Lessons from My First 10 KM Race

So, I did it.  Yesterday, I ran my first 10 km race.  This was an objective that I set for myself a couple of years ago.  It originally started with the statement “when I turn 40 I’m gonna run a marathon!!!”  I’m one of those people who can easily get swept away with an idea and aim pretty high.  Nothing wrong with that in and of itself.  And yet, as I started the process of learning to run and realizing what it felt like and what I enjoyed and didn’t enjoy, I came to the conclusion that what I really wanted to do was run a decent long-distance race.  More than 3km — but not a marathon (at least not yet).  And so, I settled on running a 10 km.

Last summer I ran a 5 km, with very little training.  It was fun — and fine.  And set the stage for me to aim for this 10 km.  I’ve got to tell you though, I had a hard time getting ready for this race and learned a LOT along the way, about who I am, how I perform optimally, what I’m capable of and what I really want.  In the training process alone, I re-learned that I really do much better when I align myself with someone.  As much as I work well alone, I work better when I’ve got someone to walk the journey with me, someone to laugh with, someone to push me when I want to sell out, someone who I can push back, someone I can lean into.  I also learned that I can actually get up early — I don’t like to, I prefer to sleep in — but I can.  And I really do work better in the morning, when I just get myself out of bed!

Race day itself taught me a lot.  There’s stuff I know on a cellular level that I didn’t know quite as deeply before.  Here’s a summary of my learnings (and wherever I say “I” you can substitue “YOU”):

1. I am capable of more than my brain would sometimes have me believe.
2. Both my body and my brain, when they work together, can accomplish great things.
3. Goals don’t have to be lofty — they just have to stretch me.
4. Any goal achieved is totally worth celebrating in a big way.
5. Nothing beats the support of family and friends.
6. Whenever I feel myself hitting the wall, all I have to do is look beyond it.
7. Focusing on my breathing will always allow me to go further and do more than I realize.
8. It’s okay to slow down for a bit before I sprint all out.
9. Staying hydrated is beyond important.
10. Connecting to someone else — having a conversation — can take me away from the pain.
11. Competing with others is good — competing with myself is better.
12. It really is about completing.

That’s what I know and can articulate right now.  What I know for sure is that each of these learnings has implications for the big-picture of my life.  And, I’m really proud of what I accomplished.  I had a vision, and I did what I needed to do to make it a reality.  Two months ago, I was on the verge of giving up on this dream, putting it on the shelf until the spring.  But I didn’t — and I’m glad.  Now, to savour the success.  Thanks to all who supported me along the way.