How to run a marathon: the parallel of life
When you’re standing at the starting line of a marathon for the first time, the finish line feels impossibly far.
Twenty-six miles.
Forty-two kilometres.
Fifty-five thousand steps.
And seventeen thousand litres of air — cold, hot, humid, or dry — through burning lungs.
However you measure it, it’s a massive goal, and that finish line can feel like a world away.
So how do you get excited, stay motivated, and keep your energy intact for that kind of distance? The answer lies in breaking it down into bite-sized chunks.
It’s not about looking at the whole race and wondering how you’ll make it. It’s about focusing on the next corner, the next distance marker, or even just the next step. It’s about being fully present in what you’re doing right now in the moment.
“Mood follows action.”
That’s from Rich Roll, an ultra-endurance athlete who completed multiple gruelling ultra-marathons—all after the age of 40, and after overcoming a debilitating struggle with alcohol addiction.
Sometimes, motivation doesn’t show up until you start moving forward, one small step at a time. Set a small goal, achieve it, then keep stepping forward.
But the truth is, this approach isn’t just for marathons. Life itself is a marathon, filled with big projects, long-term goals, and ambitions that don’t reward us instantly.
Building a business.
Raising a family.
Mastering a craft.
These are all long hauls that demand a slow burn.
You don’t sprint through them, or you’ll hit a wall fast.
So, how do you make it through the long haul?
How do you perform at a high level, consistently, without burning out?
Pace yourself
Here’s the thing: you can sprint some of the time, but not all of the time. That’s the art of pacing. When you need to push hard—at a critical moment, a tough deadline, or a major opportunity—go all in.
But be strategic; those bursts should be deliberate and finite. A big part of discipline is knowing when to push to the limit and when to pull back. Strategic sprints, not endless sprints, are what will get you to the finish line.
Then, build in recovery. Just as marathoners hydrate, fuel up, and pace themselves, high performers build intervals of rest into their routines.
These aren’t just about physical rest; they’re time to recharge, reflect, and let the mind reset.
Recovery isn’t optional.
Without it, burnout isn’t just a risk — it’s almost a certainty. Taking time to breathe means you’re not just showing up, but showing up at your best.
If you lose recovery, even the best intentions lose momentum.
Hold your “why” close
The long runs in life — whether a marathon or a life goal — require a strong connection to your “why.”
This purpose is what keeps you grounded, and it’s the thing you turn to on the days when motivation is nowhere to be found. Just like a marathoner’s reason for running carries them forward through every mile, our personal “why” powers us through life’s toughest moments.
Think of each step forward as part of something bigger.
That purpose is fuel, and it keeps your energy focused.
Succeed through small wins
Ultimately, the path to big goals is paved with small wins.
Focus on the next k, the next step, the next goal.
Because a good life isn’t created through one grand gesture; it’s built through steady, consistent effort over time.
Each small win builds momentum and fuels your drive for the next step forward. It’s about showing up each day with consistency and resilience. Acknowledge each win, however small, and let it carry you forward.
When you’re in it for the long run, the real skill isn’t speed—it’s consistency.
It’s learning how to preserve energy, staying committed to the course, and showing up with purpose every day, even when the journey feels endless.
When you live life in bite-sized chunks, you’re not just enduring the marathon — you’re conquering it: