We are not machines. It seems as though we wish that we were at times. However the human animal is not infallible and fatigues just like any other creature on earth. If you look at the World Records for running events, there are a few truths that you can learn about humans.
World Records for varied differences. Please check my math, it’s late and it might not be perfect.
100 meters – Usain Bolt – 9.58 (23.37 MPH) (2 min 34.14 sec per mile)
200 meters – Usain Bolt – 19.19 (23.31 MPH) (2 min 34.38 sec per mile)
1 mile – Hicham El Guerrouj – 3:43:13 (16.13 MPH)
5K (3.12 Miles) – Kenenisa Bekele – 12:37.35 (14.83 MPH) (4 min 02.74 sec per mile)
Marathon (26.2) – Dennis Kiprutto Kimetto – 2:02:57 (12.78 MPH) (4 min 41.68 sec per mile)
After all of those numbers, names and information, what is my point? You need to know what race you’re running in order to determine “full throttle”. Each of these amazing athletes ran their race as fast as they could for the distance that they had to cover. Usain Bolt’s 100 meter record is amazing but his pace is completely unrealistic over a 26.2 mile race. Dennis Kiprutto Kimetto’s pace for a marathon is astounding but if he ran a 100 meter at that pace, he’d be considered “slow”. The key is to know the race that you are in and what “full throttle” means for that race.
This is applicable to many areas of real life. For example intimate relationships. If you are looking to get married, recognize that it is a marathon. Expect that the pace is slow and steady in order for it to last for years. High school relationships are usually over in a few months, so the sprinter’s pace of spending every moment together is natural.
So what kind of races are you in at the moment? Recognize what “full throttle” means for each of those races. Perhaps there’s a project that is a sprint, then sprint that project. Maybe at the same time you need to take control of your health, which is a marathon (figuratively). Then you need to marathon your health.
Regardless of which form of “full throttle” you are in, realize that you are human. The expectation that you can maintain Usain Bolt speed for 26.2 miles is ridiculous. Don’t set yourself up for failure with unrealistic expectations. Recognize the race and go after it intelligently!
Go full throttle today!
Pete
Huryk Unlimited 