be ready for setbacks
that’s runnable
The 32nd Edition of your favourite Running Newsletter
A quick read of insightful tips and thoughts to help you with your running.
Something to Think About 💭
When you think back to an achievement you’re extremely proud of, it’s very likely that the path to get there looked very different from how you imagined it would.
Something to Ask Yourself ❓
Have you ever achieved anything hard, anything worth doing, without setbacks along the way?
Article of the Week 📄
This is a nice little read, it talks about how setbacks are a natural and unavoidable part of life. Rather than viewing them as failures, it encourages embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth, learning, and resilience, reminding us that challenges can pave the way to greater success and personal strength.
Track of the Week 🎶
You know what I’ve been listening to a bunch of lately? Thee Sacred Souls.
So, this week’s track of the week. from the album Thee Sacred Souls, is gonna be:
Easier Said Than Done by Thee Sacred Souls (2022)
Personal Lesson
This morning, about 1km into my run, still weaving through the streets of Dahab and making my way towards the mountains, I completely stacked it on a curb. One misstep, and I was down – knee bashed, pride bruised, and plans for a smooth run derailed. The irony is that everything’s been going so well into the new year. Momentum was building, the routines were clicking, and progress felt effortless. But today reminded me, quite literally at ground level, that setbacks are inevitable. They don’t ask for permission, nor do they care about your plans. They simply show up when you least expect them.
It’s tempting to feel frustrated when these moments hit, to curse the curb, the timing, or even your own clumsiness. But part of the journey, whether it’s in running or life, is learning to embrace the stumbles as much as the strides. These moments teach us patience, resilience, and a sense of humour about our imperfection. They remind us that smooth stretches aren’t the only measure of progress. Sure, my knee hurts, but I’m still moving forward, one step at a time. And isn’t that what matters most?
Running – Life’s Metaphor
Obviously, both life and running involve unexpected challenges that disrupt progress. Running setbacks teach resilience, patience, and the value of growth through adversity, reminding us to embrace the journey, not just the destination.
Final Thoughts
“Be ready for setbacks” sounds simple, but it’s one of those things that’s easier said than done. No matter how much you plan or how hard you try, things won’t always go your way, and that’s okay.
Setbacks are part of the deal when you’re working toward anything worthwhile. Knowing they’re going to happen helps you stay calm when they show up. Instead of feeling like the world’s against you, you can take a breath and figure out how to move forward.
The thing about setbacks is that they’re not just annoyances, they’re often where the real growth happens. When something goes wrong, it forces you to stop and think differently. Maybe you need to tweak your plan, or maybe it’s a chance to learn something you wouldn’t have otherwise. Sure, it’s frustrating in the moment, but these detours often end up being more valuable than the original route.
In the end, being ready for setbacks is about letting go of the idea that everything has to go perfectly. Life is messy, unpredictable, and full of curveballs, but that’s what makes it interesting. When you accept that setbacks are part of the process, they lose their power to throw you off course.
You’ll still stumble sometimes, but you’ll know you can get back up and keep going.
Thanks again for reading and subscribing.
Run the runnable, and keep showing up for yourself!
Tommy 🙂