Friday espresso: Crossing the Finish Line, and Beginning Again
Nov 21, 2025 1:01 am
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Crossing the Finish Line, and Beginning Again
This year, as I laced up for the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, something felt different.
It was my third consecutive half marathon, but this time, every kilometre carried meaning, one for each year since mq Training was founded in 2005.
As I ran past familiar buildings, banks, hotels, and organizations that have been part of mq’s journey, memories flooded in. Each step wasn’t just a physical stride; it was a reflection of the past two decades: the clients who trusted us, the challenges that built us, and the quiet faith that carried us through uncertain seasons.
Somewhere between the rhythm of footsteps and the cheers of the crowd, I realized that this run wasn’t just about endurance. It was about gratitude, growth, and the grace to keep going.
WHY We Keep Going: The Heart Behind Endurance
🏃♀️ Growth Takes Time. In the early years, every project felt like a lifeline. I still remember buying my first laptop, an Acer from Plaza Imbi, RM2,300 after weeks of comparison. That laptop became the heartbeat of mq Training. Our first proposals, invoices, and dreams were built on it.
💪 Every Uphill Builds Strength. Just like the uphill stretches of a marathon, mq’s journey had its own climbs. Each challenge forced us to adapt, innovate, and trust the process, even when the road wasn’t clear.
❤️ No One Runs Alone. At the 15km mark, I heard the crowd cheering louder, and it reminded me of everyone who’s been part of our journey. Clients, colleagues, trainers, and friends, your encouragement has been the fuel that carried us forward.
WHAT the Miles Taught Me: Lessons from the Long Run
🌈 Find Your Rhythm, Not the Rush. Success isn’t a sprint or about being first. It’s about showing up, finding your pace, and staying true to your purpose, even when others race ahead.
🌿 Celebrate the Messy Middle. Some of my favourite race photos weren’t the perfect ones. They were the unplanned, sweaty, real ones. In leadership too, the beauty lies in the journey, in the unseen effort behind every achievement.
🔥 Progress Over Perfection. Not every season is about speed; some are about stillness. The moments of reflection, when we pause, realign, and keep going. Those moments are what make us stronger leaders.
HOW We Keep Growing Together: Moving Forward with Heart
🧭 Keep the Vision, but Trust the Process. We may not always see the full map ahead, but we trust the next step, guided by our values and purpose.
🤝 Grow Through Connection. Partnership is the heartbeat of mq. Every collaboration, every client, every trainer has helped shape who we are today. Growth has always been a shared journey.
🌟 Pause, Celebrate, Continue. In the rush to the next goal, it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come. Every milestone, big or small deserves gratitude. That’s how endurance becomes joy.
As I crossed the finish line at Merdeka Stadium, I whispered to myself, “You made it.” But deep down, I knew it wasn’t the end. It was another beginning.
After 20 years, mq Training stands as a community built on its living story of perseverance, partnership, and purpose. Like running, leadership is about staying grounded, finding meaning in every stride, and remembering why you started.
We may not always know where the road leads, but when we move with HEART, we always end up where we’re meant to be.
Connect with me on LinkedIn for more Leadership, Change and Heart content!
That’s the espresso, keep the momentum! ☕😌
Stay caffeinated & curious!
Koo Lily
l Founder of mq Training Coaching Consulting l
Leadership Coach l Change Facilitator l Speaker l
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