Oct 2022.
What I learnt about working in climate action from running a marathon…
26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers, whichever way you look at this distance, it is a long way! The podcaster Joe Rogan while talking to inspirational distance runner David Goggin’s said “you cannot cheat a marathon”; whether you are running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing or any other type of self-propelled method it will likely be tough.
In May 2022 after a covid-related delay, I ran my first marathon in Edinburgh, Scotland. I signed up in 2019 after being motivated by watching the London marathon go past my flat on the Isle of Dogs. Looking at many different types and shapes of people participating, I thought ‘yes I could try this myself’. Why not give myself a fresh challenge over the age of forty and have a good reason to get fitter? Little did I realise, the first step of entering was the easiest part. What followed was a huge learning experience, about myself, human behaviour and considering how to apply what I learnt to the world around me.
“The only failure is not to try." — George Clooney
10 similarities between working in climate action and marathon running
I have worked in climate action and sustainability for ten years in a variety of roles and with many different types of organisation. It has been a journey, which isn’t over! While training for the marathon, often my thoughts turned to the similarities between both my running journey and sustainability journey. Some learnings are shared below.
1 - Set and align around a clear goal
At the beginning of my marathon journey, it felt like a huge and daunting task. I am not a natural runner and have lots of self-doubt about my ability. I blame cross country lessons at school, when I famously hid Kit Kats in the letterbox of my family home on route to have as snacks.
26.2 miles, I kept repeating it to myself and tried to get my head around it. Somewhat optimistically I multiplied my 10k time (circa 1 hour on a good day) and thought perhaps a stretch time of 4 hours and 30 mins was possible! Although a massive challenge, having a clear goal in mind was motivating. I just needed to drag myself around, how hard could it be?
Regarding climate action, some goals are clearly defined. E.g. keeping warming within 1.5 degrees. However, the final destination people and organisations envision by 2050 can be very different. The process or journey of transition can also be quite different depending on who you speak with. No single person, organisation or country has all the answers.
The lack of a single agreed destination and decarbonisation pathway sometimes means we speak with cross-purposes when working on climate action. For some, the work is about keeping the power structures and economic system of today, but having tools and technology to help keep within our human limits. However, for others they are seeking a world which is more just and diverse. The latter can even include power residing locally with communities and a completely different economic system. For those working in this area, at a minimum aligning around a common goal - such as agreeing to aim to keep a business within 1.5 degrees warming - can often be helpful before setting out. Also acknowledging the inherent uncertainty on the precise journey can help align and identify the challenges on route.
2 - Preparation is everything
Before running one step of a marathon, I first searched the internet to find myself a running plan. I looked for one appropriate to my needs. I am a novice runner, not marathon world record holder Kipchoge. We clearly have different training needs and plans!
Similarly with climate action, individuals and organisations will have different starting points. For example, some may be starting the marathon facing the alps in front of them and with no basic fitness. Others will have already run many marathons previously. Identifying your starting point, being honest about it and choosing an appropriate plan is key. There are different speeds and terrain for each of us in our climate journey.
It is also tempting to list all the problems and issues which have led to the starting point. In the case of my marathon, I made lots of excuses about being out of shape to begin with, largely due to Krispy Kremes and a weak right ankle. Or in the case of climate action, this could be for instance, working in a bank highly dependent on clients in the fossil fuel sector and embarking on net zero. Spending lots of time admiring the starting point without taking a step forward doesn’t help!
3 - Have faith in the plan
I stuck pretty religiously to my marathon training plan. I recall someone saying to me before I started training, ‘follow a good training plan and have faith it will work’. This was important, at times I had to just believe and stop questioning. I started with small 20 minutes training runs and built up the time over 3 months. I also chose a plan which had cross training as I knew I got bored with running alone. I used a smartwatch and heart rate zones as I learnt looking at the time ticking slowly on a watch while running is very demotivating for me. I also learnt that I really like knowing exactly where I am running. This is because I get the feeling of ‘running for home’ - extra motivation! My runs sometimes have negative splits for this reason, I pick a tall tower near home to run towards. In my head, I simply have to make it to the tower and then a rest on the sofa is ever closer!
The marathon is a long haul, as is work in climate action. For example, since 1995 there have been 26 COPs with the next coming up in Egypt soon. I can be impatient generally and see many sectors and industries which need to change and adapt to climate science. However, I remind myself all these areas are not going to get solved by one person in one day! If a solution sounds too good to be true with a quick fix, it probably is. Like the marathon, the process of training gradually adapted my body and mind over 3 - 4 months. Breaking into bite-sized chunks with the aid of a personal spreadsheet plan was key. Working in climate action can be similar and at times feels like it moves at a frustratingly slow snail’s pace. However, there is often progress in consistent chunks of action over time.
