avatarDrthefit | Ankita

Summary

After running her first 5K, the author reflects on the valuable lessons learned about running, self-improvement, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of purpose, self-trust, and incremental progress.

Abstract

The author shares insights gained from the personal challenge of running a 5K, a goal set at the beginning of the year. Despite initial fears and a lack of running experience, the author completed the race within 45 minutes, marking a significant achievement in their fitness journey that began in 2020. Through consistent running over 60 days, covering over 30 miles across 15 runs, the author distills their experience into six key lessons: defining the purpose of each run, focusing on gains rather than losses, celebrating small victories, pacing oneself, and trusting in oneself. The journey underscores the importance of self-care, personal development, and the continuous pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, inviting readers to subscribe to a newsletter and download a free e-book for further inspiration.

Opinions

  • Running is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, with fear of failure being a common obstacle that can be overcome by focusing on the purpose of the run.
  • The author believes in the power of incremental progress, celebrating each achievement as a stepping stone to greater goals.
  • Success in running and fitness is not solely about speed or finishing first; it's about setting personal goals, pacing oneself, and enjoying the process.
  • Self-trust is crucial for building confidence, making decisions, and reducing stress, id></p>
  • The author emphasizes the importance of a lifelong commitment to health and fitness, suggesting that it's about finding what works for the individual and what brings joy and satisfaction to their journey.
  • The author encourages readers to embrace self-improvement with boldness, courage, and a respectful approach to their unique path.

6 Things I learned After Running My First 5K

“It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you’re going. If you’re putting on your shoes and going out for a run, you are a runner, you are in that club.”— Kara Goucher

Photo by Bewakoof.com Official on Unsplash

When this year started I made a commitment to run 5K within 45 minutes. It was an ambitious goal for me at least because I am not a runner ( not yet! ). Other thing is I didn’t know anything about running in the first place.

I started my fitness journey in 2020 and since then it’s being quite a journey. Learning so much about food, nutrition, the importance of habits, gratitude and how to become better than yesterday. I read 100s of self help book many blogs articles on health and fitness.

During every run I had fear- fear of failure. But during my guided runs, I learned one important thing: “Don’t let fear control the outcome”.

Such cliché advice, right? But you know, it works every damn time.

My Author

“The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.” — Juma Inkangaa

I still get amazed that every day I learn something new and excited. This is kind of becoming my motivational factor to discover challenging yet exciting lessons.

In the last 60 days, I have run over 15 times, 30+ miles. This is my 5th attempt and last I got close to 58 minutes.

During these runs I learned:

1- Every run has a purpose. Define your purpose and why you are doing this. You just relax and let your purpose drive you.

2- Run to gain something not to lose a thing. If you want to lose weight, run to gain fitness and health. You’re want to reduce from stress, run to gain peace etc.

3- Think how far you have come. Every meter, every step, every 1K counts in your run. Focus on how far you have come instead how far you have to go.

4- Celebrate every lap. Celebrate every lap and let it help you to complete the next lap. Every lap is itself a finish line.

5- Fast is not always better. Sometimes you need to start slow and keep the energy for the toughest lap. Fat doesn’t mean you are strong and can finish early.

6- Trusting yourself. It can build up your confidence, make it easier for you to make decisions, and reduce your stress levels.

There’s no one more important to trust than yourself. Sometimes we lose trust in ourselves after we make a mistake or after someone criticizes us harshly or constantly.

My running journey will never be a finished chapter. Your body changes everyday & it’s a life long commitment to a healthy lifestyle. It’s just finding what works for you at that moment & what makes you happy.

I hope you guys liked reading my fitness journey as much as I have enjoyed sharing it.

Fall in love taking care of yourself.

Fall in love with becoming the best version of yourself with patience, with compassion and respect to your own journey.

Be Bold

Be Courageous

Be Your Best

Subscribe to my weekly (free) newsletter about health, personal development and well-being here https://drthefit.substack.com/

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Read more on fitness and health:

Health
Fitness
Self Improvement
Productivity
Running
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