Lessons from a Trail Run

On Jan 29 2023, I did a 10k trail run across a tough terrain near Bangalore, India.

This was the first ever 10k I participated in and drew lessons that I summarize here

Lesson 1 : Something that looks so unsurmountable at the start, may be achievable if you think in parts.

I had seen the route map and had seen an out at 4.7km. Being a regular 4-5km walker, I thought I could manage to reach the 4.7km mark, with a combination of run and walk. I missed the 4.7km out and realized I had to finish the 10k. But I would have never started if I had not thought there was an out.

Lesson 2 : Never give up during a climb! Rest will be easier.

Being in business for years, I already know this well. But at the end of the steepest climb of the route, I was too exhausted. I thought it was a big mistake to take the trail and was not for me. I could not give up, so I continued. The rest of the route was actually quite easy.

Lesson 3 : Everyone needs to taste success

At the end of the trail, I was happy with the achievement. But, I did not understand my success until I told others - young and old. The taste of the reaction, when I told to an informal group later in the week at Meet Magento India (#mm23in) or anyone else for that matter, made the effort worth it!

Lesson 4 : It is never too late to try something (or many things) new.

At 60, this was my first 10k ever. Not the last! I am adding a run to my regular walk and be better prepared next year. I also have decided to speak more, blog more, develop in public a bit more.