Ever run a race? Whether it’s a 5K, a marathon, or even an ultra, crossing that finish line is a rush!
The cheers, the pride, the high from crushing a goal you worked hard for. But what if I told you the real magic isn’t in the big wins?
It’s not always about hitting a personal best or finishing a big race.
Here’s the secret: real growth comes from the little wins—the ones that don’t make the headlines, but move you forward.
Small wins build momentum, boost your mental game, and prep you for bigger challenges.
Trust me, celebrating small wins is just as important as any race day victory.
Whether you’re chasing your first 5K PR, training for an ultra, or working on your pace—celebrating small wins keeps you motivated and consistent.
When I first started running, I had no clue what I was getting into.
The first real milestone was running from my house to the park and back, non-stop. It wasn’t a marathon or even a half—just a 4 km route.
But it felt huge.
Before that, I’d stop every few hundred meters, gasping for air.
That day, I pushed through and ran the whole way. That first 4 km changed everything. It showed me my limits weren’t as tough to break as I thought. It wasn’t just finishing—it was proving I could do it.
That small win—running 4 km—gave me the confidence to tackle bigger goals, like trail runs and races like the Maybank Half and Bromo Ultra. Each small win led to the next, making every goal feel closer. And that’s why small wins are more important than you think.
Why Small Wins in Running Matter for Long-Term Success
Small wins are just what they sound like: little victories that add up to big success.
It could be something simple, like running farther, improving your pace, or crushing a tough hill. It’s not about huge accomplishments—it’s the small milestones that keep you going.
When I was training for my first ultra, the Bromo 50K, I had countless small wins.
They didn’t seem big at the time, but they were the steps that got me to the finish line.
Every long run, even when it was hot and exhausting, felt like a small win. Surviving a brutal trail run, setting a new personal best, or conquering a hill I once thought was impossible—those small wins kept me going.
You might be wondering: why are these wins so important?
Why not just focus on the big picture and push straight toward the next race or PR? Well, here’s the thing: big goals can be overwhelming.
When you’re training for something massive, like an ultra or a marathon, it’s easy to get lost in the distance, the pace, and the long road ahead.
That’s where small wins come in—they help break things down into manageable chunks and give you a sense of progress every step of the way.
Why Small Wins Matter
We’ve all been there—those days when training feels like a grind, or when it feels like your progress has stalled.
Maybe your pace is stuck, or you’re dealing with an annoying injury.
Trust me, I know how frustrating it can be.
That’s when small wins really matter.
Small wins give you a burst of energy, like a little victory dance for your brain.
You might not notice it, but every time you hit a goal, even a tiny one, your brain sends out a wave of feel-good chemicals. And that wave keeps you pushing forward when things get tough.
I figured this out while training for the Bromo Ultra. The training felt endless, and there were days when I didn’t want to run at all.
But every time I hit a small goal—whether it was improving my pace on a tough trail or tackling a steep hill—I felt that rush of motivation, and it kept me going.
It wasn’t about running faster or further—it was about celebrating the little wins that kept me focused and strong.
Here’s the thing: celebrating those small wins can actually help you beat stress and avoid burning out.
We often think that only big achievements count—like race day or a new PR—but it’s the little victories that add up to real progress. Small wins break big goals into manageable chunks, making everything feel less intimidating.
For example, I’ve had days when the training felt endless, but when I focused on the small wins—like finishing a hard workout or running faster than last week—I saw the progress I was making.
That kept me motivated and helped me avoid burnout, even when the big goal felt far away.
How to Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrating small wins doesn’t have to be fancy. Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter most.
When I’m training hard, I make sure to celebrate the small wins.
After finishing a tough session, I take a moment to appreciate what I’ve done.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as enjoying a post-run coffee, taking in the beautiful Bali surroundings, or sharing my success with my girlfriend, who’s also a runner.
These simple moments help me recharge—mentally and physically—and keep me motivated through tough training cycles.
