5 Ways Half Marathon Training Reinforced My Professional Mindset

After four months of training and 210 miles, I accomplished a major personal milestone by completing my first half marathon – the Nashville Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon. The experience of preparing for and racing 13.1 miles was undoubtedly one of the most challenging endeavors I have undertaken, but it was also immensely rewarding. The long hours spent on the pavement afforded me miles of self-reflection. As someone whose work centered around workforce-related issues, I found myself contemplating my connection to work and had several lessons emerge.?

Here are 5 lessons I learned:?

Imposter Syndrome is Real, But Don't Let it Win

Despite having previously participated in organized runs, I struggled to embrace the identity of being a "real runner." I'm not that fast, and I don't look like many of the runners on social media or in my running group. But then I'd look down at my race medals, my Garmin watch, and cabinet of electrolytes and running gels and say, "Wait, no... I AM a runner!" It took actively telling myself that to believe it. Isn't it silly how that self-doubt can creep in, even with something as simple as running?

Find Your People

I'm a total extrovert, so I knew solo training for long runs would be tough. Joining a run club was key – having friends to keep me accountable, share tips, and chat with on those double-digit mile days? Game changer. The days that meant the most were the hard training days or days I didn't want to show up, and someone would say, "Thank you for staying with me." There's nothing like realizing you're not just showing up for yourself but for your team too.

A Habit Isn't Always Easy

Sure, running becomes a habit after a month or so. But that did not make it easy! There were still mornings I wanted to sleep in and nights I just wanted to scroll TikTok and watch terrible reality TV shows. But having a plan and discipline made showing up easier, even when I didn't feel like it.

Slow Down, But Don't Stop

I learned on those long-distance runs that if you completely stop for too long, you start feeling every little ache and pain. But if you just slowed the pace, you could keep on going. That became such a powerful and painful lesson - as long as you're making forward progress, that's what matters most.

You're on Pace

I'm an average runner, so when I was signing up for the training, imposter syndrome kicked in, and I thought, "What if I’m too slow, what if I fall way behind and everyone just zooms past me?" But you know what – more people were going at my pace than I realized. That pace also looks different for everyone, for some it may be slowing down and for others, it’s trying to get faster. It’s incredibly important not to compare ourselves to where others are and to set goals that work and feel good to us.

Training for the half marathon was as much a mental challenge as a physical one. I am taking the lessons on self-belief, community, discipline, and persistence to the next move in my career.

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