What Have I learned in My Last Marathon Training!

Last weekend, I had the most magnificent time competing at the Ooredoo Qatar Marathon race for the start of this year. I had the honor of racing with my brother Karam Hariri.

At first, I had a plan to finish the race sub 2 hours and that’s exactly what happened, but that’s not just what I had experienced through the entire course.

I had taken 12 weeks before that moment to prepare for the race like most athletes would do if not the entire year! I had enjoyed my morning runs. I had even bragged about it to family and friends.

On race day, I was ready or like how some may call it “je suis prêt”. It was time and I gave it all I have.

What made the memory even more enjoyable, however, is the experience itself. Throughout the entire race, the weather was extremely good, especially with the rains. While some may not see it as an advantage, I had the best time ever.

I also loved seeing a lot of folks with disabilities joining. I had seen someone blind and a few in a wheelchair doing the distance, and old folks passing me by. That on its own was what made it worth.

Reflecting back on what had I learned during training, on race day and after, is what made it really worth the while. Here is what my Toastmaster friend Lorraine Taylor, an experienced personal brand coach, an author and an international speaker like to put it in here last YouTube video summarises exactly what I had learned and like to practice every single day moving on.

Being Positive

It’s important to stay positive and resilient not just during race day, but through life, at the workplace and during struggles. It what keeps us alive and moving.

Embrace Challenges

Take every challenge as an opportunity to grow. There is no meaning to life if we keep doing the same things all over. Besides, it gets quite boring!

Be Social

Stay connected to like-minded individuals on the same path as yours, whether that is a race your after or a new certification or an MBA you’re studying hard for. It will keep you in the zone and away from all the noise.

Have a Greater Vision

Have a long-distance vision on what is the reason behind your motivation. Ask yourself the WHY question. Learn the root cause of what brought the idea in the first place to you, and what is the real fire inside of you that can keep you going and make sure to fuel it as you go on…

Most of all, keep fighting for your health and goals. Don’t stop. It’s a lifetime duty.