Toastmasters International -A Big Win

A cartoon character wearing a press hat and a blue shirt is running down a city street, with tall buildings and a cloudy sky in the background.

Illustration by Jerry King

It might seem like a stretch, but Toastmasters and running share a lot of common ground. The road to the lectern and to the finish line—both paved with challenges and rewards—cover a similar path.

First, a step back. This summer I set a goal: to run a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) race. I signed up for a local event, ramped up my exercise routines, then set out on a Sunday morning in early August with about 2,500 other race entrants.

At the end of the run … victory! Well, not literally—droves of people whizzed past me during the race, including pint-sized youngsters who weren’t even breathing hard (the insolence!)—but victory nonetheless. I crossed the finish line. I accomplished my goal.

I also felt part of a bigger scene. We all persevered on the run, volunteers offered water and encouragement along the way, and finishers celebrated together, handing out high fives with abandon. Many went back to cheer on the participants who were still on the course, pushing toward the finish, some running, some walking.

A few minutes after I completed the run, an 89-year-old man crossed the finish line. It never fails to inspire me—and give me hope—to see what people can accomplish at an advanced age. This makes me think of two people I wrote about for the magazine earlier this year: Walter McHugh and Jose Petrick. Walter is 100, Jose 101, and both are still showing up for their Toastmasters club meetings, he in California and she in Australia.

Sharing the Road

All of us at the 5K, from fastest to slowest, had a common purpose: make it to the end. Toastmasters, too, share a common goal: to improve our communication and leadership skills. We learn, have fun, and make friends on the journey.

And, like participants in a local race, Toastmasters pull for each other. We cheer each other on—to and from the lectern—offer tips and support, and celebrate our wins together.

We also learn to take it one step at a time when things get tough. About two-thirds of the way through that summer race, I had to do a quick mental reset. My mind said, I have to keep running. My body said, I don’t want to. A compromise was reached. Just keep running for a little longer and then we’ll talk.

All of us at the 5K, from fastest to slowest, had a common purpose: make it to the end.

By the time I was ready to revisit the matter, the road ahead seemed more manageable.

I go through a similar mental process when I sign up to give a speech. Typically, a few days before the club meeting, the internal voice starts up. This speech isn’t good. I don’t like what I’ve written. Should I cancel?

Then the counterargument: Hold on. One step at a time. Practice it again tomorrow and see how you feel.

Inevitably I give the speech—and it always feels great when I finish. I accomplished my goal.

Can you relate? Are there times where you feel daunted by the thought of completing all the Pathways projects needed to finish a path? Or of serving as an officer for the term? Or giving a speech next week?

Don’t get ahead of yourself. Focus on the first step. Put one foot in front of the other, and keep moving toward the finish line.