13.1 Challenge Recap.
When I started the 13.1 Challenge, I had some ambitious goals. Running a half marathon was only one part of it; I also set out to push my limits physically, mentally, and professionally. This journey wasn’t just about crossing a finish line—it was about how far I could take myself and whether I could hit some big personal milestones along the way.
The Original Plan
To recap, the 13.1 Challenge involved:
Running four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
Strength training and breathing exercises
Cold plunges
Stretching for recovery
Reading daily (at least 10 pages)
Getting 8+ hours of sleep
Waking up at 5:30 AM
Abstaining from smoking and distractions
On top of that, I had three OKRs (Objectives and Key Results):
Run 13.1 miles at a pace of less than 8 minutes per mile.
Secure 2 new real estate listings before race day.
Finish 3 books by the end of the challenge.
The Results
Now, I’ll be honest: I didn’t hit all my goals. My final pace for the half marathon was 8:05 per mile—just shy of the 8-minute mark. I secured the 2 listings, but I didn’t finish all 3 books in time. So, 1 out of 3 OKRs completed.
Am I disappointed? A little. But here’s the thing: I pushed myself harder than ever, and I came close. And that’s the point. Pushing to limits I hadn’t reached yet showed me how far I could go.
The Training Journey
Training was intense. Running four days a week with strength training, stretching, and breathing exercises was a daily grind. The cold plunges are “my drug of choice” that helped me reset both physically and mentally. And waking up at 5:30 AM every day really is the best - it build’s discipline but it’s also my favorite time of day.
What I really learned during this challenge was how much consistency can drive progress. Each day was a small step, but those small steps added up.
Why Falling Short Matters
Strangely enough, I’m kind of glad I didn’t hit that 8-minute pace. As sick as it sounds, it keeps me hungry. It leaves something on the table, something I still need to prove to myself. Falling short doesn’t mean failure; it means there’s more work to be done, and that’s where growth happens.
I want to be happy with what I accomplished - and I am - but at the same time, I’m never satisfied. I’ve trying best to embrace that duality: being proud of the progress but always striving for more.
Moving Forward
The 13.1 Challenge wasn’t about perfection, but about testing my limits. And now, even though I didn’t complete all my OKRs, I feel more determined than ever. I know what I’m capable of, but I also know there’s so much more to achieve.
This challenge reminded me that the grind never stops. Whether it's running, work, or life in general, I’ll keep pushing. There’s always another level to reach.
And next time, that sub-8-minute pace is mine.
