“Pacing is a skill. Some people just don’t have that internal clock. I’ve been running for 14 years, and through practice it’s second nature to me. You’re doing constant repeats. You’ve just got to feel it.” – Adam Perkins, pacer for Bernard Lagat when he set the U.S. indoor 5000m record in February 2010. (See A Brief Chat With Adam Perkins)

Listen. It’s me. I’m the dude who figured that I love to sleep. Because:
I DON’T GET IT.
“Mommy, mommy… What is sleeping? Why do I yawn when I get tired? How do I look when I sleep? I know you watch me every night as I sleep, mom. Don’t lie to me. Answer me, please! I want to know!”
I DON’T GET IT (OFTEN).
“So much for the working life, dude. It sucks. I practically slept for only 3 to 5 hours a night. Plus, I’ve gained weight. Don’t get one of those, man. Go do your own business.”
I DON’T GET IT. BECAUSE I GO LONG.
“Yeah, well. I added in extra hours to finish the thing before the deadline. I didn’t stop working on this shit. I keep working on it. I mean, I lost everything – my money, my girlfriend… But my boss says I don’t do enough.
This shit’s making me crazy, man. I miss her like crazy. I know, I know – cheesy stuff. But yeah, it’s true.”
I DON’T GET IT. SO, I GO – LONG.
“Mom, I hear what you said. I listen to my body, and I just go to sleep whenever I get tired. I don’t think too much about it anymore. Circadian rhythms and whatnot. I don’t give a shit about it. Wait – of course I don’t want to give a shit – I don’t wanna give shit, giving shitty stuff, and then complain about pieces of shit! God dammit. In fact, I sleep for 8 hours a night, sometimes even 10! The next day when I wake up, I feel sooo good!
Guess I’m already getting it. Now I just have to… I just have to continue doing it. Wait. I’m gonna call her right now, and tell her I miss her.”

• More on circadian rhythms from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
• RW: Pace Yourself. The best place to work on your intuitive pace clock is the track.