My Journey from Self-Doubt to Completing My First 10K

I’ve always been the kind of person who would avoid running. I’d see people with high energy on early morning jogs, and the thought alone felt exhausting. Running, especially long distances, just wasn’t “my thing”. But here I am, writing this after completing my very first 10K - something I once would have laughed at if someone suggested it was possible.

The truth is, I signed up for this 10K as a push to lose some weight. I figured that having a big, looming goal might be the catalyst I needed to get moving. But in the weeks of training, I realised that this journey was about a lot more than just hitting a number on the scale. It was about proving to myself that I could do something, something that demanded consistency, determination, and grit - qualities I was not sure I had when it came to running.

Facing the First Steps of Self-Doubt
When I first started, it was humbling. Every step felt heavy. Self-doubt was a constant companion. “Why am I doing this?” “Can I actually make it to 10 km?” At times, I questioned why I had put myself through it all, but every training session showed me that the biggest hurdle was my mind, not my legs.

The Turning Point
Over time, I began noticing small changes. My endurance grew, each kilometer felt a little less daunting. My mind shifted from doubting my ability to finish the run to challenging myself to complete it well. Slowly, those moments of “I can’t” started transforming into “Maybe I can”.

Race Day
On the day of the 10K, I woke up with a mix of excitement and nerves. The energy at the starting line was infectious, and as the race began, I felt an unexpected surge of determination. Every kilometer was a milestone, a small victory in itself. Crossing that finish like wasn’t just about completing a race - it was about overcoming the doubts that had been with me since the beginning.

The Takeaway
In a way, this run mirrors the journey that many of us take in life, where challenges and doubts can often feel overwhelming. When we face something daunting, we often let our fears get in the way, forgetting that growth isn’t immediate. It’s a gradual, step-by-step process that requires dedication and, most importantly, self-belief.

Looking back, I’m grateful I took on this challenge. Completing the 10K was about more than the physical achievement; it was a powerful reminder that we’re capable of far more than we realised. And now, I’m ready to take on more challenges, in running and beyond. This is just the beginning of pushing my boundaries - mile by mile, step by step.