In the past, I’ve celebrated small wins by treating myself to something small after a hard run.
It’s not about the reward; it’s about recognizing the work I’ve put in and the progress I’ve made.
This habit keeps me grounded and focused on the bigger picture.
Here are some ways to celebrate your small wins:
- Track your progress: Use a fitness app, a journal, or a training log to track your wins and see how far you’ve come.
- Reward yourself: It doesn’t have to be a big treat—sometimes a moment of relaxation or a cup of coffee is enough.
- Share your success: Tell a friend or post your victory on social media.
- Reflect on your achievements: Take a moment to look back on what you’ve accomplished. This could be at the end of a training week or after a particularly tough session. Reflecting on your wins boosts your confidence and keeps you motivated for the next challenge.
How to Stay Focused on Big Goals While Enjoying the Small Wins
You may be focused on a big goal, like qualifying for a marathon or finishing an ultra, but it’s important to find a balance. I remember during my Solo Half Marathon training, I got bogged down by the long road ahead.
But focusing on small victories—like beating my pace on a training run or surviving a hot, grueling 10-mile trail run in Bali—kept me energized.
Celebrating these wins gave me the strength to push through even when the end goal seemed a distant dream.
A key element here is to focus on the journey rather than obsessing about the destination.
The big races, the PRs—they’ll come. But the process—the day-to-day grind, the small wins—makes the journey worthwhile.
Celebrating those moments reinforces the idea that each small step is part of the grander picture.
Mental Resilience and Confidence
Small wins have a powerful impact on your mental resilience. They keep you moving forward when setbacks arise, and they build confidence when you need it most.
For me, the real breakthrough came when I was struggling with an injury while preparing for the Solo Half Marathon. It was an exhausting, frustrating process.
But every time I managed to run a training session—even if it wasn’t my fastest time or longest distance—I took a moment to recognize that I was making progress.
That act of celebrating the win helped me stay grounded mentally and emotionally.
These small victories make setbacks easier to handle.
When you’ve experienced a tough run, or a training cycle that didn’t go as planned, looking back at your recent wins—however small—reminds you that progress is happening.
Whether it’s beating the heat on a training run or overcoming an injury to run again, these moments reinforce that you are capable of handling obstacles and bouncing back stronger.
Dopamine: The Fuel for Resilience
Research shows that even the smallest achievement releases dopamine, which is critical for maintaining motivation and mental resilience. This feel-good chemical reinforces positive behaviors, making it easier to stay committed to your running goals.
Each time I conquered a tough session, I felt a boost. In the heat of Bali, finishing a long run felt impossible at times, but when I pushed through, I felt an immediate rush of pride and accomplishment.
It wasn’t just about the run—it was about proving to myself that I could handle difficult situations and still succeed.
This is how small wins play into resilience—they give you the emotional strength to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
Building Mental Toughness for Bigger Races
Small wins also build mental toughness. When I trained for the Bromo Ultra, there were moments when I wasn’t sure I could keep going. The terrain was tough, the distance was intimidating, and the tropical heat drained my energy.
But every time I finished a tough hill session or conquered a difficult training day, I built the mental fortitude to push through.
Those small wins didn’t just prepare me physically for the ultra—they gave me the mental strength to keep my eyes on the prize.
Conclusion
The journey to big goals—whether it’s a marathon, an ultra, or a PR—isn’t a straight line. It’s full of ups and downs, and the key to staying motivated is to embrace the small wins along the way.
They provide the momentum you need to keep pushing forward, even when the end goal seems distant.
Throughout my running journey, from my first 4 km to my most recent ultra, small wins have been my secret weapon.
They’ve helped me stay focused, avoid burnout, and build the resilience needed to push through tough days. And the best part? These small victories make the journey much more enjoyable.
Remember, running isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about the steps you take along the way.
So, celebrate every victory, no matter how small it seems.
Each one is a step closer to your bigger goals. Stay consistent, stay motivated, and keep embracing those small wins.
The big wins will come in time.