From 5K Struggles to Half Marathon Win: 6 Resilience Lessons from My Two Oceans Journey

14 April 2024 — Race Day

I recently achieved a milestone that once seemed impossible: completing the Two Oceans Half Marathon, one of South Africa’s most iconic running events!

Just eight months ago, I struggled to run a 5K. But with determination and hard work, I crossed that finish line in Cape Town, surrounded by the incredible energy of fellow runners and supportive spectators.

The journey to my first half marathon taught me so much about resilience and the power of perseverance. I want to share those lessons with you in hopes that they’ll inspire you to chase your own ambitious goals!

Your Guide to Building Resilience

How to build resilience in six steps:

1. Start where you are: When I committed to running the Two Oceans Half Marathon, I hadn’t run more than 10K on the road (about two years ago). The 21.1K distance seemed daunting, but I knew I had to start somewhere. I focused on being consistent, gradually increasing my mileage, and celebrating every small win along the way.
2. Embrace the challenges: The Two Oceans route has some serious hills, and I hadn’t really trained for them. But on race day, I promised myself that no matter how tough it got, I would keep running. Even when I slowed down, I kept moving forward. Embracing challenges, instead of avoiding them, helps us grow stronger and more resilient.
3. Find your support circle: I couldn’t have reached this goal without the support of my running partner and the accountability of my Garmin “coach.” Our weekly running challenges kept me motivated and consistent — winning a weekly challenge or setting a new PR was something I looked forward to. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage you to keep going when things get tough.
4. Keep showing up: The most important lesson I learned? The power of consistently showing up for myself. Even on days when I was tired or doubted myself, I still laced up my shoes and hit the road (or treadmill). Honoring my commitment to myself, even in small ways, built the resilience and self-trust I needed to tackle bigger challenges. I was not going to self-sabotage and NOT show up for myself. When you do the work you promised yourself and keep at it… that’s when the magic happens. One day, you’ll just be able to run a little longer, push a little harder, and see those efforts pay off tenfold.
5. Celebrate your victories: Crossing that finish line was an emotional moment. I didn’t cry or anything too dramatic — but it took a good few minutes for it to sink in. I’m here, and I did this. For me. It showed me how far I’d come and how much I’d grown. Take time to celebrate your victories, big and small. Recognizing your progress keeps you motivated and reinforces your resilience.
6. Set new goals: After my Half Marathon high, I realized I was capable of more than I ever imagined. So, I set a new goal: a full marathon before the year ends! Use the momentum of big, exciting goals to challenge yourself and expand your resilience.

Building resilience is an ongoing journey, but it starts with a single step (as with anything really). Whether you’re facing personal, professional, or athletic challenges, these lessons can help you cultivate the strength and perseverance to overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams.

I hope my Two Oceans story inspires you to pursue your own extraordinary goals. Remember, you are strong and capable of incredible things!

Keep showing up, celebrating your wins, and tackling challenges head-on. That’s how you become unstoppable.

With love and faith in you,

Karmin

P.S. I would love to connect with fellow runners and resilience-seekers! Share your own stories and insights in the comments below, and let’s support each other. If you’re interested in following my marathon training journey, be sure to subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter/follow me here to my for updates and insights!