How does Marathon Running Help You Succeed In Business?
I am looking for stories, experiences, and thoughts on the topic.
As normal, I will write an article on the results and create an edited PDF summary of the answers that can help others in their life journey.
If you want to be quoted please answer publicly, if you want to answer and your name not used, answer privately,.
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Zale
Zale@ZaleTabakman.ca
www.ZaleTabakman.ca
Background
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I wrote an article on Marathon Running as a Metaphor for success here:
http://zaletabakman.ca/2007/07/23/marathon-running-is-a-metaphor-for-success
This led me to think about LinkedIn and so I asked a
simple question about a LinkedIn Marathon Running group and received many various and exciting answers publicly and privately.
The question can be found here: http://www.linkedin.com/answers/using-linkedIn/ULI/77514-1655626
Now, I see its an interesting topic and want to explore it more.
Good Answers (11)
Eddy V.
Program Manager, Senior Recruiter at Experis IT (Manpower Group)
Best Answers in: Career Management (1), Using LinkedIn (1)
Dear Zale,
I read the article you wrote and would like to comment on it :
As a youngster, I started long distance running and finally got selected for the national track team and pre-selected for the Olympics. A car accident finally ended the dream and I switched over to business and learning with all the energy and drive that I had been putting in the running. The whole experience helped me tremendously in my career.
You are right, marathon runnng (and let’s consider it a metaphor for endurance sports) is about a goal, a plan and a team, but it is about a whole lot more. People who have been long distance running will agree that there is :
- the idea (based on first factfinding) and the growing belief that it is feasible
- the long term goal setting and the overall strategy to get there
- the plan with milestones and its execution, perseverance
- it is about continuous monitoring and adapting the plan to changing circumstances (individual and environmental conditions having an influence on the execution of the plan, e.g. health, fatigue, injuries, weather conditions)
- the motivational aspects of continuous feedback like the approval and enthusiasm of the social framework, small victories (during training) and bigger ones (the accoplishment), prizes, articles, one’s picture on a website or in a newspaper
- the organisational and procedural aspects (medical, infrastructure, timing, …)
- it’s about information and communication and knowing the different aspects of the race (before, during and after the race)
- it’s about the strategy during the run : start fast or slow, stay with a group or run on your own, drink and eat more or less, …
- it’s about the teamwork during the run, helping a team mate to win, or helping one another to make it to the end (even if it means slowing down yourself, this is where I like to distinguish between different mentalities very much aligned with one’s personal values)
- and last but not least, just like life or work, it’s about finding and managing the balance
Does this mean that a company with all ‘marathon runners’ would be the ideal company ? I dare to say that it is most likely not because so much more aspects make a business succeed.
As a side remark, I would like to state that once you’ve crossed the half hour running barrier on training, the long distance running becomes a kind of addiction. During the (training) run, the brain will start to produce endorfine (similar to morfine) and create a state of mind that the runner will subconsciously seek to develop again. It takes a while for the effect to disappear and active runners will bring that feeling to work as well.
Thanks for bringing the topic up and always welcome to continue the e-conversation.
I have run 11 Marathons starting in 2003. Here are things that I believe make me a better more successful employee
1) Running allows you to work on problems with other parts of your brain. Often times while running I have been able to come up with a solution or path of action to a problem I otherwise did not see
2) Fitness. There's two things to this. You are healthier not missing work due to illness. Albeit, it might not be fair or appropriate, you see heavier people struggling to climb the corporate ladder. There is a bias for the fit.
3) Confidence. You run a marathon, you feel like anything can be in your reach.
4) If you have a boss that runs, well you have a connection and given your respective paces you might be able to run with him/her at lunch. This is a good advantage as well.
Gregg T.
Owner at WSI - We Simplify the Internet - Search Engine Marketing and Internet Advertising
Zale, it sounds very interesting. I own my own business and I have run multiple marathons. I often compare the two as being very similiar. Running a business is a Marathon. Some of the miles you have to sprint and others you have to walk due to the cramp in your side. Like a Marathon, you always need to be heading in the right direction and never stop moving.
Dedication, focus, planning, sacrifices, pain, humility, small achievements, and long term success.
For me it was the thrill and kick I got when after months of training I saw myself develop, improve and finally achieve. The realization that after the marathon I started having even more confidence in my ability to schedule, plan and stick to the plan. The learning that whatever the goal, how stretching it may be, I would always be able to take the next step. The learning that after discipline to stick to a training schedule a habit develops and a higher standard emerges.
