A Lesson from My 15KM Race in Jimma
We like to think that growth happens in moments of triumph: the finish lines, the medals, and the easy paths. But the truth is more practical: humans learn best the “hard way.” We learn through the cost of our mistakes, the discomfort of pain, and the pressure of hardship. I recently had a real-life lesson during the Jimma 15KM race. Technically, I had done everything right. I registered early, trained with discipline, and maintained my diet for weeks. Even my outfit was excellent. I was wearing brand-new Adidas Adizero Evo SL, the kind of shoes that made me feel completely ready before the race even started. The atmosphere at the starting line in the Abajifar Palace compound was vibrant. I felt strong and prepared for the challenge ahead. When the whistle blew, I started the race. The first 8 kilometers were a steep downhill stretch where I felt powerful, maintaining a great pace and taking full advantage of the downslope. By the 12-kilometer mark, I started to ...