Why Slowing Down Can Speed You Up: Lessons From the Road and the Treadmill

While driving back from the coast this past weekend, I noticed something that stuck with me. As I cruised steadily, I was overtaken by car after car speeding past me. At first, I felt the familiar tug of competitiveness—should I speed up? Should I rush to keep up? But as I continued driving, I realized there’s slight real advantage in going 80 mph versus 70 mph. The time saved is minimal, and the stress of rushing takes its toll.

It reminded me of a similar realisation I had during a recent workout. On the treadmill, my stats showed an average speed of 5.1 mph, which translates to a pace of about 11:46 per mile. Strangely, my summary recorded an average pace of 12:06 per mile. Shouldn’t the pace and speed align if I’m running consistently?

That question got me thinking about the relationship between speed and pace—not just in running but also in life and business. Here’s what I came to realize:

1. Speed vs. Efficiency: Going fast doesn’t always mean getting ahead. Whether it's driving a car, doing a treadmill workout, or meeting a project deadline, focusing purely on speed can lead to missed opportunities or burnout. Efficiency—getting the best results with the least wasted effort—is often more valuable.
2. Pace Reflects the Journey Pace, like speed, is a measure of progress, but it accounts for the nuances—the moments of rest, recovery, and reflection. In my treadmill workout, walking breaks and pauses affected my average pace despite my speed staying consistent. In life and work, pacing ourselves allows time for innovation, creativity, and problem-solving that can make all the difference in achieving long-term success.
3. The Power of Balance Balancing speed and pace is essential. Sometimes, slowing down to reflect and recalibrate helps you move forward more clearly and purposefully. It’s about knowing when to push and when to pull back, ensuring that the road ahead is travelled not just quickly but meaningfully.

In a world where everyone seems rushing, remember: going faster isn’t always the answer. Whether on the road, at the gym, or at work, finding the right balance between speed and pace could be the key to achieving more with less stress.

What are your thoughts? Have you noticed a difference between speed and pace in your life or work? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!