Chapter 1: My Unexpected Running Journey

Last year turned out to be a surprisingly eventful one for my racing endeavors. After a two-year hiatus from marathons and half-marathons due to the pandemic, I decided that 2022 would be my year to fully commit. My race calendar was packed, with nearly every weekend dedicated to long runs or practice races to gear up for the spring and fall marathons I had registered for.

I was all in.

My main objective was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Unfortunately, despite having two opportunities, I fell short of that goal. To my surprise, I wasn't as disheartened as I expected.

For many passionate marathon runners, qualifying for Boston feels like a significant achievement within the community. The iconic jacket adorned with the unicorn logo symbolizes a certain prestige, a way of saying, “Look at me, I’m fast!” At least, that was my interpretation.

However, this year, I’ve shifted my focus. My goal is now far more modest: simply to continue running.

A few months back, following my finish at the Berlin Marathon, my husband and I took a significant step toward expanding our family. Shortly after that decision, we discovered that we were expecting our first child. Since learning the news, my lofty running aspirations have taken a backseat.

The ambition to qualify for the Boston Marathon has been set aside, and my priority is now to ensure both my health and that of my growing baby, even if it means significantly reducing my pace.

In my earlier training days, speed was my primary focus—it was everything to me. Qualifying for Boston was my primary goal. But I am learning that speed doesn’t always equate to importance. Gradually, I am becoming accustomed to the idea that it’s alright not to be fast, and I find myself accepting this shift.

My relationship with running has evolved. I realize that being fast does not inherently make one healthier or a better runner. There’s no disgrace in slowing down and running for the sheer enjoyment of it.

Life unfolds in unexpected ways. Challenges arise. Families grow. Our priorities shift. Our fitness levels fluctuate, and we change as individuals. Sometimes, it’s necessary to adjust our relationship with running and exercise in response to these life changes.

This doesn’t mean our dreams are dashed forever; it simply indicates that the timing may not be right. We must learn to accept that life can surprise us.

When we feel the urge to speed up, it may be wiser to slow down instead. As my favorite saying goes, “Life’s a marathon, not a sprint.” We’re in this for the long haul.

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Section 1.1: The Shift in Perspective

As I navigate this new chapter, I realize that my outlook on running has profoundly changed. This transition has allowed me to appreciate the joy of running without the constant pressure of speed.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Joy of Running for Its Own Sake

Chapter 2: Understanding the Importance of Pace

In the video "Why Working Fast Makes You Less Productive: Work Slowly But Relentlessly Instead | Cal Newport," the importance of pacing yourself in various aspects of life is explored. It emphasizes that taking your time can lead to better outcomes and a more fulfilling experience.

The video "RUNNING FASTER - No.1 Secret to Effortless Speed" reveals insights into achieving speed without the strain, suggesting that sometimes a slower approach can yield greater results in running.