We all have our quirks when it comes to personal growth. For me, I spend a significant portion of my free time reading and learning new things. I take a ton of pride in that—it’s not just a habit; it’s something I genuinely enjoy. But there’s a flip side to my enthusiasm: I have an urge, perhaps even a talent for learning things the hard way. Sometimes, I dive headfirst into something, even when I know (or suspect) it might not be the smartest approach. I just have to try it for myself and find my way through. This stubborn streak has led to some memorable experiences, and recently, it played out in my unexpected foray into running.
Running was never on my radar. I’ve tried plenty of activities over the years, but running just didn’t appeal to me—until this year. In February, something clicked, and I decided to send it. But true to form, I didn’t ease into it like a normal person might. My “running gear” consisted of hiking pants, heavy boots, and a backpack loaded with whatever I usually carry on trails (hydration bladder with 1-2 liters, a roll of moleskin, a knife, toilet paper). Who runs like that? I do. It was uncomfortable, impractical, and probably a bit ridiculous, but that’s how I started.
My initial goal was modest: prepare for a 5K run at Kennedy Space Center within a month. It seemed achievable, so I went for it. Within the first week, I managed a 5K at a 13:21 mile pace in 42 minutes. Not bad, but I had to get under 40 minutes. About a week later, on February 20th, I set a personal record (PR) for the 5K: an 11:45 mile pace, in 37:56. That beat my target goal of 40 minutes by a solid margin. I started running on February 6th, going from zero miles to back-to-back 5ks in just 21 days.
This rapid progress was exhilarating, but looking back, it was a classic example of ignoring good advice. Everything I’d read emphasized building up gradually to avoid injury—and I felt that it didn’t apply to me. I had to push myself through it because I can. My habit of self-imposed challenges, combined with an unwillingness to quit, often gets me into trouble (remind me to tell the story about the failed hike in Ocala sometime). So, on February 25th, I tackled my favorite trail, which is about 5.6 miles. By the end, I’d kept extending it until I hit just over 6 miles at a 15:40 per mile pace. In a span of 27 days, I’d run two 5Ks and nearly a 10K. What finally broke me came on February 27th: a short 0.81-mile sprint at a ridiculous (for me) 9:48 per mile pace. I felt great during the run, but by the time I reached my front door, I could barely walk.
My fiancée, Annemarie, opened the door to find me panting and wobbling like I’d just survived a marathon. I’d pushed too hard, and now I was paying the price. The next few days were miserable—I could barely hobble around, and the pain was so intense that I couldn’t even drive over the weekend. All for what? Proving I could do it, even when I probably shouldn’t have? I ended up not making it to the 5K at Kennedy Space Center and that was a huge disappointment. This is where my knowledge of correct training clashed with my hardheaded determination leading me to not only injure myself but miss the entire point of training in the first place.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve improved dramatically. I’ve invested more time in mobility work, stretching, yoga, and—most importantly—a gradual increase in mileage. I’m now five weeks into preparing for a half-marathon following a plan, and while I haven’t beaten that February 25th time yet, I’m building sustainably. My untraditional approach got me a solid time, but it came at a cost. The real progress is in the steady habits I’m forming now.
In closing, this experience hammered home a key lesson: follow a realistic training plan and know your body. Sure, there’s value in pushing your limits, but not at the expense of your body or losing out due to a poor decision. Rushing into things might feel empowering in the moment, but it can set you back in the long run (pun intended).
Have you ever made a choice that led to a similar consequence—diving into a new hobby or goal without heeding the warnings, only to learn the hard way? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other!
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