Running a half marathon in Ladakh showed me how the people you spend time with shape your life
Last week, I had an amazing experience of running a half marathon in Leh, Ladakh with my friends (Venu, Nil, Prakash). As I reflect on that journey and came across this photo, I was reminded of a powerful quote by Jim Rohn:
"We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with." - Jim Rohn
Leh is a destination known for its stunning landscapes and is often seen as a biker’s paradise. People from all over the world come there to conquer its challenging roads on motorcycles. But I found myself there for an entirely different reason—to run.
I’ve never considered myself much of a biker. In fact, Leh wasn’t even on my list of places to visit. But everything changed when I started running and surrounded myself with fellow runners. Their passion and drive began to influence my perspective and suddenly, Leh transformed from a biker’s dream to an running challenge I couldn’t resist.
If I hadn’t spent time with runners, I might have always seen Leh through the lens of a motorcyclist, never realizing its potential as a runner’s haven. For us, Leh is more than just a scenic backdrop; it’s a place that tests our endurance with its tough terrain, high altitude and unforgivable weather. It’s a place where we push our limits and find joy in the struggle.
This experience taught me an important lesson: every place, word and experience in life can take on a different meaning depending on the people you surround yourself with. The company you keep shapes your perceptions and ultimately, your reality.
If you want to be a runner, spend time with runners. If you aspire to be an entrepreneur, surround yourself with entrepreneurs. The people around you will influence your mindset, your actions and the path you take in life. It truly changes everything.
So, next time you’re looking at a new challenge or opportunity, consider who you’re spending your time with. Their influence might just help you see the world in a whole new light.
Here are a few photos from my trip to Leh:
