Months ago, Friends “invited” Frida and I to do a race. There were three options, 15K, 20 miles, or Ultra-Marathon. I’ve done Broad Street Run a handful of times, and the 20-mile race scared me. So I went with the 20-mile race…
There were so many aspects of the race that made it a fulfilling weekend. From eating bolognese the night before with friends, having the pre-race jitters, to finishing the race and feeling the soreness in my legs for days after. It all enhanced my view of the world, and at your breaking point you find out who you are!
1. The Strength of My Mental Resilience
The first thing that struck me was how much of the race was a mental battle. The physical challenge was undeniable, and yet it was my mind that kept me going through the toughest parts. When the terrain got rough, and my legs started to scream, it was the determination to push through that carried me forward. I learned that my mental resilience is stronger than I ever realized. Every step was a reminder that the mind is capable of pushing the body further than it thinks it can go.
2. The Power of Preparation and Strategy
Preparation is everything. I realized how crucial it was to plan for every aspect of the race, from nutrition to pacing. My preparation gave me confidence. I discovered that being strategic in my approach was not just about physical readiness, but about knowing myself—my strengths, my limits, and how to navigate them.
3. Embracing Discomfort as a Path to Growth
Trail running isn’t comfortable. The terrain is uneven, the climbs are steep, and there’s always a point where every fiber of your being is begging you to stop. And I learned to embrace the discomfort. Instead of resisting it, I accepted it as part of the journey. I discovered that pushing through discomfort not only makes you stronger physically and also sharpens your mental toughness. Each mile beyond my comfort zone was a step towards personal growth.
4. The Importance of Patience and Pacing
Rushing ahead in the early miles might give you a temporary lead, but it can also lead to burnout. I learned the value of patience. The trail taught me to respect the distance and to pace myself. There’s a rhythm to long-distance running that, when embraced, can make the difference between finishing strong and struggling to complete the race. This lesson in patience has translated beyond running, reminding me that life’s journeys are often more marathon than sprint.
5. The Joy of Community and Shared Experience
Though running can often feel solitary, this race reminded me of the strength found in community. There were moments where encouragement from a fellow runner made all the difference. The shared experience of struggle and triumph created bonds, even if fleeting, that were meaningful. I learned that even in an individual sport, the sense of belonging to a community is powerful. We’re all in it together, and that makes the journey more rewarding.
6. My Capacity for Perseverance
As the miles added up and fatigue set in, I learned just how deep my well of perseverance runs. There were times I wanted to stop, to walk, to call it quits. And each time, I dug a little deeper and found the resolve to keep going. It wasn’t just about finishing the race; it was about proving to myself that I could persevere, no matter how tough the challenge. The race became a testament to my ability to endure, and that lesson is something I carry with me beyond the trail.
7. The Profound Sense of Achievement
Crossing the finish line of a 20-mile trail race is a moment that’s hard to describe. It’s a mix of exhaustion, relief, and overwhelming pride. I learned that the feeling of accomplishing something difficult is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It’s a reminder that I am capable of more than I often give myself credit for, and that the journey—every grueling mile of it—is what makes the achievement so sweet.
All in all…
Completing a 20-mile trail race was about so much more than just running. It was a journey of self-discovery, where I learned about my mental toughness, the value of preparation, and the importance of perseverance. The lessons I took away from the race have not only made me a better runner but also a stronger person. It’s an experience that pushed my limits and showed me what I’m truly capable of, both on and off the trail.