In 2012, I ran my very first marathon and it was the majestic London Marathon.
11 years later, I have completed 18 marathons running with the latest being ironically my second London marathon.
I am never a fast runner nor many people who look at my build would think of me as a marathon runner (rather a rugby player or even a sumo fighter), but the marathon has evolved to evoke a much deeper meaning for me.
It is like any life project, a new job or a new relationship. In all you start full of energy and hope. You dressed up well for the occasion (yes even in marathon, the runners dress their best!). After the first 6 miles (or first few weeks or month in a job/relationship) you start to get this “reality check”. This is getting harder, and by half way through the marathon ( job/relationship) you start telling yourself “ what d’hell am doing here? Why am I doing this to myself? Quit or no quit?".
The second half of the marathon (job/relationship or even life itself) is about mind games; a test of real substance, grit, resilience, metal. Just like in life, when it gets tough is where the real men/women standout from the rest. It does not matter at all how you finished as long as you finish. Beginnings and midway do not matter, it is crossing the finish line and getting the medal (or whatever reward). No one remembers how messy it was, they only see 18 medals hanging on top of your office… and it proved to be inspiring for not a few people so far.
A marathon is a long-term project; you start - you grit your teeth, you suffer, you perseveres - you win
4-6 months and 26.2 miles later, your project is completed. Well done, the pain is gone and the medal will always be there!
Life is a marathon, I learned, and I coach anyone around me to use this metaphor although some have taken it literally and run a marathon, they never thought they would.
Consistency and role modelling pays off, it is just a matter of time.
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