Why I Felt Writing is Like Running a Marathon

WRITER’S JOURNEY

My Journey on Medium

I received a comment from Muhammad Ahtisham stating that writing on Medium is a marathon, not a sprint. This tempted me to write the analogy of writing on Medium and running a marathon.

I often find myself drawing analogies between life and the activities we undertake.

Writing on Medium, for instance, is much like running a marathon.

At first glance, the two may seem worlds apart, but the parallels become strikingly clear once you embark on the journey.

Both require endurance, consistency, and, most importantly, a deep-seated purpose. Let me take you through my experience, where these two seemingly different pursuits intertwine.

I remember the day I decided to write on Medium. It wasn’t a grand decision or a well-thought-out plan.

It started as an itch to share my thoughts on IoT and smart cities, which have consumed my professional life. “Will anyone even read this?” I asked myself.

It was a daunting thought, akin to standing at the starting line of a marathon, surrounded by seasoned runners. Their confidence and experience dwarfed my timid resolve.

“Why am I doing this?” That was the question I often asked myself.

The same question nags at you around the fifth kilometre of a marathon. The initial adrenaline fades, and you’re left grappling with your commitment.

For me, the answer lay in a simple yet powerful truth: I wanted to inspire. I wanted to share not just knowledge but the stories behind that knowledge – the challenges, the triumphs, and the lessons learned.

Writing on Medium was never about instant success.

Just like a marathon, it’s a long game.

In the beginning, my articles barely got any views. I would refresh the stats page obsessively, hoping for a miracle. “Why aren’t they reading?” I’d wonder, the frustration bubbling up.

But then, I reminded myself of a lesson I’d learned from running: The first few kilometres are for finding your rhythm, not for speed.

Writing, like running, requires patience. Each article was a step forward, a chance to refine my voice and connect with the audience who truly needed my insights.

One day, after posting an article on IoT applications in agriculture, I received a comment: “This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!” It was a small win, but it felt like crossing the first checkpoint in a marathon.

Someone was reading. Someone found value in my words.

“Keep going,” I told myself.

That moment shifted my mindset. I stopped obsessing over views and started focusing on writing for the sake of writing.

It was liberating.

Instead of sprinting towards elusive metrics, I settled into a comfortable pace, one that allowed me to enjoy the process.

There’s another parallel I discovered: preparation.

A marathon runner doesn’t just wake up and decide to run 42 kilometres. They train, plan their nutrition, and test their limits. Writing is no different. I had to build a routine, carving out daily time to write, read, and think.

“Do I really have to do this every day?” I’d groan, especially on days when the words refused to flow.

But I knew skipping a day would make it easier to skip the next.

Consistency was the key, even if it meant writing subpar drafts. Those drafts were like training runs – they weren’t pretty, but they built endurance.

I also learned the importance of pacing.

Going too fast too early in a marathon can leave you exhausted before the finish line. Similarly, I realized that churning out articles daily wasn’t sustainable. Quality mattered more than quantity.

“Take your time,” I’d remind myself as I stared at an article draft, unsure if it was good enough.

Instead of rushing to publish, I allowed myself to revisit and refine. Each edit felt like perfecting my stride, making the journey smoother.

Then there’s the matter of support. No marathoner runs alone.

There are fellow runners, spectators, and coaches cheering you on.

For me, that support came from the Medium community. Fellow writers, readers, and even the occasional critic all played a role in my growth.

One day, after publishing a piece on entrepreneurship, I received a direct message from another writer: “Your story inspired me to start my own business. Thank you for sharing.” That message was like the crowd at a marathon, their cheers pushing me forward.

“See? This is why you write,” I told myself.

Of course, there were setbacks. Every marathon has its wall – when exhaustion hits, and you question everything.

For me, it came during a period of writer’s block: no ideas, no motivation, just a gnawing sense of failure.

“Why am I even doing this?” I’d mutter, tempted to give up.

But then I remembered the finish line.

In a marathon, you don’t stop because you’re tired; you stop when you’ve crossed the line. Writing had its finish lines – completing an article, reaching a new reader, or simply expressing an idea I’d been mulling over.

Looking back, I realise that writing and running a marathon are deeply personal journeys.

They test your limits, reveal your strengths, and force you to confront your weaknesses. But they also offer immense rewards.

Today, as I continue to write on Medium, I see each article as another kilometre in the marathon.

Some are smooth and effortless, while others are gruelling uphill battles. But with each step – or word – I grow stronger.

“Would you do it all over again?” someone once asked me about my writing journey. Without hesitation, I said, “Absolutely.”

Writing has given me more than just an outlet for my thoughts.

It has taught me resilience, discipline, and the joy of sharing.

It has connected me with people I would never have met otherwise.

Most importantly, it has reminded me that real victory lies not in the destination but in the journey itself.

So here I am, still running this marathon, one article at a time.

And just like every marathoner knows, the finish line isn’t the end – it’s just a new beginning.