Enduring Struggles: Reflections from my toughest 10K run over the weekend

Earlier this year, I had signed up for a 10K run this weekend. I have been running consistently over the last two years and was looking forward to participating in the event as this was one of the big events post the peak summers. For those unfamiliar, Delhi’s weather right now is far from ideal for running — monsoon rains are delayed, and the humidity is at its peak.

I had planned this race well in advance, hoping the weather would be more forgiving. But as race day arrived, it became clear that this would be a battle.

By the 2nd kilometer, I knew that running in such conditions would be a real challenge. I had to slow down several times, but I kept pushing forward with the sole goal of crossing the finish line. Though I managed to complete the race within the allotted time, my pace was significantly slower than in previous 10K events. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment at the finishing line.

On the drive back home, I found myself reflecting on the experience. Despite the difficulties, I was filled with a sense of satisfaction for not giving up. Completing the run, even in unfavorable conditions, made me feel stronger and more resilient — qualities that are crucial when facing tough situations at work.

As I thought more about it, I began to draw parallels between this race and challenging times in the workplace. Here’s how I would summarize the learnings from this run and tough times at work:

1. Your Input Won’t Always Define the Output: You can give your absolute best, but the results might still fall short of your expectations. Outcomes are influenced by various factors, some of which are beyond your control. The key is to focus on what you can control and give your best effort, knowing that some days, despite your best efforts, you might not achieve exactly what you set out for.

2. Stop Worrying About Uncontrollable Factors: There will always be elements outside of your control when working toward a goal. Don’t let these factors discourage you. Instead, stay focused on what you can influence and keep moving forward. The important thing is to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

3. Celebrate Every Milestone: It’s crucial to recognize and celebrate your achievements, even the small ones, especially during tough times. Don’t compare your current situation to past successes — each phase of life brings its own challenges. Instead, be grateful for what you’ve accomplished and trust that you’ll adapt and grow stronger with each new experience.

4. Tough Times Don’t Last, but Tough People Do: Facing difficulties helps build a stronger version of yourself. When you emerge from tough situations, you’ll realize just how prepared you are for the bigger challenges that lie ahead.

5. Humility in hardship: In our daily lives, it’s easy to become overconfident, thinking we can handle anything that comes our way. But tough times have a way of reminding us that we aren’t in control of everything. These moments ground us, making us more humble and appreciative of what we have.

Life, much like running, is about perseverance. There will be days when the conditions aren’t in your favor, and everything feels harder than it should. But it’s on these days that you build the strength and resilience to face whatever comes next. So, the next time you find yourself struggling, whether on the track or at work, remember that getting through it is what truly counts.