Douglas Lu

Go Spurs Go!

Spurs 🤜🤛 Self

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” What does this phrase mean to you? I thought I had a good grasp of what this phrase meant, but it wasn’t until I ran the Brooklyn (Half) Marathon a week ago that I developed a deeper understanding. In a vacuum, it would be very hard to run 13.1 miles (half marathon) or let alone 26.2 miles (full marathon). I myself have never ran for more than 10 miles ahead of my half-marathon and was struggling to finish 7 mile runs on the treadmill or on outdoor runs during my training. I had doubts that I would be able to even complete the race. However, on race day, I surprised myself with a personal-best pace, finished the half-marathon well ahead of my goal, and discovered a few introspective lessons that I feel compelled to share: 1. The bolded posters that marked the completion of each mile helped me focus and break down the race into smaller, more manageable segments. Brooklynites made sure you were aware of each mile and pushed you to believe that you would finish the race. 2. The most inspiring aspect of the marathon was the unconditional support I recieved from Brooklynites who cheered for all racers from the balconies and footsteps of their apartments. Armed with pots and iron ladles, their passion to watch us succeed was more powerful than any internal motivational words I could have conjured. 3. The joy and smile that kids exuberated from the sidelines as racers high-fived them probably brought the most joy to me during the race. I know that I made it an emphasis to high-five each one of them, hoping to inspire them to one day run the race as well when they grow up. Before I knew it, my race was over. I focused my mind on each mile, on each spectator's supportive poster and motivational cheer, and on each high-five. Again, in a vacuum, it would have been very difficult to run a half-marathon, but somehow someway, it was the most loving, supportive, and energetic 13.1 miles I’ve ran. We all can relate to how the phrase “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” reminds us to slow down in life, but we might not be as aware as to how big of an impact the organizers, spectators, supporters, kids, volunteers, friends and family play during the race. This experience showed me how powerful it is to draw support and help from others, inspire younger kids, and break down big life goals into smaller milestones, whether professional or personal. I wanted to write this post to cement this moment, but more importantly to recognize, shoutout, and thank my friends and family, my Flatiron School Cohort, my career coach Laura Nicolaisen, Master's-Administration Cert. Coach and all of the instructors and staff at Flatiron School, everyone I've had the privilege of meeting and connecting throughout this journey, and the entire team at Self Financial, Inc. Excited to join as a Data Analyst!