I run my first marathon in 1997 in a fantastic, sunny, summer day while seeing the beautiful landscape of Rio de Janeiro, after 8 months of extensive and exausting training. Before that race I had run no more than 15km at once. So, upgrading from 15km to 42km demanded a great deal of traininig and endurance. In that period I could say I had to challenge myself so much and could find a great deal of learning to be transfered to my business tasks. Dealing with a tight schedulle,create self-motivation, to deal with frustration, to balance both possibilities: not training enough vs. risk of training in excess and to exceed body limit, etc...all of this gave me key insights about management and I could use them in the businnes environment. However, the biggest learning came in my second Marathon: 4 months after Rio marathon, I run the S.Paulo marathon. The environment was a dark and cold day, running in gray landscape, in the middle of city of S.Paulo, streets and buildings. When I reached km 21, approximately 50% of circuit, I felt depressed and exausted. The landscape looked like gray and boring. I though about my family, my daughter...I suddenly I wondered: "- what a hell I am doing here????" In that moment I stopped runing for some minutes and the more I stayed stopped more I thought about giving up. I looked around and I could see people giving up everywhere, and people near me just walking slower and slower. But then, I watched a group of 3 people runing together, each one supporting and motivating the others. I watched them and then I decided to follow them. I joined them and I re-started running in their pace. Step by step I came back to the race and 2 hours later I crossed the finishing line. What I learnt from that situation? Well, I could have given up...and stay with the losers who were not prepared to run and gave up at km 21, or I could have followed a group of winners who didn´t stop, who worked in team, and finished the line. I my life, that was a practical evidence of how important is to follow the steps of winners and not join the losers in our life.
Chris M.
Associate Director of Graduate Admission at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (2)
I don't do marathons, but do run competitively. Rather, I am working back up to being competitive after a long hiatus. For me the benefits and interconnections are numerous, just as many have already mentioned.
1. Morning runs help me be more alert and focused throughout the day.
2. Better fitness level means I feel healthier and am healthier - less headaches (and less severe) plus stronger immune system (and with two school aged kids I get exposed to a lot.
3. My campus president runs so it is a good point of connection.
4. Our institution fielded a relay team for last year's Detroit Marathon. We took first place in the Colleges & University division. It was a great 'team-building' experience across divisions. And the president I mentioned was our anchor.
5. Great time to pray, get contemplative, hash out a work problem, or draft a difficult email. All of which reduce stress levels beyond just the workout side of the equation.
6. The sense of accomplishment and knowledge of pushing beyond limits with long runs and speed work improves mental toughness and resilience.
Most sports will yield similar results if pursued in earnest, but there is something about solo activities that especially enhance some of what I listed above. I am my own obstacle, my own rival. I have full ownership of success or failure to meet my goals.
David D.
FPGA, ASIC Design Engineer, Verilog / VHDL Hardware Design, Telecommunications, Video, Optical
I ran the N.Y.C. marathon in 1986 (G.Poli and G. Waitz the winners.) As we crossed the Verrazano bridge just after the start (I was in the 8:00/mile time group) we were jogging side-by-side and toe to heel. Somewhere across the bridge the person in front of me tripped, causing me to trip, causing others to trip. The thought going through my mind was if I fall, I'll be trampled (this was of course New York City.) Without thinking, I grabbed at the shoulder of the person next to and he grabbed mine. Arm in arm several of us around each other grabbed the shoulder or elbow of the person next to them. Without a word spoken, we pulled each other up and would not let the person next to us fall. None of us knew the other, yet without a word spoken, about 10 to 15 of us all helped keep each other from falling. All the elements were present, survival, intense consequences if we failed (fell,) and a very cool sense of fellowship that transcended words.
Flash forward to 2002 after being let go in the semiconductor telecommunications dot.com meltdown. I remembered that experience of people helping people who did not even know each other but were connected by way of common goals and objectives. I immediately got involved in networking (Crossroads) and trying to help other people solve problems, find work, while hoping to find work for myself as well. We were all trying to feed our families and return to rewarding full filling employment.
Just like helping others not to fall and be trampled as well as having the incredible sense of accomplishment in running 26.2 miles; life in business involves much more than just taking and receiving. It involves giving, helping and being part of solutions to problems that are deeper and more complex than just doing one's own assignment. Execution is key. Staying power and commitment to completion, recognizing one's limitations are all elements of work that have parallels in the world of running and especially the marathon.
