I tried other sports growing up, but nothing ever clicked the way swimming did. I never quite found my rhythm on the lacrosse or soccer field, and gymnastics required a kind of coordination that didn’t come naturally to me.
And don’t even get me started on running. In my P.E. classes, I was always one of the slowest runners, usually finishing long after everyone else. I can still remember the embarrassment of having an entire lap left while my classmates were already heading to the locker room. When I finally completed my P.E. requirements, I celebrated; thinking I’d never have to run again.
Fast forward to my second year at Chapman University. I was a swimmer on the school’s team, in the best shape of my life, training hard for the championship meet. My focus was the 200 butterfly and 400 IM — two events I’d been preparing for all season.
Then, one week before the meet, I woke up with sharp pain in my ear. The doctor diagnosed a blister on my eardrum and warned me not to get in the water. If it ruptured while wet, I could lose my hearing or develop a severe infection.
The news crushed me. Competing at championships meant everything to me. Still, I knew I couldn’t risk permanent damage, so I told my doctor I’d return a week later for reevaluation; hopefully in time to compete.
In the meantime, my coach, Dennis, gave me land-based workouts to stay in shape. For the first time in years, I started running again. It wasn’t my favorite, but I was determined to stay ready.
When I returned to the doctor, the blister was still there. I wouldn’t be able to swim for another three weeks — meaning I’d miss the meet entirely. I was devastated.
Coach Dennis saw how disappointed I was and decided to challenge me in a different way. He said, “You should sign up for a half marathon.”
I laughed, thinking he was joking. “Coach, I can barely run a mile without stopping,” I told him.
But he looked at me and said something that would change my life:
“You’re a strong athlete. Develop a plan and stick to it. You can finish 13.1 miles.”
That sentence became the best advice I’ve ever received.
Together, we made a training plan. I started small — short runs a few times a week, and built up my endurance over time. Ten weeks later, I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon, 16 minutes faster than my goal time. And to my surprise, I even beat Dennis.
It was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Six years later, I’ve completed three half marathons and am currently training for my first full marathon (26.2 miles!). While swimming will always be my first love, running has taught me something even deeper — that with a clear plan and consistent effort, you can accomplish anything.
Whenever I face a challenge, whether in sports or life, I return to that advice:
“Develop a plan and stick to it.”
What once felt impossible running 13.1 miles; became not only achievable but empowering. That lesson reminds me every day that dedication, patience, and belief in yourself can turn any obstacle into a victory.
So, whatever your goal — in the pool, in the classroom, or in life develop your plan and stick to it. You might just surprise yourself with how far you can go.
