I'm a fan of Patrick O'Brian's historical fiction navy series about the tales of Jack Aubrey during the Napoleonic Wars. Over and over, you hear the phrase "Fire on the Up Roll" during the climatic ship battles. 

In the heat of naval battles, ships would roll with the waves, creating a moving platform that made precise aiming difficult. To achieve the best accuracy, crews had to time their cannon fire with the upward roll of the ship. This synchronization allowed for more precise targeting and maximized the impact of their broadside attacks. However, mastering this firing discipline required immense patience and control. The chaos and urgency of battle tested a crew’s ability to wait for the precise moment to act.

The phrase "fire on the up roll" captures the essence of patience. It's about holding steady, maintaining focus, and timing your actions perfectly, even when every instinct urges immediate action. This disciplined approach ensures that efforts are not wasted and that each action is maximized for effectiveness.

Just as naval crews had to wait for the perfect moment to fire, runners must exercise discipline and patience in their training and racing. The temptation to push too hard, too soon, can lead to burnout, injury, or suboptimal performance. Instead, successful runners know the importance of pacing and timing.

In training, patience manifests as a commitment to gradual progress. Building endurance, speed, and strength takes time. Runners who push their limits too quickly risk overtraining and injury. Following a well-structured training plan that incrementally increases intensity and volume allows the body to adapt and grow stronger without undue stress. This disciplined approach ensures sustainable progress and long-term success.

During a race, the principle of "firing on the up roll" is crucial. The adrenaline of the starting line and the energy of fellow competitors can make it tempting to start too fast. However, seasoned runners understand the importance of pacing. Starting conservatively and gradually increasing speed allows for a stronger finish. This strategy not only conserves energy but also leverages the runner’s full potential when it matters most – in the final stretch.

Running is about recognizing and seizing moments of opportunity. In a race, these moments might come when you find a rhythm, catch a downhill slope, or feel a surge of energy. Being attuned to your body and the race environment allows you to capitalize on these moments, pushing forward when the time is right.

Fire!