Push the Pace and Win the Race: What Running Taught Me About Public Speaking

You may not know this but I’ve been running long distance races for years—long enough to know that my usual pace, is the same steady rhythm I’ve stuck to for.....ever!

Running is something I enjoy– it's when I think and when I don't think. It's when I let my stress out and when I feel free to be me. But recently, there’s been one problem: I have not been getting any fitter, faster or stronger. My body got used to the same old routine.

I’d hit the pavement, run at my usual pace, and finish right where I expected. It felt good. Too good, actually.

And for awhile, that was fine. But eventually, I started feeling stuck in a rut! Sure, I was out there running, and loving it but I wasn’t improving, in fact, when I did change up my route, my hamstrings and knees let me know!

I realized, as long as I continued doing the same thing, my pace, weight and fitness stayed the same. I was comfortable, yes, but I wasn’t challenging myself. I knew that when I wanted to see real growth, I would have to make a change.

So, I decided to mix things up. I pushed myself to run intervals, introduced hill sprints, and increased my distance. It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was uncomfortable. 😩 My legs burned, and my lungs felt like they were working overtime. But something incredible started to happen: I got faster. My endurance improved. I felt🏋️stronger than I had in years.

And here’s the thing—public speaking🎤works the same way.

Many of us stick to what’s comfortable. We stay at the same “pace” in our speaking, relying on the methods and habits that feel safe. We give presentations we’re used to, to audiences we’re familiar with, and we don’t push ourselves too hard. It feels good because we know what to expect. But just like my running, that comfort zone doesn’t bring growth.

If we want to improve as speakers, we have to push past the boundaries of what feels easy. It might mean trying a new technique, speaking in front of a tougher audience, or stepping into a role that feels just a little too big. And yes, it might feel 👀 awkward or even scary at first. But that’s where real progress happens.

Just like stepping up my running pace made me a better runner, stepping up your speaking game will make you a better speaker.

Reader, here’s my challenge for you: What’s one thing you can do to step outside of your speaking comfort zone? (just for fun, push yourself to make a change in routine and email me back)

Maybe it’s trying a different delivery style or getting on stage in front of an unfamiliar crowd. Whatever it is, remember that discomfort is a sign of growth.

Change isn’t imminent unless you make it happen.

Here's to pushing the pace and winning the public speaking race 🎤,

Val xx
Public Speaking Made Easy

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