Here's what running 10 Kms taught me about life

(5 min read)

I have been running since a long time. I started with 2 Kms or fun race during my school days. In college I used to run 3-4 rounds of my university's football ground. I always loved running long distance - it was fun and relaxing at the same time. After running several 5 Kms, I got the confidence of running 10 Kms. I must have participated in around 10-12 different races of 10 Kms in Hyderabad and Kolkata, and now I feel I should start running half marathon (21.3 Kms.).

Running is the one activity that’s physically exhausting but mentally and emotionally recharging. People run for various reasons. They run because may be they want to lose weight, improve their health, compete in races, or try something new. I have my own set of reasons. 

But when I run, I do not look at the benefits it would provide. I run because I want to. It does not occur to me when I am planning to run. Only after I finish my run I do realize what I gained. Few days ago, I ran another 10 Kms. This time it was different. My ear pods' charge had drained and I couldn't use that in my run. Little did I know that this slight setback would be a blessing in disguise and I would be blessed with life lessons. I used the time while running to observe runners in my surrounding and I was surprised to notice quite a few things which I would have missed if I was hearing attentively to podcasts, if my ear pods were functioning properly.

Here are the 8 valuable lessons I realized that day that running taught me.

1. The first step is always the hardest

I observed many people while running and thought to myself that if I would have been in their place I would never be running. But they did. And they completed the whole race too. And that was due to the fact that they took the first step. The best way to start running is to start running. That may sound stupidly obvious, but it is, in truth, and tough advice to follow. 

Tip: Often the toughest obstacles in life aren’t physical. They’re mental. Indecision, fear, doubt. At some point you just have to get up and go. And then you have to keep going.

2. Comparison is the thief of joy

I looked around and saw hundreds of people running along with me. Some were faster, some were in good shape, some looked amazingly fit while some were stronger. But if I base my opinion of myself by comparing myself to others I would have been disappointed. So I decided to ignore this big temptation. 

Tip: You should worry about yourself: let everyone else do their thing.

3. Achieving goals takes hard work

Another thing I noticed in all the runners that it requires some amount of preparation. A discipline routine gave me the confidence to run 10 Kms. What I understood is that If I want to finish the race, I have to put in all the preliminary mileage and training that is needed to get me in top condition. Likewise, if you want to graduate from college or run a successful business, you need to put in the work to accomplish your goal. And that gives you the purpose in life without which life has no meaning.

Tip: Prepare yourself for great things in life. Failing to plan is planning to fail.

4. I (and you too) can do hard things

Life is hard. Running teaches me that I can do hard things. Whether it’s running a marathon, acing that new project, or raising a family, I’ve got this. Running teaches me that my mind is my best tool. It can get me through those times when I feel like my legs can’t carry me one more step. And I believe that all those people running along with me had broken this mental barrier where they have surprised themselves.

Tip: With hard work, training, and dedication to your goals, you might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

5. If you wait for “Perfect” time you’ll never accomplish anything

Tip: Whether it is perfect weather, racecourse, or time of the year, if you sit around waiting for it you won’t go anywhere.

6. You Do “Have the Time”

As the day for race neared, I was getting cramps, slight knee pain, finger pain and what not. Important thing was not to lose focus. It felt great when I decided no matter what, I will go for the run. And soon mind clears, limbs loosen, I found energy I didn’t know I had. The willpower seen in so many people who woke up early in the morning only to stretch beyond what they were capable of, testing their limits of endurance were heart warming. Big rewards – lower blood pressure, a healthier weight, personal bests – come only after time and persistence. 

Tip: If you want something badly enough, you will find the time. 

7. Just keep moving forward

There were stations posted every 2-3 Km which had water, Glucon-D, biscuits, bananas and first aid for runners to rejuvenate. There, I saw few runners soaked in immense sweat washing their face, some were spraying pain killers on their ankles, feet, thighs, etc., while some were simply munching bananas and water melons. But all these people whatever time they took, ultimately were back on track to continue on their journey to reach their goal. It served me a great reminder that, that one of the purpose in life can be distilled into those four words: just keep moving forward. It doesn’t matter how, or even how well – sometimes that’s the only guiding principle left. 

Tip: Even when things seem hopeless, there is always a way forward. Dig deep. Find it. Persevere. Keep going. There's immense happiness once you finish/achieve

8. Enjoy the start, the journey, the finish

Runners were flashing their medals beyond the finishing line. They were queuing to take a photo at the selfie stand. All their pains were forgotten away. Their faces were telling that they had enjoyed the whole journey and they were glad that they started, without which they wouldn't have finished this.

Tip: It's just not the joy of achieving something. But the courage of starting something like this also gives you a great pride

I hope you find your own hobby which you would do no matter what. I also hope that it teaches you be a great human being.