If you are anything like me, you’ll have likely spent much of the past week glued to coverage of the Olympic Games in Paris. My diary has been strategically arranged to accommodate a jam-packed, armchair-viewing schedule.

Yet, while it is incredible to witness gold-winning feats as athletes reach the pinnacle of sporting greatness, the best bit - for me - is always the story behind it: the journey.

The valiant struggle to overcome myriad challenges along the way. The proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes. A celebration of all that makes us human.

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In stark contrast to those competing at the Olympics, I’m a stalwart back-of-the-pack runner. The tortoise to the hare. Slower than a week in the jail.

So, while it is unlikely I’ll be gracing medal podiums in the near future (or ever for that matter), there are many other ways to win. Here are some of the biggest lessons I have learned.

When you fall, get back up

I recently took a spectacular tumble in a race. With only half a mile to go, I lost my footing on a downhill section. It must have been a sight to behold because I heard a fellow runner several hundred metres behind cry out in alarm.

One minute I was coasting along, the next I was lying in a crumpled heap on the ground. I gingerly clambered back to my feet, inspecting my knees and elbows, which were already turning a mottled purple hue.

After checking everything was in passable working order, I gave a shaky thumbs up and began the plod to the finish. I was one of the last runners to cross the line. I may have left some skin on that hill, but a fresh layer of steely resilience was added that night.

Always keep moving forward

One of my favourite sayings is this: no matter how slow you go; you are still lapping everyone on the couch.

Although it sometimes might feel like you are miles behind, just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Before you know it, you will be so far down the road that the start line is a mere dot on the horizon behind you.

Embrace the blood, sweat and tears

Readers of an easily queasy disposition might want to skip this bit. A couple of months ago, I took part in a running event on a 4.2-mile, lap-style course. It was one of those days where the universe decided to throw a few curve balls to test my mettle.

On the first lap, my period started. On the second lap, I had a nosebleed. On the third lap, I ran through a swarm of bees. On the fourth lap, pollen clogged my contact lenses and left my eyes streaming. On the fifth lap, I misjudged my step and stumbled into a gorse bush.

Was it tough? Yes. But all I could see was magic. And that is the trick. Find the joy in the travail.

Don’t sell yourself short

Until this summer, reaching double digit distances on my runs remained tantalisingly elusive. I was stuck at 9.5 miles. Then came a major milestone: finishing a 13.1-mile half marathon in May. “That’s plenty,” as Jack and Victor from Still Game would say.

Instead, it was a mindset changer and whet my appetite to go further. A month later, I racked up 21 miles. You are stronger and more capable than you think.

Cherish your supporters

The truth: running is easy compared to being part of a support crew. Ask anyone who has ever spent hours at a race, handing out water bottles, rustling up snacks and listening to the whines about sore feet, chafing or midge bites. Those are the true heroes.