The First Marathon I Never Ran

How Running Helped Me Beat Procrastination and Pass the P.E. Exam

During the summer before my senior year of high school, I spent my evenings running. While most of my friends were getting into trouble, I tackled a nightly 4-mile route, rewarding myself with ice cream afterward. One evening, as I struggled up the biggest hill on my route, a classmate drove by, rolled down his window, and shouted, “Hey man, why are you running?” Caught off guard, I replied, “I don’t know,” between labored breaths. He sped away, but the question stayed with me. This experience made me ponder how to beat procrastination and stay focused on my goals.

Neither guilt-free dessert nor preparing for the basketball season seemed like enough reason. Maybe I ran for the feeling of accomplishment or as a quiet rebellion against peers experimenting with substances. Perhaps I sensed that my addictive personality needed a healthier outlet. Regardless of the reason, I kept running. By graduation, I had completed a half marathon and carried my running habit into college.

The First Marathon I Never Ran

Encouraged by my fitness, I decided to train for a full marathon. I didn’t tell anyone or register but planned meticulously. I researched, mapped out a 16-week schedule, and posted it prominently above my computer.

Then, unexpectedly, I stopped running entirely. I wasn’t injured, sick, or busy with schoolwork. I just didn’t run. Missing the first workout led to missing the second. Soon, I felt behind, and the schedule became overwhelming.

Endurance athletes know it’s better to address problems early in training when workouts are manageable. Falling behind meant I couldn’t catch up without risking burnout or injury. This experience taught me an important lesson: planning alone isn’t enough.

The Boss and the Employee

Inside each of us are two characters: the Boss and the Employee. A good working relationship between them is critical. Just as managers can’t be tyrants and employees can’t procrastinate endlessly, our inner Boss and Employee must cooperate.

When these roles clash, progress halts. The Boss makes ambitious plans, while the Employee resists, preferring short-term gratification. Achieving balance requires understanding and negotiating with both sides. When aligned, they can work together effectively, creating a sense of ownership and accountability for what you achieve.

Applying This to the P.E. Exam

To pass the P.E. exam, balance planning and execution. Are you spending too much time making plans and tracking progress without tackling enough problems? Or are you avoiding studying entirely? If the workload feels overwhelming, address it head-on instead of procrastinating.

Knowing why you’re pursuing your P.E. license is vital. Do you want career advancement, personal growth, or increased credibility? A clear “Why” will sustain your motivation when the going gets tough and enable you to beat procrastination.

Know Your Why

Success requires a solid plan, the right resources, and hard work. However, even these won’t guarantee results without a compelling reason. Vague motivations like “It’d be nice to have a P.E. license” won’t sustain you during the long hours of study.

When I failed to train for my first marathon, it wasn’t due to lack of planning or effort. It was because my “Why” wasn’t strong enough. Later, I succeeded because I knew I wanted to push my limits and inspire personal growth.

Make Success Inevitable

First, apply for the exam. Completing the application makes the process real and compels you to commit fully. Knowing the test date will provide focus and accountability.

Second, make your goal public. Tell friends, family, and colleagues. This creates accountability and ensures you’ll have support when needed. Whether it’s a friend explaining a concept, a partner managing household tasks, or a parent helping with childcare, their assistance will make a difference.

Lessons from a Marathon

Six years after my failed attempt, I completed the New York City Marathon. My training plan wasn’t perfect, and I occasionally skipped workouts. However, I avoided consecutive misses and stayed flexible. I had a clear “Why,” registered early, and built a support network that made quitting impossible.

These strategies—knowing your “Why,” committing publicly, and balancing flexibility with discipline—helped me pass the P.E. exam. They can help you too.

Final Thoughts

As you prepare for the P.E. exam, draw on your past successes for inspiration. Beyond professional credentials, this journey can be a stepping stone in your personal growth.