If you had told me this time last year that I'd achieve the milestones I hit in 2024, I would have been ecstatic. In December 2023, my personal bests were:
5K: 19:26 (my first sub-20)
10K: 39:59 (breaking 40 felt impossible at the time!)
Half marathon: 1:38:39 (my first attempt at the 246 Setagaya Half Marathon).
Fast forward a year, and here's where I stand now:
5K: 18:32
10K: 39:08
Half marathon: 1:27:33 (my second attempt at the 246 Setagaya Half Marathon)
Marathon: 3:49:30 (my first, at the Kobe Marathon).
Looking at these numbers, I feel proud of my progress. But I've learned that numbers alone don't tell the whole story. Running is as much about mindset as it is about results, and 2024 taught me some valuable lessons I'll carry forward. Here's my top five list of things I've learned about running this year.
(1) "Comparison is the thief of joy"
I struggled this year with constantly comparing myself to others. Even after achieving PBs and placing in the top 10 at Parkruns in Japan, Denmark, and the UK, I found myself wondering if I only performed well because faster runners weren't there. But running isn't about being the best compared to others; it's about being better than I was yesterday. I've been leaning on the quote, "Comparison is the thief of joy" (attributed to Theodore Roosevelt), which has helped me focus on my own progress and celebrate my achievements without diminishing them.
(2) Injuries are part of the process
I faced some tough injuries this spring and summer that sidelined me for weeks. Pulling out of the Fukushima Half Marathon at 15K was disheartening, but it taught me an important lesson: listen to your body. During recovery, I leaned into cross-training and strength training, which have now become staples of my routine. These injuries reminded me that setbacks are temporary and can open the door to growth if you handle them right.
(3) Perspective changes everything
This year, I slowly increased my mileage, and it changed how I approach races. Distances I once found intimidating — 5Ks, 10Ks, even half marathons — now feel more manageable. For instance, instead of thinking, "Oh no, 2K to go," I've reframed it as, "Only 2K left — let's finish strong." Running longer distances, like the marathon, put shorter races into perspective and helped me build mental resilience.
(4) Training builds confidence
Some of my best races this year came from intentional, targeted training sessions. For example, doing build-up runs (like 60 minutes broken into segments of 20 minutes at increasing speeds) gave me the confidence to push through tough spots during my half marathons. Knowing I'd already done something similar in training made a huge difference mentally and physically on race day. Preparation has become my armour — it won't eliminate fear but helps me handle it better.
(5) Running is about connection
Running took me to incredible places this year. I explored Copenhagen during long runs and connected with global communities through Parkruns. Joining RETO Running Club has been a game-changer, mixing the camaraderie of group sessions with the solitude of solo runs. And I've been soaking up inspiration from running books like Running with the Kenyans, Out of Thin Air, and How Bad Do You Want It? These stories remind me that running isn't just about personal achievement — it's about being part of something bigger.
Looking Ahead
2024 wasn't perfect. My first marathon was a humbling experience — I hit a wall, stopped, and nearly quit. But I kept going, and crossing that finish line taught me that races don't define me. What defines me is the early morning runs, the icy breath on cold days, and the rhythmic tap of my shoes on the pavement. This year, I learned to celebrate progress, embrace setbacks, and find joy in the process itself. Here's to more miles, more lessons, and more growth in 2025.
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