I still remember the first time I ran the 800 meters. Up until that point, I only ran the 400. Naturally, I figured I’d attack the 800 the same way. Go all in from the start, push hard, and hold on at the end. Big mistake!
I exploded out of the blocks, flying through the first 200 meters. I felt strong, fast, and in control. This isn’t so bad, I thought. I was far ahead of everyone else and thought to myself, "These kids are pretty awful." The first lap was a massive success!
Then the second lap hit. It felt like I ran straight into a wall. My legs turned to cement. My lungs were on fire. People started passing me, but there was nothing I could do—I was completely out of gas. The last 200 meters felt like an eternity, and I crossed the finish line in last place, barely able to stand.
That day I learned an important lesson: The 800 isn’t just a longer 400. It’s a different race entirely. It requires strategy, patience, and the ability to pace yourself. Sheer effort alone won’t cut it—you have to control your energy so you have something left for the final stretch.
And here’s the thing—this lesson isn’t just about running.
I see people make the same mistake all the time when they try to change their lifestyle habits. They start strong, full of motivation, going all in—cutting out all their favorite foods, hitting the gym seven days a week, trying to be perfect. But, like my first 800, they burn out fast. They don’t have a plan for the long haul.
If you’re serious about lasting change, you must approach it differently. You need a strategy that keeps you moving forward without running yourself into the ground. Small, consistent progress will always beat an all-out sprint that leads to burnout.
Pace yourself, stay consistent, and keep going. Oh, and if you fail, learn from it, and try again.
You’ve got this.
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