-- David Dworkin
-- Alpharetta GA
I recently ran my first marathon. These are the traits that I believe you need to be successful in training for and running a marathon. All of these are also applicable to being successful in business.
1) Dedication - you need to be up early and often to train
2) Perserverance/Determination - you have to overcome many obstacles that get in your way, including and especially, mental.
3) Goal Orientation - you have to have a goal in your mind (ie complete a marathon in x time) and work towards that goal
4) Restraint - you need to know how and when to push yourself , both in the race and through training, so that you avoid injury but still achieve your goal
This may seem counter intuitive, but you can't do a marathon by yourself. Or atleast you cannot do it well. You need encouragement, you need competitors, you need the water station people and most importantly, all along the way before the big day, you need to find within yourself the will power to keep chipping away at a goal that is bigger than you. And then on the big day yes its about reaching down and finding out what your made of. Its a lot like business for me. People who are consumed by "winning", who can't fail and get back up again, and who fail to see the big picture and act accordingly ultimately lose. Life and marathons are both long races - winners play smart, enjoy the ride, and find a way to do it.
In 2006, I ran four 1/2 marathons. My goal is run my first marathon, the Jacksonville, Florida marathon in December 2007.
While running long races, I keep in mind the 5 day/week training sessions of intervals, speed work, and long runs with groups composed of the adult Emerald Coast Racing Team and "we" (some of my colleagues, customers, and partners.) I remember things people say such as Christian Beine's, "Don't stop please. We need your time," or my friend with Down's Syndrome Dexter's words during his challenging tasks, "Here we go yo yo!" Or Skip Vogelsang, executive director of a Pensacola YMCA, "I dedicate each mile to a different person who is important to me and think about them during that mile."
How does this help with success in business? "We" are healthier, can deal with stress better, have more energetic and alert minds, love hanging in there together, and realizing with every step, about what is really important in life. It's not money.
Links:
More Answers (38)
Mykel de W.
Consultant
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Perseverance to the edge of total collapse (sometimes even over the edge...)
greetz Mykel
I just ran one Marathon so far, but did some smaller competitions as well. It is increasing your health and happiness. And it takes more than training to run a marathon, so are dedication and determination also terms which apply to the workplace.
I have run 2 marathons, the first being 42.
I think it helped me in different aspects :
1) you look healthier, and people see it
2) suffering blood sugar decreased, and it helped being moire attentive in meetings
3) a marathon is a proof a patience and endurance. It heps you understanding where are your limits, and how to blow them up
4) I run in the morning. It helps me in meetings to be fully awaken when I arrive.
I actually haven't run a marathon, but had raced triathlons for a number of years and had also been a distance swimmer in college - they are endurance sports just like a marathon. How this has helped me is by understanding that it isn't necessarily where you are in the beginning of the race, but where you are at the end of the race that matters. In other words, running a successful, sustainable business isn't a sprint, but a longer term endeavor. You have to be willing to work hard even when it seems like nothing is going right.
So that being said...
1. It has trained me to be very goal oriented
2. It has taught me perserverence
3. I've learned about commitment and dedication
4. It has given me a level of fitness that I can use throughout my life, which is reflected in my work
I haven't completed one officially, but was up at 26 miles several weeks before a marathon in Rome. Training for that, the most important thing I learned was to pace yourself. Don't push yourself faster than your body can take things, but push yourself enough to keep getting farther or faster (depending on your goal)... It's also helpful to have a coach or trainer to work with you if it's your first marathon. Everything from running shoes to the equipment you use can make a big difference.
Janette C.
Marketing Manager Membership Services
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Janette C. suggests this expert on this topic:
My colleague Paul Henshaw is a marathon runner, he will be competing in a half marathon in a couple of weeks time and will be competing in the Dublin Marathon in October. He has just completed the 3 Peaks Challenge which involves climbing the 3 highest peaks in Britain in under 24 hours he achieved it in 20 hours and 48 minutes. He is the best example I have seen of Marathon Running helping you to suceed in business
Herman L.
CFO/COO. Cashflow/Profit/Performance. I help companies make money and grow! I can help!
all the training keeps you from being one-sided?
