Alexi Pappas: Why I love my bad days

Why I love my bad days

One month before the Rio Olympics, runner Alexi Pappas couldn't hit her splits in practice. She was begging her watch to change its mind. Then her coach told her to take it off — and shared the best advice she's ever received. That single piece of wisdom led her to break a national record and changed how she chases her goals, carrying her through ultramarathons, a memoir and three films. Bad days aren't a detour, she says — they mean you're right on track.

Struggling before the Rio Olympics, an athlete learned the 'rule of thirds': real growth means feeling great, just OK, and downright bad in equal measure. She walked 40 miles through the night in a 100-mile mountain race and broke a national record by embracing both her best and worst moments. Success comes from showing up on tough days and giving honest effort, not perfect results. The hardest stretches aren't signs of failure but evidence of pursuing something worthwhile.

Bad Days Are Proof You’re Chasing Something Big

Chasing meaningful goals involves feeling good, average, and even terrible at times. Before breaking a national record at the Olympics, one runner struggled to finish a workout and doubted she belonged. Her coach introduced the 'rule of thirds': the journey should include a mix of highs, mediums, and lows. Embracing this balance brought success not only in athletics, but also in creative work and everyday life.

Bad Days Signal Progress On The Path To Big Dreams

Progress rarely feels perfect; setbacks are actually signs of pushing beyond comfort. A month before the Olympics, missing crucial splits on the track led to a transformative lesson: the rule of thirds. Feeling good, just okay, or even terrible in equal measure is a healthy indicator when chasing ambitious goals. Embracing tough moments, whether in a record-breaking Olympic run or a grueling 100-mile mountain race, reframes struggle as proof of growth, not weakness.