When I started training for my first marathon, I kept hearing about the infamous 32 km wall. At first, I thought it was just a metaphor.
Then I hit it.
It’s real.
The wall is that moment—usually around kilometer 32—when your body’s glycogen stores are nearly gone. Your muscles start tightening, your legs feel heavy, and your brain begins to protest. From a scientific point of view, this is where your body shifts from carbohydrate-based energy to fat-burning, which is slower and more demanding.
The result? You feel like stopping.
But what’s more interesting than the biology is the mental struggle that follows. Because from that point forward, finishing the race becomes less about strength, and more about focus, belief, and resilience.
When Projects Hit the Wall
In project management, I’ve seen the same thing.
A long, complex project can hit a point where:
- Motivation fades
- Progress slows
- Problems multiply
- The goal feels far away
Sometimes it happens at the midpoint. Sometimes during the final phase, when you thought the worst was behind you. It’s not always technical—it’s often emotional and psychological.
This is the project version of the wall.
How to Push Through It
Just like in a marathon, the project isn’t over when the wall appears. In fact, that’s often when the real work begins.
Here’s what I’ve learned—on the road and in the office:
1. Check Your Systems
In a marathon, I check my breathing, posture, nutrition.
In a project, it’s time to review your scope, risks, priorities, and team dynamics. What’s working? What’s not?
2. Find Your Anchor
Runners use mantras or think about the finish line.
In projects, this means reconnecting with the why. Why are we doing this? What’s the impact?
3. Break It Down
Instead of thinking, “10 km to go,” I focus on the next 500 meters.
In a project, this means identifying the next achievable milestone and celebrating small wins.
4. Rely on the Team
Running alone is tough. With others, it’s lighter.
Projects are no different—share the burden, communicate honestly, support each other.
The Finish Line—and Beyond
Reaching the finish—especially after overcoming the wall—is deeply rewarding.
But the most important step comes after: the lessons learned.
Ask your team:
- What could we have done differently?
- Where did we lose energy?
- What saved us?
This is where growth happens.
With the right reflection, the next long project won’t have a wall—because you’ll be trained for it. Pacing, preparation, communication, and mindset all improve with each experience.
Final Thought
The wall isn’t a failure. It’s a moment of truth.
And if you learn from it, you’ll become the kind of leader—and runner—who not only finishes, but grows stronger with every kilometer.
Have you ever hit the wall—in a project, a race, or somewhere else? What got you through it?
Let me know in the comments.
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