Staying in the Game I Still Want to Play

Earlier this year, I watched a short interview with Olympic triathlete Alex Yee, just before he ran the London Marathon. He had the chance to speak with Eliud Kipchoge … arguably the greatest marathon runner in history.

Alex asked, “If there was one piece of advice you’d give me, what would it be?”

Kipchoge didn’t talk about pacing, strategy or nutrition. He simply said, “Just get to the start line.”

At the time, I didn’t really get it.

I’ve been training for the Hyrox in Madrid. One of the most committed prep blocks I’ve ever done… dialled-in training plan, nutrition, hydration, strength, cardio … all on point.

When I picked up a calf injury a few months back, I adapted. Switched to cycling. Protected my base. Stayed on track.

Then on 12th October, I got flattened by a stomach bug.

We flew to India a few days later and I was already running on fumes. Nine days of travel, intensity, celebration and very little rest.

I trained when I could … hotel gyms, early mornings. But toward the end, my left knee that had been niggling me for a few weeks, flared up after a treadmill run. I brushed it off, but within 24 hours, I couldn’t bend it.

Back in Portugal, I went straight to a physio, then for an MRI. Diagnosis: Quadricep tendinopathy.

My plan to show up in the best shape of my life was falling apart. Secretly, I’d been targeting a podium finish in the 50–59 age group. Now I wasn’t sure I’d even make the start line.

I didn’t want the training to be for nothing. I didn’t want to let Eamon my Hyrox partner down.

And more than anything, I didn’t want to quit on myself.

Then I remembered Kipchoge’s words: “Just get to the start line.”

That became the new goal. Not PBs. Not podiums. Just get to the start line. Stay in the game.

I’m training again … carefully. The pain is manageable. My energy’s improving.
My Oura ring resilience score (normally strong to exceptional) was rock bottom since India until just two days ago.

I’m following a rehab plan. Maintaining cardio on the rower. Listening to my body. Andrew, my physio, is hopeful … so am I.

I’ve let go of some goals. But I’m holding on to one: Get to the start line. Stay in the game.

That shift changed everything …

I thought performance meant training harder, doing more, pushing through. And yes … that’s part of it.

But it’s also about paying attention. About adapting when the plan isn’t working. About staying in the game I want to play…even if I have to play it differently. Because if I take myself out of the game, none of it matters.

What game are you playing right now?

In your business?
In your leadership?
In your relationships?

Are you still aiming for the start line/staying in the game … or taking yourself out of it without realising it?

Are you pushing so hard for the win … that you’re ignoring the signs that are telling you to adapt, reset or reframe.

Here’s what I’m seeing:

I ignored what I didn’t want to see because I didn’t want to lose momentum.
I pushed through discomfort because the goal mattered so much.
I prioritised effort over awareness.

And the cost? Almost missing the thing I’d been working for all along.

I want to live life in the arena … not as a spectator. Even if it’s not perfect. Even if it looks different than I imagined or hoped.

I promised myself 2 years ago that I’d complete a Hyrox … so staying in the game whatever shape that takes, is the new win.

I’d love to hear what comes up for you as you read this.

Feel free to email me on peter@pm-coaching.co.uk

Much love,

Peter

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