Lessons Learned from Training for a Run

Imagine yourself getting prepared to go for a training jog. You put your headphones on and get your music ready, and BAM that music starts playing.

This is the same process that I would follow each day as I trained for my very first 10k race a few years ago. It was my first time challenging myself to do any kind of race of that caliber. I used to always use the excuse that I had asthma, or I was out of shape?? As I must realize though, one excellent quality about myself is that once I decide to do something, I will never back down from doing it.

?That first race of mine happened to be in a few April's ago which meant, for any non-runner out there, that I had to train during the chilly winter months. I always ask myself till this day, WHAT WAS I THINKING, but in all honesty, I am so glad I trained then. To better understand what it took to train, let me take you back to one of those first training sessions. Here it comes, that first warm up jog, I am about to start, and I realize I almost want to quit before I even start. That go getter attitude gets a hold of me though and I put my headphones on, plug it into my mp3 player at the time, and press play with the beats of Sandstorm by Darude starting to play. I continue into my jogging, and I keep telling myself, you can do this Nimish, you got this and as I am telling myself this, the music starts to build and continues to build. That burst of energy has really gotten a hold of me and I push through whatever doubt or exhaustion might have gotten me up till then.

As each practice came and went, especially with those in the chilly winter months, I started to realize that having the right music playlist was important. I could not just have any play with random music, for example, ones where it would start off with a BANG and then be super classical or slow right after. No, I had to make sure it kept my energy level up and going. I found myself taking the time to produce different high powered and focused playlists, until the right one came to mind.

?Ever since I was in college, I had this love for techno and trance music because I always used to love dancing to them at any party I went to. As I started to create my first playlists, I would get more pumped and motivated to keep going, because that was what I realized was my hot button to push myself harder. Of course, the only downfall was that I would get so much into the music that at times I had to stop myself from dancing because this kind of situation led me to my first running injury. As I was training one day and listening to some music from the band, Evanescence, I heard a big pop in my left right knee (sounded like the roll of a bowling ball when you throw it to the ground towards the 10 pins-) Obviously, that got me scared but there goes that never give up attitude of mine. I used that same music playlist to train properly after making sure I had no knee issues.

?As each day went on, I kept training like this with that high energy music to get me going. Suddenly, BOOM, the day of the race happens in April. I started to have those seeds of doubt that many people might face when starting anything. I was starting to get intimidated seeing some of the other racers. I realized though that the one main advantage I had for myself was the amazing energy flowing music playlist that I had that day to get through. I am glad I did, because that really helped me run my first 10k and has been the basis for many a jog or workout ever since.

Lessons Learned:

?Reflecting on my journey, here are the key lessons that not only helped me complete my first 10k but can also inspire and guide others in their own pursuits, whether they are fitness-related or in other areas of life.

?1. Excuses Are Barriers, Not Limitations:

Many people stop themselves from starting new challenges because of self-imposed excuses—whether it is lack of time, not being in shape, or other personal constraints. This lesson is about recognizing that these excuses are temporary barriers, not permanent limitations. Once you decide to push past them, you realize how much you are capable of. If you have ever told yourself, “I can’t because of X,” try reframing that mindset. Instead of focusing on the reasons you cannot, focus on what small steps you can take to move forward. The first step is often the hardest, but once you are past it, you will be surprised at how much further you can go.

2. Commitment Transforms Challenges:

Starting something new—whether it is training for a race, launching a project, or learning a skill—often feels overwhelming at first. The first discomfort can be enough to deter anyone. But this lesson is a reminder that commitment changes everything. The more committed you are, the more you will find that what once seemed like a big challenge becomes manageable, even routine. For others, this translates to staying dedicated to their goals even when it feels tough or inconvenient. Over time, the persistence pays off, and the challenge becomes an integral part of your journey. The key is to embrace the process, trusting that each day you commit is one step closer to your goal.

?3. Music is a Powerful Motivator:

Everyone has something that fuels their motivation—music, podcasts, motivational quotes, or even a support system. The important takeaway here is that you should find what works for you. For me, it was music, but for others, it could be an accountability partner, a reward system, or even visualizing their goal. The point is that external motivators can function as powerful tools to keep you on track. If you are struggling to stay consistent or motivated, look for ways to create an environment that uplifts and pushes you. For example, curate a playlist that makes you feel unstoppable, or surround yourself with things that remind you why you started. Motivation is not always internal—it can be sparked by the things around you.

?4. Balance Motivation with Caution:

While motivation is crucial, this lesson is about understanding the importance of balance. It is easy to get swept up in excitement when you are pushing toward a goal, but you must listen to your body and mind to avoid burnout or injury. For others, this lesson is a reminder that overworking yourself—whether physically, mentally, or emotionally—can lead to setbacks. It is important to ensure that you pace yourself, take rest days, and know when to step back to recharge. This does not just apply to physical endeavors like running but can be applied to any goal. Whether you are working on a business, a career, or self-improvement, remember to balance ambition with self-care. Sometimes, the smartest way to move forward is by pausing to recover.

?5. Mental Strength is Key:

One of the biggest takeaways from my journey is that success is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. For others, this lesson can be life changing. Your mindset can be the difference between giving up and pushing through. Mental strength is not always about being positive or feeling confident; it is about resilience—learning how to manage self-doubt, overcome obstacles, and stay focused on your long-term vision. Others can apply this by developing strategies to strengthen their mental toughness, whether through mindfulness, affirmation, or simply practicing perseverance in smaller, everyday challenges. Remember, every time you push through a difficult moment, you are building mental muscles to tackle even bigger challenges ahead.

?6. Consistency Pays Off:

We live in a world that often values instant gratification, but real progress, whether in fitness, career, or personal growth—comes from consistent effort over time. For others, this lesson is a reminder that results are not immediate, but that does not mean they are not happening. Every day you show up, you are laying the foundation for success, even if the changes seem small. Consistency is not about perfection; it is about persistence. If you keep taking steps toward your goal, no matter how small, you will eventually get there. This lesson encourages others to focus on building sustainable habits rather than expecting quick results. In the end, those small, steady efforts compound into significant achievements.

In the end, the journey to my first 10k was not just about crossing the finish line- it was about discovering what I am capable of when I push beyond excuses and commit to a goal. The lessons I learned do not just apply to running but to any challenge we face in life. The road may not always be easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort.