The Mid-Season Slump: Team Coaching Insights from Marathon Runners

This is Snack BOxD, a highly digestible digest from me, Nenuca Syquia, CEO at Better Organizations by Design (BOxD). Every month, I share quick, actionable ideas to help leaders and teams level up. If you’re new or just hungry for more, don’t forget to subscribe!

On the menu this month: Building momentum and overcoming the mid-season slump.

Understanding the Marathon Mindset: Pacing, Fueling, and Hitting the Wall

Based on what I hear from my marathoner friends (and my own attempts to just do a 10K), marathon running is no small feat. It’s a 26.2-mile journey that demands not only physical endurance but also careful pacing and mental resilience. In the early miles, runners settle into a sustainable rhythm, keeping energy output in check to avoid burning out. Around the mid-point of the race, they refuel to maintain stamina and replace depleted glycogen stores.

Despite all this preparation, many runners still experience what’s famously called “hitting the wall.” Around miles 18-20, the body’s glycogen levels dip sharply, muscles fatigue, and every step can feel like pushing against quicksand. It’s a moment when even the most seasoned runners question whether they can keep going. But for those who push through, it’s more than just a physical victory; it’s a testament to the power of mental fortitude, strategic pacing, and a supportive community.

This same challenge often appears in organizations as they approach the latter stages of a major initiative. The good news? Just as marathoners prove, the wall doesn’t have to stop you—it can be the turning point that leads to a triumphant finish. And that’s where team coaching and thoughtful leadership strategies can make all the difference.

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