Hey Reader, it’s Nick here.
I ran a local half marathon this past Sunday and something happened at 8K that almost threw the whole thing off.
I was running with a guy I’ve trained with before.
We’d been shoulder to shoulder from the start, locked in a solid, fast pace.
We were fighting for 4th place, and I felt in control.
But then at kilometer 8, my heart rate started to surge.
170… 172… 174…
And I had a decision to make:
Stick with him… or let go.
In the past, I would’ve gone with him.
I know that version of me too well...
The one who burns all his matches before the real race even starts
The one who hears that small voice whisper, “You can beat him.”
The one who panics when someone pulls ahead… and blows up by mile 10.
But over time, I’ve learned something:
Sometimes pushing hard isn’t the hardest thing to do.
So I let him go.
He got 5 seconds on me. Then 10. Then fifteen.
And the whole time, my brain was screaming:
“You’re falling behind.”
“You’re losing the race.”
“You’re playing it too safe.”
But my body was right where it should be.
I stayed calm. Kept my rhythm. Stayed locked in.
And little by little… the panic turned into power.
I started reeling him in again.
I was still surging in the final kilometers, while others were hanging on by a thread.
And even though I’d love to give you the fairytale ending — He still got me.
But honestly? That didn’t matter.
Because the real win wasn’t on the clock.
It was choosing the plan over ego.
Patience over panic.
And to an old racehorse like me… That’s rare.
If you’ve ever blown up chasing someone else, I feel you.
But the next time you’re in that moment, when your ego says “chase” but your instincts say “hold” remember this:
Sometimes the strongest move… is staying still.
Nicklas
PS. I’m working hard behind the scenes on something really special...
A personal coaching offer that brings the same elite-level tools, systems, and strategies I use with pro athletes… straight to you.
It’s for runners who want to see what they’re truly capable of and squeeze the most out of every session.
More details coming very soon 👀
Stay tuned.
PPS. The 3-2-1 format will be back next week.
113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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