Lessons Learned from Running A Half Marathon – And How They’ve Helped My Business

Last month, I logged 1,000 miles running outside. Not a treadmill, though there’s nothing wrong with that, but I ran outside with all the elements. That’s quite an accomplishment for someone who never considered herself a runner. My journey with running started in 2019 when I decided to sign up my first half marathon. When I signed up the longest I had ever run was a 5k (3.1 miles) and that was in 2010 and before kids. From the time I signed up to the starting line I had seven months to train.

I’m a huge believer in setting ambitious goals and doing things that make you uncomfortable. I have always learned and grown as a result of doing something that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

I signed up because I had read that one of the best ways to challenge your mental ability was by completing a physical challenge. At the time, I was also building my business. I needed a physical challenge to help me build my mental toughness and break through existing limiting beliefs. I completed my half marathon, the Vegas Rock N’ Roll Marathon, and I’ve been consistently running ever since.

Here is what I have learned from running.

Know your why

When you are building a business there are tough days; days you feel like you didn’t get enough done and you wonder why you’re even doing it. This is the life of an entrepreneur. You have to push through and find your why. If your business doesn’t know its why and if you aren’t communicating it to employees regularly – you need to start! Focusing on your why will get you through the ups and downs of running a business.

Focus on the journey, not the destination

Too many people focus on the finish line (me included) or the day they launch their business as the “made it” moment when in fact it is the grind every day that is going to make your business better. Embrace the day-to-day struggle and work through it.

Have a plan

I didn’t just wake up and run a half marathon. I trained 3-5 times a week and built up to running long runs on the weekend. I had a plan that combined strength training with sprints and endurance runs. You have to have a plan. What are your business goals and objectives? What are you doing each day to make your business successful? What do you want people to know about you and your business? Be clear about where you are going so you can determine the right steps to get you there.

Invest in the right tools

When I first started running, I didn’t have the fancy running shoes, socks or even know what GU was. I just got up and put in the miles on the roads. It wasn’t pretty, but I was building the foundation for endurance. After consistently getting up and doing it I realized there were some foundational tools that could improve my new hobby – shoes made for running, socks that literally made me feel like I was running on clouds, a fanny pack to hold my water and “fuel” – electrolytes in the form of a sticky substance called GU. These tools improved the experience of running. What does that mean for your business? What tools and resources can help you improve where you’re going?

Commit to improving your skills

Running has become my proof that it is ok to set new, seemingly impossible goals and just start aiming for them. As a business owner you have to commitment to improving your skills and learning every day. It’s important for you, your team and your business.