Inception

Like all good aspirations, my goal is something I believe I can achieve based on past performances and the training I'm prepared to undertake.

For any performance to occur, the idea of it must first be conceived. In this instance, to deadlift 300 kg and run a sub-3-hour marathon. Both feats have been done many times, by many people. I don’t know of anyone who has done both. Like all good aspirations, my goal is something I believe I can achieve based on past performances and the training I'm prepared to undertake.

The Deadlift

I trust my capacity to pull 300 kg. I’ve done it dozens of times already. I know my body can bend down and stand up with 300kg in hand. Of course, the complicator is that I have not completed any of those prior lifts when logging any running volume. That’s the complication — and the attraction. Solving a puzzle that you have already solved previously is not as alluring as a new challenge.

The Marathon

I have run one marathon previously, in January of 2009. It was a 3hr 14min run with a very sub-optimal preparation and execution. Among the highlights were the 3 times I had to stop & poo mid-marathon. Since then I've had the aspiration to run sub 3 because it felt doable, had appeal and it was the next logical benchmark. Since then there was a couple of missed windows due to ill-timed injuries, 3 World Rowing Championships, an Olympic Games, multiple indoor rowing and skierg world records, plus a multi-year foray into powerlifting. The target stayed in the background, waiting.

The Goal

For me, running sub-3 would be a worthy milestone on its own. Deadlifting 300 kg is something I already know how to do. Doing them both, at the same point in time, is the nut to crack.