Do hard things..... With friends!

“Stop looking at your watch, trust me!” I quickly turned my watch around so I couldn’t see the time for the rest of the run, tucked in behind Jad and Matthew, and kept trying to match their rhythm. At this point, we were about 10 kilometres into the Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon—a 21-kilometre race for those unfamiliar with running distances.

One of my goals for the year had been to get back under a 2:05 half marathon time, but today, I was aiming for something more ambitious—a sub-two-hour finish, or as I had in my head, 1:59:59. It was a big challenge, especially considering I hadn’t managed it in the last two years since setting my personal best in this very race. The plan was straightforward: break the race into three 7-kilometre blocks, each with a pace that would keep me just under the two-hour mark. It felt possible, given my recent training, but I also knew it was a risk—there was always the possibility I could hit the wall in the back half.

For the first 10 kilometres, the route took us out of the golf club, along the main road, and over a few bridges before settling into a steady pace along the creek. The conversation flowed with anything and everything on the agenda. The kilometres ticked by quickly—not just in my mind but also literally, as the pace was faster than I had planned. Deep down, I knew I was pushing it, but we were having fun, so I decided to hang on for as long as possible. It felt like an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, each whispering whether I should keep going or ease up. I chose to push on.

But as my breathing became heavier, I realised the pace was taking its toll. With my watch turned backwards, I couldn’t check my pace, but I knew it was ramping up. As we came up the ramp and out of the tunnel at the 14-kilometre mark, I felt my legs starting to give way. I told myself, "Just one more kilometre," but managed two more before the elastic snapped entirely. I had to pull back, or I’d be walking in no time. As the guys marched on, I eased into a pace that would allow me to recover.

As I slowed and turned my watch back around, I realised just how fast they were probably going—no wonder I’d struggled to keep up. The decision was made at that point: three kilometres of "recovery" and then a big push to finish. Not knowing exactly where I stood in relation to the two-hour mark, I approached what we’d dubbed "Innerfight Corner," where our Endurance Team was waiting to cheer on each runner. As I neared, I glanced at my watch—1:54. What a run this had been! One last push, and I’d be "through the line."

As I crossed the finish line, my thoughts were divided. At the forefront was a very clear "That hurt," quickly followed by "I think I owe the guys a coffee for that one." They pushed me beyond my limits, never letting me ease up for a second. The takeaway? Do hard things, but if you really want to discover your limits and enjoy the process, do them with friends. You may even surprise yourself!

The finish with two heroes!