Staying in Sync

Matt Fitzgerald, a renowned author and running coach, embarked on his running journey at the age of 11, finishing the final mile of the Boston Marathon alongside his father, who completed the entire race.

This initial experience ignited a lasting passion for running that would lead him to become a trusted source for running insights. However, his path wasn’t without its hurdles. “There was really no grand design,” he quips.

Fitzgerald’s inaugural race sparked an enthusiasm for running that evolved into a competitive pursuit. Yet, by the end of high school, he found himself fatigued and decided to step away from running—at least, that’s what he believed at the time.

In his late 20s, he returned to running, inspired by another passion passed down from his father, a successful novelist. “Writing is my true passion, and I knew I wanted to forge a career as a writer,” shared Fitzgerald. “Nonetheless, running has been a vital part of my life since childhood.”

Fast-forward 15 years, and Fitzgerald positioned himself as an athlete-turned-writer covering the world of running. Initially, he leaned on others’ expertise, but as he gained experience, he cultivated his own knowledge and began coaching, writing books, and launching ventures centered around running.

Over the years, Fitzgerald has authored numerous books aimed at helping runners—whether novices or seasoned competitors—enhance their performance. His most recent publication, How to Run the Perfect Race: Better Racing Through Better Pacing, aims to guide runners in discovering their optimal pace to unlock their hidden potential.

The Importance of Pacing

Fitzgerald emphasizes the significance of pacing, as “many newcomers to the sport face challenges mastering this crucial skill.”

The primary objective of effective pacing is to manage your energy usage in a way that allows you to finish a race in the shortest amount of time possible. “Achieving this isn’t always straightforward,” Fitzgerald explains. While some might view pacing as a mere tactic, he argues that it serves as a valuable entry point for self-regulation and mastery.

There are various strategies for pacing, including starting strong and fading, beginning slowly and finishing strong, or maintaining a steady pace throughout. Research indicates that these differing approaches can all influence performance.

“Each race type has a most effective pacing strategy,” Fitzgerald notes. “However, most racers tend to overlook this, necessitating some learning.”

He also points out studies showcasing that elite cyclists excel at estimating how long they can sustain certain power outputs, a fundamental aspect of pacing.

This highlights the crucial need for self-awareness. “In a race, you want to discover your limits, but that requires tuning into your feelings,” asserts Fitzgerald. “Nobody masters this skill right away, but improvement comes with experience.”

Pacing in Life

Pacing extends beyond speed; it also encompasses a mental dimension. “Starting a marathon means you can’t see the finish line,” Fitzgerald points out, emphasizing the importance of comprehending the significance of that 26.2-mile journey.

Furthermore, he notes, “an endurance runner cannot encounter their limits without enduring a significant degree of discomfort.” This requires an ability to face uncomfortable emotions head-on.

While pacing is crucial for runners and cyclists, this skill transcends into various life scenarios.

Fitzgerald has experienced this personally. After contracting COVID early in the pandemic, he struggled to regain his health and was sidelined from running for nearly four years.

For those living with chronic fatigue, life becomes a matter of getting through each day, he points out, adding that “there isn’t a finish line.”

This signifies that “individuals with post-viral conditions must recalibrate their pacing—they must adapt to their new reality and find different methods to pace their lives,” he emphasizes.

Achieving a Harmonious Pace

Fitzgerald believes that we instinctively pace our lives, even when we may not be aware of it. Some individuals strive for a consistent pace, while others prefer fluctuating between rapid and slow tempos.

“It’s about identifying what suits you best and determining the appropriate environments for your style—so you’re not struggling against a strong current,” he mentions. Learning to adjust your pace in the face of challenges can also be essential.

“I went through a phase where I had to halt work entirely due to serious health issues,” Fitzgerald shares.

“Anyone who saw me during that time might have thought I had given up,” he reflects. “But the truth is, I was merely pacing myself. I recognized that was all I could manage at that moment.”

Even now, with improved health, Fitzgerald continues to strive for better pacing.

“It’s about discovering a balance that allows you to live and work in a way that aligns with your style,” he states.

Yet, it’s also crucial to acknowledge that “as individuals, we have limited resources,” he explains. “The challenge is to maximize those finite resources.”