Slow Progress-The First Step
‘Even the longest journey starts with a single step.’ (Lao Tzu)
I remember the first step of Challenge 52.
It was just after 3.30am on 19th April 2024 and I stepped out of my house into the dark and the rain. But that was not the first step of Challenge 52, even though it was my first step outside.
I was very particular in establishing the rules for Challenge 52 from the outset.
[Tim’s Notes: Others would define my ‘particular’ as anal.]
No running would be included, no meandering around the house would be included, and only the miles captured via Strava and/or Garmin Connect.
[Tim’s Notes: Oh, how happy am I that I no longer need to record my walking on Strava! That is one thing I DID NOT miss when the Challenge finished!]
I felt it important to be accountable should anyone question the miles I had walked, even though I was not seeking to break any records. I was very particular where I started my walks when at home, and that morning I had decided it would start at the edge of our driveway. Why, I have no idea but that is what I chose to do, and so the first steps I walked outside took me to the edge of the driveway, and from there I took the first steps on my year-long challenge.
Why is this first step memorable whilst so many more, even the last one, are not? Is it the case that the first of something is always more memorable than what could be considered the ‘best?’
Consider the following questions. Yes, they are about running, but even if you don’t know much about running, I bet you know at least one of the answers.
Who was the first person to break the 4-minute mile?
Who is the current men’s world record holder for the mile?
Who was the first person to break 2 hours for the marathon?
Who is the current men’s world record holder for the marathon?
The answers are at the bottom of this chapter.
I would bet a lot of money that significantly more people, will know the answers to Q1 than the others. After that, it is likely many will know the answer to Q3. Some of you may know the answers to Q2 and 4. But why? Why is being the best at something not the most memorable?
Being the best is either ever-changing, where records get improved; or, is subjective, around who is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).
Being the first to do something never changes; it is immovable; hence, it is memorable.
Who would you consider made the best landing on the moon?
[Tim’s Notes: Yes, I bet your mind is struggling to even consider that as a reasonable question.]
How would you measure ‘best?’
Most impact for mankind?
Least impact physically on the moon?
The most efficient?
And you are probably thinking, how could it be anyone else other than Neil Armstrong because most of us won’t know any other lunar landings.
Being the first to do something isn’t only for the dreamers, and those willing to push through unseen and sometimes unthought-of barriers.
Each and every one of us are capable of being the first to do something.
All we need to do is find inspiration in the small things to start.
Think of things in your life:
Your first paycheque.
The first company you set up.
The first time your kid walked.
The first time you ran a 5k after the Coach to 5K programme.
I am certain these are more memorable than the best you have done: your best paycheque, your best company, the best you remember your kid walking, the best 5k you did.
Every journey starts with a first step, and true inspiration comes from within us.
It doesn’t have to be big to be memorable to you.
It doesn’t have to be meaningful to others to be meaningful to you.
It does need to be unique, other than unique to you.
After completing the Challenge, I was listening to a podcast by Patrick O’Shaunessey interviewing Graham Weaver, founder and partner in Alpine Investors, a Venture Capitalism /Asset Management company.
[Tim’s Notes: Hopefully you remember Graham Weaver from last week.]
One of the things Weaver said was a quote he was fond of remembering around how to decide on goals: ‘What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?’ Imagine that – deciding on a goal that you truly wanted to aim for, without considering how to achieve it, or what hurdles might be in the way. If you don’t follow Graham Weaver, please do – he shares so much great learning for all to take onboard and improve from.
This was precisely the approach I took when choosing to undertake the year-long challenge of walking everyday for a year, covering over 2704 miles.
I decided that is what I would do – then I worked out the detail.
What goal will you set yourself, that thing you would do if you knew you couldn’t fail, that will provide you with your next memorable first?
And what will be your first step on this journey?
Answers: (as at April 2026)
Who was the first person to break the 4-minute mile? Sir Roger Bannister
Who is the current men’s world record holder for the mile? Hichim el Guerrouj
Who was the first person to break 2 hours for the marathon? Eliud Kipchoge
Who is the current men’s world record holder for the marathon? Kelvin Kiptum
Note: Since late April 2026, Sabastian Sawe became the Marathon world record holder when he broke the 2 hour barrier - in a proper race - in London.
WHAT A RACE!