The Mental Side of Running a Half Marathon (How I Unlearned These 13.1 Things)
A few weekends ago I completed my first half marathon race since the pandemic literally clamped down on running events in early 2020. As I reflect on the experience, there are a number of lessons that stand out. In this blog post, I share some of the key takeaways that I learned from running the 13.1 miles. Whether you're just getting started with running, you're looking for ways to improve your performance, or you’re striving to overcome common limiting beliefs that often hinder our performance in a race (and, in the workplace), these tips will help you work smarter and faster in your next endeavor. Thanks for reading!
First Mile – I need to control as many of the race details as possible
I let go of my anxiety around being a control freak and being a perfectionist. I learned that sometimes things happen beyond my control, and I must accept them and move forward. I grew in self-awareness.
Mile 2 – I’m not sure I can achieve my finish time goal
I overcame my need to know everything about a plan and the ultimate outcome. I learned that it’s okay to have some doubts if I still move forward with my plan anyway. I gained confidence.
Mile 3 – Using the first few miles of the race as a warmup wastes time
My doubts faded around my training plan strategy to use the first few miles as a warmup to the race. I learned that pushing myself outside of my comfort zone can lead to amazing results. I increased my trust in myself.
Mile 4 – What if it rains on race day?
It was tough to determine running gear, as the weather forecast was predicting very cold and rainy days leading up to the race. I learned that no matter how prepared you are, there will always be surprises. Race morning was cooler than usual; however, the Sun peeked out around Mile 4 with no rain in sight. I embraced my serenity.
Mile 5 – Do I have enough energy to keep going?
As my legs started to feel the pace of my running, I wondered whether I had it in me to muster a quicker pace. I learned that focusing on my game plan and the current moment can propel my performance beyond my expectations. I performed better than I thought I would at this stage in the race.
Mile 6 – I’m not a “runner”
Several runners, both younger and older than me, continued to pass me up, making me feel like I’m not cut out to be a runner at my age. I learned that I could overcome my doubts about who I am and who I am not. I punched imposter syndrome in the face at mile 6 and continued to pick up my pace.
Mile 7 – What if I fail to finish?
As I accelerated my stride down the gravel-laden hiking trail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, I thought I would fall and twist an ankle and not be able to finish the race. I learned to trust my training in my strength and balance and found a way to push through distracting doubts of what the future may hold. I reinforced my focus on the present moment, did not fall, and began to realize that I’d passed the half-way point of the race.
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right.”
— Henry Ford
Mile 8 – I should’ve eaten more Gu packets
After chugging a Dixie cup of electrolyte energy drink at the nutrition station, I felt that perhaps my one Gu packet I ate back at mile 5 may not carry me through my second Gu point coming up at mile 10, as I had planned in my training sessions. I learned that sticking to a well-informed and proven strategy has a high probability of attaining the desired outcomes. I didn’t choke or cramp up, as I started to gain a longer stride and began passing other runners.
Mile 9 – I don’t know if I’m ever going to do this again
Again, I began to question my capabilities to finish this race and question why I would ever think of planning to run a full marathon, or two, next year. I ignored those distracting questions of self-doubt. I visualized what success looked like.
Mile 10 – This ache in my left foot is going to kill me
My legs were worn, and my left ankle began to feel like it was just hit by a wrecking ball. I pushed through the pain, and it eventually faded. I learned that my body is stronger and more resilient than I ever thought possible. I appreciated my fortitude.
Mile 11 – Something is going to go wrong
Although the finish was near, fear of something going wrong and not being able to complete the race continued to pop up in my mind. I learned that I have a lot of mental and physical toughness. I applauded all the small habits I built during my many months of training for this race.
Mile 12 – I’ve done marathons, so a half-marathon is no big deal
Resting on the laurels of my past accomplishments made me too proud to see the true value of my current performance. I realized that finishing a half marathon is an amazing accomplishment, and one that I’m very proud of. I celebrated my humility.
Mile 13 – At this point, pushing myself to go faster will not happen
The weight of the miles behind me made me believe that I can’t possibly go any faster, especially at this last mile. I learned that I could push myself harder than I thought. I believed in myself.
Mile Thirteen Point One – Why did I run this race?
As Lao Tzu put it so succinctly, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” I learned that running, not unlike life, is not only about finishing the race, but also enjoying the process and the journey. I celebrated life.
These are the things that I unlearned in my half marathon race. To unlearn effectively, we must be open-minded and curious. We must also have the courage to experiment with new methods, even if they seem unorthodox or untested. When it comes to business growth, unlearning is essential for scaling our best work.
If you want your team to achieve more in 2023 and beyond, contact us today for a free strategy session. Our experience and science-based coaching approach will help you identify opportunities for unleashing your team’s potential. Our mission is to support you in being your best self and doing your best work, as often as possible, now and in the future.
Golden Point Executives specializes in empowering leaders and teams with growth and future-ready mindsets that push them to higher performance levels and increased business growth potential.