Running a 10K: What the Journey Says About You as a Professional

Fun fact about runners: they work just as hard when they are alone as they do in the presence of others. A long run demands a certain degree of planning and preparation on the part of a participant. You see, one cannot wake up one morning and suddenly decide to run a 10K. The body needs to be prepped for a long run with time. And as we stick to a routine with running, we internalize habits that are bound to affect other parts of our lives. Wondering what good does prepping for a 10K do to you?

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• You learn to set goals way ahead of time: You cannot wake up one morning and decide to do a 10km run. In fact, you have to be used to a regular running routine for about six months before you can even consider the idea. At work, this allows you to plan your timelines and work towards them steadily. 
• You motivate yourself when the going gets tough: Few people will watch you every step of the way. Hence, you learn to push yourself. This helps in plenty of roles that require self-motivation. Runners have kept themselves going through adversity and can move through tough phases by motivating themselves.
• You experiment to understand what works best for you: The same formula does not work for everyone. A runner is used to understanding their body and what works best for it by trying various combinations of clothing, diets, and hydration styles. The process of experimenting till you find what makes you tick makes you just as successful and consistent in the corporate sphere.
• You rest when required: Preparing for a 10K is not just about running mindlessly; it is about knowing when to push harder and when to stop. This is a valuable skill in the corporate setup: being aware that you need to stop for a breather can prevent you from over-exerting yourself or burning out.

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• You invest in the right equipment: Runners understand that the right shoes, clothing, headphones, snacks, and a plethora of other things make a difference in their run. My running shoes, for instance, were a dear investment, and they are worth every paisa. In the corporate setup, the runner would have the foresight to invest in tools, software and training that lead to more efficient work. 
• You enjoy the journey and not just the outcome: Preparing for a long run requires copious amounts of time, energy, and effort. You have to work through minor setbacks persistently. And most runners don't stop with one run; they start preparing for the next one. Similarly, at work, the runner lives through the process of constantly upskilling and acquiring experience while achieving each goal.
• You track results and remember to celebrate each small milestone: Runners track their progress and compete against themselves to beat their own records. In the corporate setup, this translates to making and achieving targets, being aware of your or your team's improvements, and being your biggest cheerleader.

Yesterday's run was not my first 10K and will certainly not be my last one; in fact, I have already begun planning for my next run. However, with each such event, I find myself thinking about the different aspects of running and how it has changed me as a person. I am not sure when I started carrying what I learnt while working out into the office, but the changes in mindset have proved invaluable to me. Most importantly, breaking long-term goals into short-term achievements has been amazing. The thrill of achieving a set milestone reminds me that I'm on the right track and keeps me going. 

Do your habits influence the way you work? Tell me in the comments!