Every time I take part in a triathlon race, I always feel, “This really is life itself.”
All kinds of people gather at a race.
There are highly experienced former professionals, and there are those for whom this is their very first challenge.
Some have trained for years, while others are getting back into exercise after a long break.
Each person carries their own background and story, and at that moment, they are giving everything they have to the race.
And the goal of the person running next to you is not necessarily the same as yours.
One person may simply be hoping to finish the race,
while another may be racing with a fierce determination to stand on the podium.
In other words, everyone around you has different goals and different stories, yet they all run the same course.
So, even if you compete with others, it doesn’t really mean very much.
I think this is exactly the same as life.
Whether it’s work, hobbies, or family,
no matter what situation others are in or what they are aiming for, comparing yourself to them has no real meaning.
What matters is how much of your own strength you can bring out in this very moment.
Whether you can do your best at your own pace.
This is the most important lesson I have learned through triathlon.
During a race, it makes no sense to worry about being overtaken or overtaking others, or to struggle against other competitors.
That’s because they are aiming for a completely different goal from yours.
Life is the same—there is no point in feeling rushed or discouraged by comparing yourself to others.
What truly matters is enjoying your own growth.
Using to the fullest the strength that God has given you.
Each time I finish a race, I deeply feel that this is where the true beauty of life lies.
Not comparing yourself to others, but doing your best at your own pace—
I believe that is the most important thing in the race called life.