Between revolutionary reenactments and the marathon, Boston is all abuzz today. I know several people that are running today and they have been training for several months just for this day.
With all that goes into running a marathon, here are three life lessons we could all learn from today’s runners:
Find Your Stride and Quickly: When beginning a race, it is very easy to start off so fast that you cannot keep up the pace. Throughout training, a runner explores where to find his or her stride. Finding your stride is not an easy thing. Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that sweet spot where you can keep momentum and continue to thrive. However, you won’t know until you experiment. Find your stride and keep it. There is no need to rush. Consistency is the key in any aspect of life, professional or personal.
Overcoming “The Wall”: During a race, all runners will hit “the wall.” It could happen at mile 17 or 21, but it does happen. Well, the same goes for those times when you hit the proverbial “wall” within life. What happens when it does? Do you give up, even though you have come so far? No. You find the strength, tucked away in a corner of your soul and keep pushing on through. Know that failure is not an option, find the strength within you and overcome it.
Adapt: No matter how long you train, there are some things that you cannot plan for. Whether it be a projected record heat (like we are anticipating in Boston today) or another unexpected circumstance, you just have to roll with what comes your way. During challenging times, the key is being able to stay flexible and adapt. When something occurs, modify to accommodate and welcome the challenge. The grace in which you handle those situations is what people will remember about you.
Have you ever run a marathon? What lessons did you learn during your training? We would love to hear from you.
Related Posts
Break the Rules
The Power of Vulnerability
How to Catch Up Quickly
photo source: running-project.co.uk
2 Comments
I learned not to over train.
My first marathon I was so jazzed that I did a 24 mile training run 2 weeks before. That turned out to be a big mistake.
When it came time to the race, I was not properly rested nor did I set the right pace.
I came screaming out the gate and by mile 13, I bonked big time. That was the other lesson I painfully learned — you have to eat and drink even if you don’t feel like it.
Thankfully, I kept enduring and finished but it was painful.
Now, I approach races differently. I train the right way, rest and practice eating so that I have the best shot at finishing.
Jarie,
Such a valuable lesson. It is so easy to overdo it and not even realize it. I love that you learned your life, tweaked your training and are still racing. Good for you.