I ran my first ever half marathon yesterday in the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Bank Marathon.  I managed to finish in 2 hours 10 mins, which I am quite pleased though my initial target was to finish under 2 hours.

I had put together a plan and start practising since early November.  However the plan kind of fell apart over Christmas with parties and overseas trips.  When I realised that I was not well prepared enough, it was only 2 weeks to go!  This sounds like one of your experience with CIMA exam, right?

While I was running, I realised that there are many similarities between running a marathon and doing CIMA exams.  I have started my race well and comlpeted the first 10km within 1 hour.  This is a bit like new students starting CIMA with the CBA exams.  They are motivated and they pass their exams first time round with good marks.   I almost started to believe that it was possible to complete the whole run in 2 hours.

However the tough part came after I ran for 15km.  I had been running for 1.5 hours and my legs were aching.  I know that I need to speed up if I want to hit my target but physically it wasn't possible.  I also knew that I should not stop running because once I have stopped, it would be extremely hard to start again.  This may be similar to taking the professional qualification exams in the operation/ management levels.  You may feel the process is slow going and not quite able to see the end of the journey.  It is important to remind yourself why you are doing the CIMA qualification.  It will keep you motivated and focus.

The final 3km was more like a mental test than a physical one.  I felt that my body was at its limit and I wanted to quit.  This may be your experience at the strategic level exams or the T4 (part B) exam.  However what kept me going was that I know the finishing line wouldn't be far.  I started to vision the joy and the sense of success I would have when I crossed the line.  I kept telling myself that I can do it and I am determine to do so.

In a marathon race, there is a prize winner who finishes first, but there is no real loser.  Whoever finishes the race is a winner himself.  Likewise for CIMA, some of you may take a little longer time but as long as you have finished, you have won the race.  My whole body is still aching today but I am able to tell people that I have completed my race with a big smile on my face.  I hope you will be able to do the same and start using the designations ACMA and CGMA after your name in the near future.

Want to read more and get motivated?  Why not read this interview with South Africa TV presenter and CIMA student, Kelly Parkhurst?  You may also want to learn the best studying tips from CIMA student worldwide.