The Power of Showing Up for Yourself: How Coaching Can Help You Cross Your Own Finish Line
“When we focus on the competition, we become reactive. When we focus on improving ourselves, we become innovative.”
In late summer 2022, I set a goal that felt bold: I would run a half marathon in August 2023.
There was just one problem—I wasn’t a runner.
I had completed some 5k and 10k races pre-COVID, but even then I had always run slower than some people walk. Still, I wasn't doing this to compete or win awards. I was doing it to prove to myself that I could and to improve my health.
Sanna M. Arthur arriving last in a 10k race.
So, I made a plan: I signed up for six races leading up to the half marathon, from 3k fun runs to 5ks to 10ks, giving myself small milestones along the way. Every race was a step toward my bigger goal.
Some days were tough. Some training runs, I downright hated. In every race — including the half marathon with more than 2000 participants — I was among the bottom 10 finishers. In one race, I came dead last.
But I kept showing up, reminding myself of what Shakira sings in Try Everything, “Sometimes we come last, but we did our best.”
🚀 What Coaching & Running Have in Common
Reflecting on this journey, I see how closely it mirrors the growth process in coaching.
1. Small, consistent steps matter. Just like training for a half-marathon, coaching isn’t about instant transformation. It’s about steady, meaningful progress toward the life you want.
2. Your pace is your own. Others may move faster, but coaching reminds you that comparison isn’t the goal—growth is.
3. Accountability keeps you going. Coaching provides structure, guidance, and support so you can stay committed to your personal or professional goals.
4. Mindset shifts are everything. Instead of focusing on competition, I focused on self-improvement. That shift changed everything.
5. Your definition of success matters. In coaching, just like in running, success isn’t about being the best—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
🏁 Crossing Your Own Finish Line
In the end, my half marathon chip time was 3:27:02. Over 100 runners in the full marathon event had covered twice the distance I did—yet finished in less time than it took me to complete my half marathon.
Did that make me any less proud? Not at all.
Sanna M. Arthur running a half marathon.
I was consistent.
I showed up for myself.
I finished a freaking half marathon.
And I finished it more than 10 minutes faster than the goal I had set for myself.
Whether it’s running a race, changing careers, overcoming fear, or stepping into confidence, coaching helps you define your own finish line and cross it.
What race—metaphorical or real—are you running in your life? Let’s work together to get you across your own finish line.