my feet that transformed running from a chore into a thrill. Whether it was a proper game with my mates or kicking around an old can on the street, in my head, I was always scoring that last-minute World Cup winner.

Football wasn’t the only thing. I loved riding my bike, speeding down streets with the wind in my hair, that sense of freedom that came with it. Sprinting was another thing I had a knack for. Short bursts of speed were my forte. I used to race other kids and feel that rush when I left them behind. It was my way of showing myself what I could do—my small victories.

And then there were the weights. The feel of iron in my hands, the burn in my muscles, and the confidence that came with it. Weightlifting made me feel powerful, grounded. There’s something about knowing your own strength that makes the world feel a little smaller and your potential feel boundless.

But now? Life has thrown me a curveball. Slowly, I’ve found myself unable to do the things that once came so easily. Health issues I never thought about in my younger years are creeping up on me. I suspect it’s my thyroid disorder, but I’m still going through the rounds of doctor’s appointments and hospital visits to get to the root of it. The truth is, as much as I want to get back into running, lifting, even playing football, my body isn’t what it used to be.

It’s frustrating because, mentally, I’m still that guy who loved to race, to lift, to play. But physically? Some days, just getting through the day feels like a task in itself. It’s like my body has been in the fast lane for too long, and now I’m paying for it. I’m still relatively young, but I feel like my body’s breaking down before its time.

The hardest part is the mental battle. Knowing that I should be doing something, knowing that I want to, but also knowing that right now, it’s just not possible. The desire is still there, burning, but I have to pace myself—focus on sorting through these health issues first.

So yeah, I’ve been putting off exercise, not because I don’t want to, but because right now, I can’t. I hope one day I’ll be able to return to the gym, lace up my running shoes, and maybe even kick a ball again. For now, though, I’m learning to be patient. My journey has shifted from the fast lane to finding out what my body needs to heal.

One step at a time. That’s the only way at the moment.