Usain Bolt holds the world record for the 100-meter at 9.58 seconds. The world record for the marathon is held by Eliud Kipchoge at 2 hours, 1 minute, 39 seconds. If Usain Bolt could simply sustain his 100-meter pace for just 42,195 meters, he would hold the world record for the marathon at 1 hour, 7 minutes.
Maybe someday.
Probably not Usain, but maybe a human will be able to traverse more than 26 miles on foot in an hour. If that’s hard to imagine, watch Damond Berry sprint 25 mph on a treadmill.
If you’ve seen this before or just watched it, my only additional comment is, “Whoa.” You may quote me on that.
What is it we’re expecting of ourselves? To run 25 miles an hour all day every day? I will not unintentionally disrespect you, dear reader, with a list of stuff that keeps everyone busy, brings on stress, or are absolute crises. Everyone’s experience is different and their own. We may have a lot in common, but there is a lot more under the surface no one else sees.
It’s not difficult to imagine the person who says they thrive on being busy and working 20-hour days 7-days a week. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Congratulations. At this rate, you’ll get to sleep much sooner than if you just slowed down.
Neither Usain Bolt nor Eliud Kipchoge hold all of the world records in running events. They have their focus, their specialty, and the many, many events where they do not hold world records.
The point of this sprint and marathon comparison is this: no one can do it all, all the time. Each of us needs to ADD to our responsibilities one more thing. Ourselves. Put yourself and your needs on your to do list and do them. Focus on the must-do’s, not the easy-to-do’s or busywork that feels productive, but is just time spent.
If you have added focus to your daily life to accommodate what’s expected or required of you, please share your story!