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 feel the expected fatigue, but I noticed unexpected pain around my big toes.

I kept running. I resisted the pain, kept my on the time, and crossed the finish line at 1:02:25. Based on my preparation, it was a success. But once I finished and kicked off my shoes, I felt pain that spoiled my triumph. Both of my big toenails were bruised and strained.

What did I miss? I had the training, the diet, and the top-tier shoes. The problem was simple: my shoe size. When I ordered the shoes, I chose my regular, everyday size. It was only after the race, and after the injury, that experienced runners taught me a big lesson: for long-distance racing, especially on routes with steep downhills, you must buy shoes one or two sizes larger than your regular fit to provide enough space for your toes to move and breathe.

On a steep downhill, your feet slide forward with every strike. In a normal fit, your toes hit against the front of the shoe with every step. It seems like a small detail but ignoring it can lead to serious injury. 

I finished the race with a great time, but it was a painful realization that preparation isn't just about hard work alone, but it is about the technicalities we often overlook until they hurt us. Sometimes, the most lasting lessons are the ones learned through bitter pains.


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