What I Learnt from Marathon Training ?
When I started marathon training I was not able to run for 15 minutes. I trained for 5 months and completed running Silicon Valley full marathon. Following are some of the lessons that I learnt.
Try before saying no : Our immediate response when we have a new challenge is to say no. We think that if we have not done it before we would fail. This is not always right. When we give up before trying we close ourselves to number of opportunities. Before saying no, say "I'll try". Try for few days and learn from it. Now you will be able to make an informed and a better decision.
It's not about you, it's about your discipline : When we have new challenges, our immediate question is whether we can do it ? A better question would be, " Do I have the discipline to achieve what I want ?". Marathon training needs immense discipline for few months. Most of the goals can be achieved with discipline and perseverance. We have what is required to achieve, but we need the discipline and perseverance.
Incremental progress leads to final destination : We underestimate the baby steps required initially to achieve the goal. When we started marathon training, first week we started with one mile. Gradually every week we increased by a mile. In less than 5 months this helped us to run the complete marathon. Have a plan with incremental progress and execute the plan.
Know your goal & have a timeline : Our goal was clear. Run full marathon in five months. Goal needs to be MT, measurable and time bound. If the goal is crystal clear, it's easy to achieve. Goal also needs to be challenging and inspiring.
Do it with the right people : I trained with an amazing people who shared my interests and passion for running. We encouraged each other during the training. Surround yourself with people who share your interest and passion. When you do it with the right people, they help you achieve your goal.
Have fun while pursuing your goal : Every weekend my marathon team members met and we ran together. It was fun. We had a good time running together. When you don't like what you are doing, it's hard to sustain it for a long time.
Journey is as important as achieving the goal. If you are not enjoying the journey ask yourself if the goal is worth pursuing.
Try before saying no : Our immediate response when we have a new challenge is to say no. We think that if we have not done it before we would fail. This is not always right. When we give up before trying we close ourselves to number of opportunities. Before saying no, say "I'll try". Try for few days and learn from it. Now you will be able to make an informed and a better decision.
It's not about you, it's about your discipline : When we have new challenges, our immediate question is whether we can do it ? A better question would be, " Do I have the discipline to achieve what I want ?". Marathon training needs immense discipline for few months. Most of the goals can be achieved with discipline and perseverance. We have what is required to achieve, but we need the discipline and perseverance.
Incremental progress leads to final destination : We underestimate the baby steps required initially to achieve the goal. When we started marathon training, first week we started with one mile. Gradually every week we increased by a mile. In less than 5 months this helped us to run the complete marathon. Have a plan with incremental progress and execute the plan.
Know your goal & have a timeline : Our goal was clear. Run full marathon in five months. Goal needs to be MT, measurable and time bound. If the goal is crystal clear, it's easy to achieve. Goal also needs to be challenging and inspiring.
Do it with the right people : I trained with an amazing people who shared my interests and passion for running. We encouraged each other during the training. Surround yourself with people who share your interest and passion. When you do it with the right people, they help you achieve your goal.
Have fun while pursuing your goal : Every weekend my marathon team members met and we ran together. It was fun. We had a good time running together. When you don't like what you are doing, it's hard to sustain it for a long time.
Journey is as important as achieving the goal. If you are not enjoying the journey ask yourself if the goal is worth pursuing.
Excellent post, Ashok. I completely agree with your analysis regarding the marathon training.
ReplyDeleteThe comments made goes beyond the marathon training. The simple words and knowing you personally .. inspires me to check if I can achieve the same
ReplyDeleteGreat Job ashok with starting this Blog. :)
ReplyDeleteNeed more such posts from you.