What Running has Taught Me About Entrepreneurship

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I have never been a runner. In fact, if you met me in High School you would laugh that I’m even writing this since I never once made it around the track at a faster pace than a swift walk. I usually blamed it on my knees, or the fact that I get bored easily, or that I simply hated it. (How would I know, I never made it around the track?!)

Long story short – I now actually really enjoy running. Take that bad knees!

Today while running my usual route, I got to thinking about how my running goals have served me beyond I what I could have imagined. Running has re-inspired me after quite a low point in my life. My goals have given me focus, a new purpose, and the sense of accomplishment I needed to build back my confidence. I have proved myself wrong again, and that never gets old.

It was during these thoughts that I started to realize how much running has in common with entrepreneurship. Yup, I’m talking about lacing up your shoes figuratively and literally. Here’s what I came up with:

• Sometimes you literally run right into dog shit and well, you just have to keep on running. The smell wears off eventually and you learn a valuable lesson: always keep your eyes on the road in front of you.
• Strength is not measured by our mere physical capability. Almost anyone can run if they want to; what makes you a strong runner is your ability overcome all of your excuses to not go out and run each day. We’re all tired. We all have long days, a lot of bills, other to-do’s, worry it’s not the right time – but those are just excuses. If you want to start your own business, run an organization, or whatever your goal is; stop excusing your dreams. Be strong. Overcome your excuses.
• Success is self-defined. If you want to win first place, beat your PR, or run a million-dollar company – good for you. But if you just want to feel proud and healthy – sometimes all you need to do is start the race. Don’t let someone else’s idea of success ruin yours.
• It’s hard work! If running a half-marathon, marathon, or running a company were easy, everyone would do it. If you don’t feel like working that hard, then don’t – but don’t blame it on any of your excuses. (See 2^nd bullet)
• It is never actually about the race. Race day is wonderful, whether you’re running a 5k or a half marathon (I haven’t been yet, but will be soon!), but you don’t run just for race day - you run because you love the journey. It’s never about “getting there” it’s about being there, everyday doing something you love.
• Find the right partners. I can never run as well alone as I always go too fast and tire easily. When I run with my fiancé or my father, I can actually keep pace and run longer and stronger. Even if we don’t get there as quickly, getting there together is always more effective. Not to mention, accomplishing goals together creates stronger relationships and offers built in cheerleaders. Talk about multitasking!
•  You never know who you are inspiring. A few weeks ago during my 10k, I found myself in the midst of people who continued to stop and start. Not wanting to fall victim to the “stop,” I found a woman who was right in front me and let her be my inspiration; she kept me going and reminded me of my own strength through hers. And after time I realized I too couldn’t stop, just in case I was inspiring someone else to do the same.
• You don't have to earn the "title". I used to think I had to run a certain race before I could consider myself a "runner," and that running my tiny nonprofit didn't qualify me as an "entrepreneur". I surely had to run a larger company that earned more money in order to deserve that title. But both of these are lies. I am a runner because I tie my laces and go run. The mileage and money doesn't matter. If you're out there doing it, you already won.
• Be okay with the process. Some days you run two miles and you feel crap, and the next day you run seven and feel on top of the world.  You never know what kind of day it will be until you just go out and run. If that doesn’t represent entrepreneurship – well I don’t know what does.

Moral of the story is that I have yet again reminded myself of how far each of us can push ourselves. One goal leads to the next and as I continue my half-marathon training I know my journey as an entrepreneur is far from over…  


What about yours?

What has running, (or your physical goals) taught you? 

Many thanks to all the runners in my life and on my facebook feed that inspire me to keep running.