Life has a funny way of sneaking in teachable moments when you least expect them. This past weekend, I learned some profound truths during a 21-kilometer walk—taken just four hours after a late night out. Yes, you read that right. Fuelled by post-party confidence and the kind of logic that only surfaces after midnight, my partner and I decided we’d tackle a half marathon the next morning.
By 6:00 AM, we were out the door, tracking our route with an app, determined to clock the full 21 kilometres. The first few kilometres felt good, even fun. But as we approached kilometre 18, the effects of the night before hit hard. Sore legs, tired minds, and— surprise! — a rebellious stomach that made each step feel like a test of willpower.
And yet, we kept walking. That seemingly impulsive challenge turned into one of the most memorable experiences of my life, filled with laughter, discomfort, and clarity. Here are ten lessons from that unforgettable journey:
1. Start Before You’re Ready
We weren’t prepared—no training, no sleep, no strategic hydration. But we started. How often in life do we delay taking action because we feel underprepared? Here’s the truth: readiness is a myth. Starting imperfectly is better than not starting at all.
2. Commit to the Goal
The moment we stepped out of the house, there was no turning back. Our goal was clear: 21 kilometres, no excuses. In business and life, clarity and commitment to a goal simplify decision-making. With no room for second-guessing, all that’s left is to keep moving forward.
3. Learn to Laugh Through the Pain
Picture this: aching legs, heavy heads, and a stomach that seemed determined to outcompete my legs for "Most Annoying Problem." What did we do? We laughed—at the situation, at ourselves, and at the absurdity of it all. Humour helped us push through when things got tough. The same goes for business: laughter isn’t just a coping mechanism; it’s a strategy for resilience.
4. Break Big Goals into Small Wins
By kilometre 18, the idea of walking 3 more kilometres felt overwhelming. So we stopped thinking about the end and focused on the next step, the next lamppost, the next hill. Big goals are less daunting when you break them into small, achievable steps.
5. Pain Isn’t a Signal to Stop
Every step after kilometre 18 was uncomfortable. But here’s the thing: sitting down wouldn’t make the soreness go away. It would just delay the finish. In life, discomfort isn’t always a reason to stop. Sometimes, it’s proof you’re on the right path. Keep going; the relief will come at the end.
6. Your Mind is Your Greatest Ally
When my stomach ache hit its peak, it became a battle between my body and my mind. My legs, stomach, and head all screamed, “Stop!” But my mind pushed back: “You’ve come this far—you can finish.” That mindset got me through. In business, the same principle applies. Your circumstances might challenge you, but your mental strength will keep you in the game.
7. Celebrate Your Progress Along the Way
Each time the tracking app announced another kilometre, we gave ourselves a high five. Those small moments of recognition kept us motivated. In business and life, celebrating milestones—even the small ones—fuels your drive to keep going.
8. Surround Yourself with the Right People
Having my partner by my side was invaluable. We encouraged each other, laughed together, and pushed through the tough moments as a team. In life and business, the people around you can either drain you or inspire you. Choose wisely.
9. Stick to the Plan
Our route was straightforward: walk 10.98 kilometres out, turn around, and come back. No improvisation, no shortcuts. Having a clear plan kept us focused and avoided unnecessary distractions. Similarly, in business, sticking to a well-thought-out strategy often saves you from wasted energy and keeps you aligned with your goals.
10. Endings Are Better When You’ve Earned Them
There’s nothing quite like collapsing on the couch after finishing a gruelling 21 kilometres. That rest felt earned, and it was deeply satisfying. In life, the most rewarding achievements are the ones you work hard for. Sure, shortcuts might save time, but they rob you of the pride and fulfilment that comes from earning your success.
Final Thoughts
Walking a half marathon after a party might not sound like a recipe for success, but it was an unforgettable experience. It taught me about persistence, the value of a clear goal, and the power of mindset. Most importantly, it reminded me that discomfort is temporary, but the lessons and memories last a lifetime.
So, here’s a thought: Who’s up for joining us on our next half marathon walk? We’ll gladly arrange another Saturday morning walk, complete with the prerequisite party the night before—just to keep it interesting. If you’re in, let us know in the comments. Let’s create some crazy, memorable lessons together!
