Running Against the Odds
Date: 15th September 2025
My Experience
There are very few moments in life when you feel true happiness the kind where nothing else matters because you’ve achieved something you once thought was impossible. That’s exactly what I felt after completing my first 30K, a long and ambitious run I had been training for over time.
Two years ago, I was in a dark place, mentally and physically. That’s when I stumbled across a random video on the internet about running. For a moment, I thought maybe I could do it too.
So, I began running every morning. Be it rain, fog, or cold I showed up. Running gave me purpose at a time when nothing else did. I started with just 1 km, then slowly pushed to 2 km, 5 km, and beyond. Along the way, I discovered something more valuable than distance, clarity, and focus.
As David Goggins says:
“When you think you are done, you’re only at 40% of what your body is capable of.”
Running taught me exactly that.
The Routine That Changed Me
At first, I ran without any plan. Just me, the road. I used to run 1 or 2 km and then stop for the day and come back home walking with a tired yet joyful face with an audiobook playing in my ears of either Rich Dad Poor Dad or Think and Grow Rich. By the time the world woke up, I had already logged miles and knowledge before breakfast.
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| Airport road during my 30k |
Slowly, my mind started clearing. Negative thoughts faded. The post-run dopamine was unmatched. At first, I wasted my post-run hours on sleep or random content. But eventually, I began coding after my runs. That discipline helped me land my first big job.
Running wasn’t just fitness it became the foundation of my career and confidence.
Lessons from the Road
Running long distances taught me discipline in small but crucial ways:
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Hydration & Nutrition
In my first 9–10 months, I never carried water. The result was Cramps, fatigue, and aching muscles. Studies show dehydration can reduce endurance by up to 30%. Once I started carrying electrolytes, my pace improved and recovery became easier.
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Warm-up & Breathing
A proper warm-up and steady breathing rhythm are not optional they’re essentials. They prevent injuries and keep your body aligned with your effort.
There are multiple breathing techniques that you can use while you are running .
Refer to this for more breathing techniques: Refer Here
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Mentality > Music
I chose not to run with music. It was just me and the road. When your brain throws negative thoughts at you, facing them head on builds resilience. As Nims Purja says:“Nothing is impossible. Everything is possible with the right mindset.”
Running without distractions could make one mentally bulletproof .You a point focus one can be at thier best shape mentally and physically.
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Exploration & Curiosity
Sometimes I planned my routes, but most days I let the road decide. I found green fields, hidden trails, and small towns I had never seen before. Running wasn’t just exercise it was adventure.
Facing the Doubts
When I started, I thought family and society would encourage me. Instead, I heard warnings: “You’ll get a heart attack one day, putting so much stress on your body.”
But here I am hundreds of kilometers later, stronger, healthier, and sharper. People’s doubts became my fuel.
In fact, whenever strangers saw me running in heavy rain, scorching heat, or in the dark, their surprised looks motivated me even more.
As David Goggins calls it, I was “taking souls” proving through action that limits are only perceptions.
So try changing perception of what's possible and defy the odds .
Reflections
Running showed me that a bit of madness, mixed with clarity and consistency, transforms into growth. You don’t just see physical changes you start redefining what’s possible for yourself.
I thank God and my own persistence for pulling me out of the self pity pool I once drowned in. Now, every step forward is proof that discipline beats doubt.
“Only when you’re willing to suffer can you grow. Suffering is the true test of life.” — David Goggins
Tips for Runners
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Start Small, Stay Consistent – 1 km is enough to begin. Consistency matters more than speed.
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Hydrate & Recover – Always carry water/electrolytes for runs beyond 5 km.
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Don’t Rely on Music – Learn to focus on your breathing, footsteps, and body signals.
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Track Your Progress – Apps like Strava can keep you accountable and motivated.
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Embrace Discomfort – Growth lies outside comfort. Running will break you, but it will also rebuild you stronger.
Note
This post is written with the sole purpose to inspire you to start working towards your goals. Even if they’re small, they’re yours. And that matters.
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