4 - Crawl-walk-run
During the marathon itself, it was very easy to compare myself to others - or even myself when I felt I was quicker and running more comfortably. Comparing myself to friends and my partner who flew around 26.2 miles didn’t help my motivation. During the race itself in Edinburgh, some people were already experienced, and I saw them on the loop back to the finish line when I was on the first 10 miles!
I used the analogy of a baby to help me; crawling, then walking and then running. Despite some people already sprinting for the final 100m, there were others who were just standing and walking. However, all those who had entered the race were all on the same journey with the same destination. The speed and comfort are what differs.
It is sometimes very easy for the sprinters among us to criticise the people at the back of the running pack, but does this approach help with human motivation? Probably we all need both the carrot and stick to varying extents. Plus, whom is to say the sprinters will reach the destination in good shape, like the tortoise and hare story.
5 - Energy in / Energy out
No two ways about it, running a marathon is utterly exhausting. According to the smartwatch I burned 2,377 calories during the event. Even so, I put on weight while training as I was eating so much and building muscle. My body was calling out for energy. What was important was putting in the right type of fuel. For me, this was a combination of Jelly Babies and Maurten gels while running. Plus pasta the day before.
Similarly with climate-related work, we all need fuel to energise. It can be a tough but rewarding job, with both good and bad days. It sounds simple, but the right nutrition - such as fruit, vegetables and plenty of water - as well as spending time in nature and with friends and family is good fuel. As with the marathon, it is easy to leave refueling until you really need it. By this time, it is usually too late and you will likely burn out at some point during the run. Topping up as you go to ensure your cup doesn’t run dry is key.
6 - The right equipment
There isn’t much equipment needed for running, a pair of comfy trainers, socks and clothes. That is part of the beauty of it. I even did some indoor on the spot running via Brian Syuki’s classes on Youtube when restricted indoors. Similarly with climate action, not much is needed to get started. However, being armed with the right research and scientific insights is a good start for equipment, as well as a continually optimising and learning attitude.
7 - Diversity
We each have our own unique running gait. My own style is somewhat heavy and lop-sided, a bit like a bear missing one leg. I have seen so many types of people running - generally during a race you are not alone. Each person brings their running gait, their name, their own motivations and often personal reasons for charity fundraising. It was incredibly inspiring to read and share the other personal stories. We each bring our own characters and perspectives to our work too. Working collaboratively and in an inclusive way is important as we search for the answers to the complex problems facing the world.
8 - Define a race strategy
After doing lots of reading I settled on a marathon strategy of 10 miles using my head (i.e. not running too fast from the start), 10 miles on the legs (i.e. pound out the miles) and then a final 10k using my heart (i.e. pure emotion and determination). This was an easy strategy for me to remember and to communicate to others. Again, a read across to climate action.
In practice, executing the first two blocks of the strategy went OKish, my head and legs worked well! But my goodness…the final 10k. I was in a world of physical pain and internal voices of self doubt were creeping in. I believe this is what David Goggins calls the “inner b*tch”. At times I thought I could barely take another step. This was mainly due to chaffing on my legs and torso - lovely! I also started to have weird pains in my shoulder. But that's where the heart came in, I thought of the bigger picture and in particular my niece as I was running for a charity, called Positive about Down Syndrome, related to her condition. Replacing my negative emotions with ones which motivate helped me push myself far out of my comfort zone.
Climate action is similar, often a combination of strategies is needed. Plus, they don’t always work. Often the heart and emotion are missed in the rush for tools and technology. Thinking of the people and places we cherish on our precious planet can be an inspiration, as well as helping us keep optimistic and focused on trying our best.
9 - Supporters
Along the way in Edinburgh, there were people holding trays of sweets for runners and DJs playing music. At some point on the course when there were gaps in supporters, it was noticeably much more difficult. Building networks of colleagues, friends and internal supporters can be super helpful for climate action too.
10 - A medal - woo hoo!
If you are starting a marathon, a smaller race or a different challenge entirely. Be sure to celebrate and reward yourself at the end. It is not easy and a medal can make such a difference. I have my marathon medal hanging up by my home working desk. My final marathon time was 4 hours and 51 minutes. Far from my goal but I made it! Often when I think about the overwhelming wicked problems, such as climate, I look at that medal and think about what is possible.
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” - Muhammad Ali
If you are interested in advice about sustainability and climate, including training, workshop facilitation, strategy planning and collaboration please get in touch via seawolfsustain@gmail.com.
Despite the huge marathon challenge I have kept up the running and on Sunday I run the Bruges half marathon. I look forward to crawl > walk > running together.
Before and after photos - writers own (May 2022)
‘Tortoise photo’ credit 1690 © Paul Topp | Dreamstime.com
