I think both running and science reflect certain character traits. I have endurance, patience, and ambition. I'm willing to work hard toward a goal, to push myself and overcome limits. Running and science both let me express these traits.

Meaning: Keeping a welcome rest or easier stage in mind can encourage continued work. The saying joins a hoped-for benefit with present effort, without requiring someone to work through exhaustion or postpone every need for recovery.

Meaning: Endurance has limits. A person may keep accepting burdens until the strain becomes more than they can carry, so willingness should not be mistaken for unlimited capacity.

Meaning: The estate is pictured as feeling the effects of prolonged absence from necessary work. The saying questions neglected responsibilities, rather than measuring character by early rising or treating sleep, illness, disability or needed rest as a moral failure.

Meaning: Starting well is useful, but carrying the work through to a worthwhile result matters more. Do not let an impressive opening replace the attention needed to complete what you began.