Life Lessons: On Enduring and Pushing For A Goal

During lunch a few weeks ago, a Japanese colleague popped this question while on the discussion of health and fitness: Does any of you take up running as a form of exercise? I always am curious what long distance runners are thinking every time they run that far. Because me, after 2 kilometers, I usually end up asking myself: WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING?

That solicited a hearty laugh from the group. And most of them expressed that they can relate to our colleague. And then someone asked: Has anyone here ever tried running a marathon?

*Blush* I cleared my throat and say: I HAVE! (Then all eyes are suddenly transfixed on me. On this tiny little woman, seated quietly in the corner)

'REALLY???', a colleague blurted (to clear the silence most probably), ALL 26 MILES?

'Yes. I did. But I finished it for more than 6 hours. And it was really agonizing'

'BUT IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER HOW LONG YOU FINISHED. WHAT MATTERS IS YOU FINISHED IT. WOW, I'M BLOWN AWAY'

(that last statement wasn't really verbatim. i honestly cannot remember what the exact words were. but at this point, i was really blushing from head to toe. i am not used to that kind of attention. but i thought, now is the time for me to inspire more people to get fit)

After that rather embarrassing exchange, I went on to tell them that yes, despite months and months of training I still get to the point where I start asking myself that same question. But when you've ran 30 kilometers already, there's no point in stopping and turning back. Push a little harder to finish the remaining 12 kilometers. And that's what really makes it all the more special. That point where you start doubting if you can finish. And yet, still find the energy to finish despite of.

Or you  can also turn it all around.

Yes, the experience is agonizing. Terribly agonizing. Hunger creeps in, your muscles start to twitch and a cramp attack seems pretty imminent. Dehydration, a side stitch, lead legs, a tiny throbbing pain starts in your head signalling a developing migraine. The list can be endless.

BUT YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE OPTION TO:

- look up and see how blue the sky is. (oh it's looks like a fine day to play outdoors)
- be fascinated by how white the clouds are and how beautifully shaped they are
- look sideways, and see trees beautifully lined
- look to the other side and smile at the person running next to you (you're both healthy enough to run a race, isn't that awesome)
- pause and take a sip of your water or energy drink and acknowledge how good that actually feels

The list can be endless too.

As with life, finishing an agonizing full marathon is also a matter of perspective. Of course, the contribution of training cannot be undermined. Training  will help decide in what condition you will finish a race. But it is the heart that will give you the strength to endure the pain and exhaustion when everything else tells you it's impossible to do so.