8 Surprising Reasons Why You Should, and Why I, Run Races

"The person who starts the race is not the same person who finishes the race."

Marathon spectator sign

I’m not a sportsperson, nor a fitness freak. So my contacts view me with surprise on learning about my sudden fascination with running marathons, despite doctors’ claims that I’m visually impaired.

(Note: I run with volunteers provided by Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation. ABBF team takes care of specific needs of blind participants.)

January 2025, I'm embarking on an exciting journey to participate in the Tata Mumbai Marathon. While I’m looking forward to the experience and the joy of the event, I’m also approaching this trip with a deeper purpose: to learn, grow, and connect.

I’m determined to take bold steps toward personal development, and I want to take a moment to outline the key areas I’ll focus on during this adventure.

As I brace myself up for the occasion, I’ve identified eight specific goals that will guide my journey. Instead of tackling them all separately, I aim to weave them into one cohesive experience that will boost my confidence and help me build momentum for future growth. Here’s what I hope to achieve:

1. Push My Limits – Mentally and Physically

I want to test my physical endurance and mental fortitude. Running long distances is as much a psychological challenge as a physical one, and I’m excited to push past my limits and see what I’m capable of. The goal is not just to finish the race, but to stretch my boundaries in both mind and body.

2. Expand My Network

I believe in the power of connection, and this trip is an opportunity to meet new people and broaden my professional and personal network. My previous participations have shown that building relationships with like-minded individuals opens doors and fuels growth.

3. Overcome My Introversion

As an introvert, I’ve often found it challenging to take charge in social settings. This trip, as the previous ones, presents an opportunity to break free from my natural tendencies and engage with others confidently. I want to approach every conversation with poise and clarity, sharpening my interpersonal skills along the way.

4. Adapt to New Environments

Travel often requires flexibility and adaptability. Whether it’s adjusting to the culture in Mumbai, navigating new experiences, or handling unexpected challenges, I want to build the ability to adapt quickly in any situation. This skill will be invaluable for both my personal and professional life.

5. Learn How to Handle Uncertainty

On any journey, there’s always the risk of encountering difficult situations or even unscrupulous individuals, particularly when you’re blind and travelling alone. (Last time as I was heading back home from Tata Mumbai Marathon, I missed my train and had to hammer out a solution on the spot.) I want to learn how to navigate such challenges effectively, so when I travel with my family in the future, I can ensure their safety and well-being.

6. Update My Resume – Marathon Participation as a Milestone

If you’re not updating your resume twice a year, ask yourself: are you inactive? Complacent? Marathon participation is not just about fitness; it’s a powerful addition to my personal growth story. Being able to showcase this achievement on my resume will not only highlight my discipline and perseverance but also serve as a reminder that I’m continually pushing myself forward.

7. Break Free from the Daily Grind

Sometimes, the routine of everyday life stifles creativity and hinders productivity. By stepping outside of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a new experience, I hope to reignite my creativity and return home more inspired and productive than before.

8. Get Fit – For Better Performance

Importantly, I’m committed to improving my health. Running will help me get in better shape, and being fit will, in turn, enhance my energy levels, focus, and overall performance in all areas of life.

The Thread that Ties It All Together: Confidence

As I reflect on these eight goals, I realise there’s one thing that ties them all together: confidence. It’s not just about the physical act of running, but about believing in myself and my ability to rise to the occasion, no matter the challenge. Whether it’s pushing past my mental limits, engaging with new people, or navigating unfamiliar terrain, the overarching theme of this trip is to build my confidence and use it as a foundation for future growth.

I’m excited to see how this journey unfolds. I’m certain that when I return, I’ll have grown in ways I never expected—and with newfound confidence to take on whatever comes next.

Let’s see how it all plays out!

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