I Hate to Run; I Love to Run: 5 Lessons Learned from Embracing Tough Challenges
Crossing the finish line at the Under Armour Eastside 10K on September 18, 2022
"Running teaches us to keep moving forward, one step at a time, especially in the most challenging moments."
~ Kurtis Graham
I've always had a strong aversion to running. The sensation of burning lungs and the strain on my body never appealed to me. Consequently, I spent most of my life avoiding activities that required sustained running. However, close to three years ago, while still living in Vancouver, I noticed avid runners outdoors and envied their ability to seemingly be at one with nature while pushing themselves. I imagined the meditative state they achieved.
As an adult, I believed my physical limitations would forever prevent me from running. I have one leg shorter than the other, resulting in an uncontrolled swaying gait. Nevertheless, the call of the outdoors and the desire to challenge myself both physically and mentally became irresistible. One day, I made the decision to give running a try.
I had procrastinated long enough, and I was determined to stick with running until I became proficient at it. My goal was to sustain a jog for a full 5 kilometers without stopping. On my first attempt, I barely made it 1.5 blocks before needing to walk. I maintained this pattern until I reached the park about 1 kilometer away, then walked back. Over the following months, I gradually built up my endurance.
What I discovered was that I didn't always enjoy the act of running itself, but I felt incredible afterward. Occasionally, I found myself in a meditative state while running, allowing me to savour the moment. However, the real enjoyment came from witnessing my personal growth: my ability to push through discomfort, run longer distances, set new goals, and become progressively stronger.
Once I consistently achieved my 5-kilometer distance, I mentioned to my wife that I wanted to participate in a 5K race. Her response was skeptical; she thought I was being too easy on myself since I was already running that distance regularly. She was right. So, last summer, while visiting family in the Toronto area, I stumbled upon a 10K race scheduled for September in Vancouver. Without a second thought, I signed up.
Now, I was venturing into uncharted territory. I had only recently reached my 5-kilometer goal, and now I was doubling it, all within less than two months. It's funny how setting bigger goals can expand your creative capacity to achieve them. I quickly adapted by making 5 kilometers my midpoint and began extending my running distances. I dug into research on training routines, incorporating hill training, track sprinting, and various exercises to prepare myself. By the time the 10-kilometer race arrived, I had already covered that distance twice in my training, so I felt confident, but racing alongside hundreds of others added a new dimension.
Completing the Under Armour East Side 10k filled me with pride. I realized that anything worth pursuing comes with sacrifices. Achieving significant goals demands hard work, rigorous training, and the willingness to face the risk of failure. A week before the race, I lost my job, and though I contemplated withdrawing, I used it as extra motivation to push forward.
Tackling Ambitious Goals is Worth It
If you're apprehensive about tackling ambitious goals, projects, or activities, consider the following:
Expect Initial Difficulty: Understand that it will be challenging at first, and you may not excel immediately. Feeling awkward or looking inexperienced is part of the learning process. Perseverance will eventually pay off.
Prepare for Plateaus: You will encounter plateaus where progress seems stagnant. When this happens, ask yourself what larger goal you can set to break through that plateau.
Seek Expert Guidance: Don't go it alone. In any pursuit, whether professional or personal, learning from experts and utilizing available resources can accelerate your progress.
Find Joy in the Journey: The real reward lies in the pursuit and the personal growth it brings. Embrace the challenges and creativity required to reach your goals.
Keep Moving Forward: Don't stop once you achieve your goal. Utilize your momentum and newfound growth to fuel your next endeavor.
Getting Ready to Lace Up Again
As I near full recovery from my recent surgery, I eagerly anticipate lacing up my running shoes once again. The lessons I gleaned from challenging myself to run and completing the 10k continue to hold immense value. Now, with Leadership In Focus, I find myself in a different type of race – the journey of starting a business, demonstrating the value of what we do, and navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship. This new venture presents its own set of challenges and rewards. Much like my running journey, I'm determined to embrace each obstacle and cherish the lessons learned along the way.
Closing Thoughts:
"In running and leadership, consistency and determination are the keys to success. Keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles."
~ Unknown
In life, we are constantly presented with opportunities to challenge ourselves, to push beyond our comfort zones, and to discover our true potential. Whether it's conquering a 10-kilometer race, mastering a new skill, or embarking on a business venture, the essence of growth lies in our ability to persevere, adapt, and keep moving forward.
So, as I continue to pursue my goals and strive for personal and professional growth, I encourage you to do the same. Embrace challenges, set ambitious goals, seek guidance, and never lose sight of the journey's intrinsic value. Remember, it's not just about reaching the finish line; it's about the transformation that occurs along the way.
As I look ahead to the future, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that await. With each step, I am committed to pushing my limits, embracing the unknown, and discovering the incredible potential that lies within us all. I hope you'll join me on this journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Together, we can achieve remarkable things and inspire others to do the same.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK:
As you navigate the remainder of your week, take a moment to ponder how you can get yourself of that current rut, whether it's in your personal or professional life. We offer you three actionable steps to reignite your growth journey:
Kick Start that Long-Delayed Project: Select a project or activity that you've been procrastinating on and dive in. Embrace the initial discomfort, knowing that the lessons and personal growth will make it all worthwhile.
Challenge Your Plateau: Reflect on your progress and ask yourself if you've hit a plateau. If so, set new "big hairy audacious goals" that excite and terrify you simultaneously. Choose the one that stirs the most fear and excitement and take the first step toward making it a reality.
Rediscover the Joy: Perhaps you're knee-deep in a challenging project or activity, and the joy seems elusive. Take a moment to journal and reflect on how this initiative has contributed to your personal growth. Celebrate your victories and list at least five things you're grateful for in this pursuit.
Remember, action is the catalyst for change. By taking these steps, you're not only embracing personal growth but also propelling yourself toward new undiscovered possibilities.
