Lessons Learnt From Running a Marathon

Running a marathon is putting yourself in the extreme conditions. I ran and successfully completed Ladakh Marathon (42.2Kms), It is held at a height of 11,500 to 17,618 feet which is the highest and amongst the toughest marathon in the world. Unlike other marathons, the Ladakh Marathon requires participants to arrive in Leh at least a week in advance to acclimatize for race day.

I have penned down few of my experiences and learning while preparing and running marathons!

#Learning 1: Discipline and Dedication: Long Distance Running is an individual sport, as runners run on their own. That’s why runners must have tremendous desire, determination, dedication, discipline and mental toughness. They set their own goals and prepare.

#Bill Rodgers, winner of four Boston and four New York Marathons, said, “To be a consistent winner means preparing not just one day, one month, or even one year — but for a lifetime.”

#Learning 2: You’re capable of more than you think you are: Marathon is not run by a body, its run by a mind. Most of the runners compete against the little voice inside us that grows loud and says, STOP. You must develop a rationale so powerful, a determination so strong, that it will enable your mind to overcome the vigorous protests of your body.

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start” #John Bingham

#Learning 3: Strategy: Strategy is the most important thing while running a marathon. Every runner prepares their own pre & post marathon strategies. I generally use to take the printout of my Pacing strategy and tie it as a wrist band.

#Learning 4: Setbacks are part of life: Start embracing obstacles and never stop when the roads get bumpy. Initially, when I started running, first thing that I use to study was the course/route map of marathon, to see the total elevation, but with the time I realized no matter how difficult the uphill is but certainly downhill will come.

#Kipchoge says, “The best lesson an athlete can learn from failing is that failing is not suicide”

#Learning 5: Journey is easy when you enjoy it: When I first started running, I used to think: my goodness when is this going to stop! Then gradually I started getting used to it and I started enjoying moving in a pace faster than walking.  Other times I will set a goal of longer distance or faster pace and once I reach it, the feeling is indescribable. Reaching goals and beating your own record is so fulfilling. It allows me to challenge myself both psychologically and physically.

#Learning 6: Pain is temporary, but pride is forever: The blood, sweat, and tears shed from your amazing triumphs will eventually fade, while your pride and glory from such feats will last forever.

Jullay

#LadhakMarathon #Lifelessons #Learnings #Marathon