Your Race, Your Pace, Your Progress: Lessons From My First Marathon
A while back, a friend—Rey—decided to challenge me for my 30th birthday: he signed us both up for a marathon. Even as a committed fitness trainer, I was hesitant. After all, 26.2 miles is no joke, especially with a 5-week overseas trip happening right before race day. Still, I trained hard because the goal was set and the finish line was clear.
Race day came—and it was time to perform.
The first half wasn’t perfect, but I was on track for a respectable finish. The real challenge hit in the second half, when I had to walk, pause, and will myself forward. Eventually, after hours of effort, I crossed the finish line of my first (and only) marathon. Pride? Absolutely. I’d achieved something I once thought was impossible.
Then I saw my official race results: over 1,400th place.
Suddenly, my pride evaporated. It no longer mattered that I’d committed to finishing despite obstacles. It no longer mattered that I was doing something others only dream about. All I saw were the 1,400+ people who finished ahead of me.
That’s when it hit me: I had completely robbed myself of an amazing moment—just because I measured my success against someone else’s.
And the truth is, this happens all the time in fitness.
- “I wish I could do that.”
- “I’ll never be able to do what they’re doing.”
- “Why am I not seeing results faster?”
But real progress isn’t about outperforming someone else. It’s about outlasting your excuses. It’s about challenging yourself. Every single step forward matters—and that’s the mindset I emphasize as a personal trainer.
So whatever fitness journey you’re on right now—whether it’s in the gym, working on nutrition, or simply trying to establish healthier routines—remember: it’s your race, your pace, your progress.
If you happen to be in the Dominion area and are looking for guidance, a Dominion personal trainer can help you stay focused on your goals and your progress. Don’t let outside comparisons overshadow how far you’ve come.
As Jim Rohn said:
“You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.”
Keep going. You’re doing more than you realize. And when you focus on your own growth, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
