I’m training for a 50K race in October. It’s not my first one, but every time I lace up my shoes and start another training cycle, I’m reminded of one important truth: the road to the finish line is never easy.
Some days I feel strong and energized, like I could run forever. Other days… not so much. 🥵 The miles feel longer, my legs feel heavier, and exhaustion creeps in. Those are the tough days, the ones that make me wonder if the goal is worth it.
But I’ve learned that running long distances is a lot like designing and delivering learning programs. It is not just about the big milestone. It is about the small steps, the habits, and the resilience we build along the way.
Here are a few parallels between running and learning that have been on my mind lately:
- Bad Runs Happen, and Bad Training Days Do Too
Not every run is smooth. Some are messy, uncomfortable, and far from what I hoped for. But they still matter. They teach me to keep going, to adjust, and to trust the process.
L&D takeaway: Not every training session will be flawless. Technology fails, learners disengage, timing is off. That does not mean the entire program is a failure. It means you are learning what to adjust for next time.
- Focus on Small Milestones
If I only fixated on the 50K in October, I would get overwhelmed. Instead, I celebrate the small milestones: hitting a new distance, finishing a tough hill workout, or simply getting out the door on a tired day.
L&D takeaway: In long learning programs, big transformations happen slowly. Celebrate the “small wins” with learners, like when they apply a new skill, ask a thoughtful question, or shift their mindset.
- Consistency Matters More Than Intensity
Running long distances is not about sprinting through one amazing workout. It is about showing up, mile after mile. Consistency builds endurance and confidence.
L&D takeaway: Learners do not need one big, intense event. They need steady, consistent touchpoints that reinforce and build over time.
- Resilience Is Built in the Struggle
The hardest runs often teach me the most. They force me to manage my mindset, lean on my training plan, and remember why I started.
L&D takeaway: Learners will struggle at times too. That is where real growth happens, when they push through challenges, practice resilience, and find support in the process.
Crossing the Finish Line One Step at a Time
When I finally reach that 50K finish line, it will not just be about race day. It will be about every small milestone, every tough run, every bad word I said or tear I shed, and every moment I chose to keep going.
And in learning, it is the same. The transformation does not come from one workshop or one module. It comes from the journey learners take, step by step, with a little encouragement along the way.
So, whether you are training for a race, designing a course, or facilitating a session, remember: it is not about being perfect every day. It is about showing up, learning from the messy moments, and celebrating the small wins that lead to big impact. 🏃♀️