Eight Life Lessons Gained From Running Half a Marathon for the First

Time

By Lusako Raphael

CEO Tansheq LimitedJuly 2014

I wasn’t a couch potato. I used to workout for about 30 minutes in “most” mornings. I decided to stretch my limits. I ran Bagamoyo Historical Marathon and did 21 kilometers in about 2h30m. The

experience made me sum up nine practical lessons which I correlated to our daily life struggles

Lesson 1: Everything Starts with a Goal

I was a bit nervous, it was the first time. I set a realistic target of finishing within 2 ½ hours. 7 minutes per kilometers. Not easy, but doable

Quote I: Life becomes meaningful once you figure what you want from it, spiritually, professionally, financially, etc.

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. stretched it by saying

Quote II: It is good to find something to live for. But, if you haven’t found something to die for, you haven’t lived yet.

Lesson 2: Goal Without a Plan is a Dream

Time was limited. Just three weeks for preparations. I almost gave up.

I did some research and realized I should focus on core strength. A two-week core training programme could achieve this feat.

Quote: Others have been there and done that. Learn from their successes. But most importantly learn from their mistakes. Life is too short to make all the mistakes and learn from them (unknown)

Lesson 3: Everyone is Different Don’t Copy Their Game Plan

For about first ten minutes, I tried to keep up with fitter runners. I almost collapsed and risk everything. “Usiige kunya kwa tembo. Stick to your game plan” I told myself

Quote I: Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others (Galatians 6:4)

Quote II: When you run the marathon, you run against the distance, not against the other runners and not against the time (Haile Gebrselassie)

Quote III: Run your own race because there is no competition in destiny. Everyone has their unique portion

Lesson 4: Encourage Others

In marathons, just as in life, there is a room for each to achieve our goals.

As the race advanced, I found runners who were of relatively same fitness level as me. I dared not leave them as I needed their encouragement, and I also knew they needed my support as well.

Quote I: We are living in a bountiful World; we can all get what we want if we try (unknown)

Quote II: If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together (African Proverb)

Lesson 5: Use Right Tools

Bad choice of clothing caused some serious chafes. My feet were badly blistered from poor selection of shoes and socks.

Quote: If you want to achieve a huge feat, leverage on right tools it will make achievement of your goal a lot easier

Lesson 6: There is Always a Downhill at the End of an Uphill and Vice Versa

As I struggled to climb, I persevered and hope to recuperate on a descent.

On a downhill I conserved energy since an ascend will definitely come

Quote I: Bad times don’t last forever, persevere and prepare for the worst during good times (unknown).

Quote II: Maisha ni mlima kuna kupanda na kushuka (Lady Issa - Tama-Iliwuwa Fisi)

Lesson 7: Eliminate all Options for Retreat

If I had some money, I would given up and hire a ride back.

Quote: When the race gets hard to run, it means you just can’t make a pace. Bob Marley

My wife thought I was crazy to even contemplate it

Some were like ”What’s all the fuss about? It’s only 21 kilometers and you did it in over two hour".

Quote: Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” (Paulo Coelho)

Lesson 8: Other People’s Opinions Don't Matter, Even of Those Closer to You

Next day, I was sore. Mundane activities became a struggle. I had pain from muscles I didn't know existed.BUT, I had a huge sense of accomplishment which lasted longer after the bodily pain subsided

Lesson 9: The Harder The Battle, The Sweeter the Victory