Pacing: What We Can Learn From Long-Distance Runners’ Endurance

Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash

Once upon a time, I ran a half-marathon. The photo of the runner above is not me. I don’t think any pictures exist of me in my race — and that’s a good thing. I’m sure I was quite a sight to behold. Thirteen miles is the farthest I’m ever going to willingly run at one time. I’m glad I did it, but it was tough! Even though I trained pretty well, the day after the race I felt like a truck had hit me. I am not cut out for those kinds of distances.

Yet it was a good experience for me in that it taught me how to plan and work toward a long-term goal. I used to be (and still am in some ways) the get-it-done-quickly-so-we-can-do-something-else type. Training for a half-marathon taught me that some goals require planning and consistent effort to reach the finish line without collapsing. I’ve also learned this lesson with novel writing. I tend to begin the project thinking I can cruise through that first draft quickly, no problem, when in reality it’s always more of a marathon than a sprint for me.

Dedicated long-distance runners are a special sort of athlete. There’s something mesmerizing about the way they train and move—steady, deliberate. They’ve learned that endurance is the key to reaching the finish line. It makes me wonder: what can we learn from their approach when tackling our big projects?

For those of us juggling creative work, professional ambitions, and life’s endless responsibilities, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly sprinting. Deadlines loom, and the sheer scope of what we want to accomplish can feel overwhelming. But what if we didn’t have to operate at full speed all the time? What if we could approach our projects the way seasoned runners approach a marathon?

Exploring the Art of Pacing

Let’s pause and think about pacing for a moment. Runners talk about finding their “sustainable pace”—a rhythm they can maintain for the long haul. What might that look like in our own lives? How can we set a pace that allows us to keep going without burning out?

Breaking Down the Distance

Runners don’t focus on the entire race all at once. Instead, they break it into manageable segments—the next mile, the next turn, the next water station. Could we do the same with our projects? What if we focused on just the next step instead of the entire mountain ahead? What milestones could we create to help us stay motivated?

Tuning In to Our Energy

Runners are deeply attuned to their bodies, adjusting their pace based on how they feel. What if we tuned in to our energy levels throughout the day? When do we feel most focused and alive? How might we align our most demanding tasks with those peak moments? And what could we save for times when our energy naturally dips?

Rest as Part of the Process 

Seasoned runners know that rest isn’t optional; it’s part of the race strategy. How often do we give ourselves permission to truly rest? Are we building breaks into our workflow—not as a reward but as an essential part of staying strong for the long haul? What would it feel like to step away for a moment to recharge?

Infusing Wellness Into Our Workflow

Wellness isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about creating a solid foundation for everything we do. When we prioritize our well-being, we’re better equipped to sustain our pace. How can we bring small wellness practices into our daily routines?

• What rituals ground us before we begin?
  Could we start the day with something that centers us, like a few deep breaths, a moment of gratitude, or journaling our intentions?
  

• How are we nourishing ourselves?
  Are we fueling our bodies and minds with good food, plenty of water, and a bit of movement? Even a short walk or a snack can make a difference.
  

• Where do we need boundaries?
  Are we protecting our focus by limiting distractions? What might change if we carved out dedicated time and space for our work?
  
  

The Journey, Not Just the Finish Line

When we think about pacing, it’s not just about how we finish; it’s about how we experience the journey. What would it feel like to move through our projects with steadiness and strength instead of stressful urgency? Could we find joy in the process, knowing we’re building something meaningful without running ourselves ragged?

The finish line is closer than it seems. If we take it step by step, listen to ourselves, and infuse wellness into the mix, we’ll get there—and we’ll get there stronger. 

Would you like help creating a sustainable pacing strategy for your big project — and infusing it with wellness practices to put wind in your sail? I love partnering with creatives and other professionals to help them reach their big goals without overwhelm or burnout. If this sounds like something you need, book a free call and we can explore options together.