Part V: Lessons from the Run – Humility and Adaptability

I began to write this post the morning after running the Newport Marathon, June 1, 2024, and I’m circling back to finally complete my thoughts, nearly a year later, having finally finishing another “race” that consumed me, that of the PhD, another journey that has both humbled me and made me more adaptable. I am practicing both humility and adaptability by picking up the script again and offering it finally here…

Running a marathon is always an unpredictable journey, no matter how well one prepares. I’ve now run 15 of them; the experiences still differ, the lessons still come, and the sense of accomplishment still persists. The Newport Marathon, which I have run three times now, holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I qualified for the Boston Marathon twice (2017 and 2022), setting high expectations for my performance each time. This time (2024), I aimed to qualify for the Chicago Marathon, but the race did not unfold as I had hoped. Despite the unexpected challenges, I crossed the finish line with valuable lessons in humility and adaptability—two qualities both essential in running and in life.

By mile 8 of 26.2, I realized this would not be a fast race for me. The course was familiar, the scenery still breathtaking, but my body and the conditions were not aligning for a record-setting run. At that moment, I realized I had a choice: I could quit, turn around, or adjust my mindset. I chose to adapt, accept, and run this race with a different mindset. Instead of focusing on an unattainable goal, I shifted my perspective toward finishing strong, enjoying the experience, and embracing the camaraderie of fellow runners. This decision required humility—to acknowledge that my expectations did not match reality—and adaptability to continue despite the setbacks.

One of the most crucial lessons from this race was recognizing that even when a course is well-known, unexpected obstacles can arise. Weather conditions, fatigue, and unpredictable physical responses can all affect performance. Yet, while we cannot control these external factors, we can control how we react to them. Choosing to remain positive and present in the experience rather than dwelling on disappointment transformed what could have been a frustrating day into a meaningful one.

Adaptability, both in running and in life, allows us to find joy in the process rather than in rigid outcomes. As someone who has spent a lot of time focused on goals and outcomes, this was a tough lesson to embrace. Instead of lamenting my unmet goal, I chose fulfillment in encouraging other runners and accepting their encouragement in return. This shift in focus turned the race into a shared experience rather than a solitary struggle. It reminded me that running is not just about competition but about perseverance, connection, and growth.

At the same time, I allowed myself to acknowledge my disappointment. Goals and expectations are not inherently bad, but when they become rigid agendas, they can lead to unnecessary suffering. There is a difference between running with an agenda and running with purpose. An agenda demands a specific result, whereas purpose allows for flexibility and resilience. Running with purpose meant that, even though I did not qualify for Chicago, I still gained something valuable from the experience.

Ultimately, this marathon reinforced that the best races—and the best moments in life—are those where we do our best and find joy in the journey. The Newport Marathon may not have gone as planned, but it reminded me of the importance of humility in accepting setbacks and the power of adaptability in overcoming them. Crossing the finish line was still a victory, not because of my time but because of the lessons I carried with me—lessons that extend far beyond running.

1. How do you typically respond when things don’t go as planned, and how can you cultivate more adaptability in those moments?
2. Can you recall a time when you had to adjust your expectations in order to find joy or meaning in an experience? What did you learn from it?
3. What is the difference between having an agenda and having a purpose in your own life pursuits? How can shifting your mindset impact your experiences?
4. How do you balance acknowledging disappointment while still appreciating the lessons and positives in a challenging situation?
5. In what areas of your life could you practice more humility, and how might embracing humility help you become more adaptable in the face of challenges?