I am just starting my journey both in the corporate and runner's world. I have completed 2 half-marathons and already able to draw parallels with everyday problems at work and in life. Havent seen a better body, mind and personality builder. Experiencing and exploring more!
Although I have yet to run in a marathon, I have competed in a few 5Ks this past summer and I really believe that running is very beneficial in one's professional career as well as personal life.
I'm a huge advocate of keeping on top of your health with a combination of a healthy diet, weight training and cardiovascular workouts. By implementing the three in your daily routine, it will increase your energy as well as your confidence. When your high level of energy meets your with your pure confidence the result is SUCCESS!
Marathon running helps me persevere through challenging business situations. The lessons I’ve learned through running apply to every business situation I’ve encountered.
Joe T.
Financial Author & Consultant
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I prepared for my first marathon while also prepping for the CFP(R) exam. Getting up before five am in chilly upstate NY to go to the gym, run on a treadmill for an hour and a half, listening to tax code on my headset. Talk about building intestinal fortitude!! CFP(R) exam was easy, marathon was not, but I got through both!
Joe
Hi Zale, to your list (Goal+Plan+Team) I would add a fundamental (both in business and marathon) element, that is determination: nothing comes for free, you need to pursue your goal sticking at the plan, even when canceling a training session or postponing a difficult decision would seem the easiest way.
I also add a great outcome of running marathons, that is self-awareness: you can make it, and you bring this positive feeling back in the office to face daily challenges and career traps.
ciao,
Luca
Chuck Z.
Certified Public Accountant
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Interesting
That sounds a lot like a presentation titled "Running Life's Marathon" I gave to a group in Austin, Texas a few years ago.
I think you will find that the keys to success in any endeavor are similar.
AMIT D.
Account Manager at Pyramid Consulting Inc, Atlanta , GA
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I have never run a marathon, but I am planning to run on 22nd Sept 07 (http://www.thedreammile.org/atlanta).
How it will help me in business? - I will get to meet people from different fields and profession. This event will allow me to introduce myself and get introduced to many others. I will get a platform to put across my idea and thoughts, and you never know who will be impressed and I or my company is benefited, or I may be able to help somebody.
Apart from that, my best friend met his girlfriend in the Marathon race in Canada. I am positive and have my fingers crossed. - YOU RUN AMIT-
Amit Dubey
Pyramid Consulting Inc
212-381-1120 x 537
Links:
Becoming an endurance athlete has helped me in my professional and personal life. As a triathlete and runner (currently training for the NYC Marathon), the biggest lesson that I have learned is that quitting is not an option. I had a tendency in the past to check out when things at work became difficult or boring but now I realize that, like training runs, some days are better than others. The path to success is simply hard work and determination to see things through to completion. My wife is actually writing a dissertation on a similar subject about the transformation (physical and mental) that first time women marthoners undergo.
Ghada R.
Senior Vice President - Business Intelligence, Financial Reporting, Data Quality, Risk Management
Best Answers in: Direct Marketing (1), Quality Management and Standards (1), Software Development (1)
It taught me:
1- Not to underestimate the power of mentors, coaches and friends. They can help can smooth the path of your success.
2- Determination
3- Attitude counts. Keep a positive attitude because a negative one would spoil success
Friend of mine died thanks to a marathon.
I'm in the process of training for my second marathon. I don’t think running a marathon is about the actual race itself; it’s the training that is necessary to complete the race that makes it relatable to business.
It's all about the commitment to the training, the lifestyle, the aches and pains that come with the weeks of training. Runners all have great days and terrible days and days we feel like we’re just spinning our wheels but we continue to train and commit to making ourselves better. Runners know it’s every time we go out for a 40 minute jog, speed work out or a long run that will help us get to the finish line.
Business professionals are the same; it's not one successful deal that determines a career but the ability of a professional to consistently perform and improve the bottom line over time that matters. Business training comes in forms of academics, continuing education or professional training. This is all necessary in order reach a long term business goal.
I think marathons help people realize it's all about what they do everyday that will help them reach their goals, one great day isn’t enough to carry someone across the finish line. It’s the very same in business!
Having run the London marathon this past year, I would say it really helps you to prioritize your time as you need to invest so much personal time to train, it is a huge commitment to train. Also in London I think about 80% run for charity, I did, raised nearly 3000 Pounds for Multiple Scleroisis. With that I sent out my just giving page to many people within my company. Some may not have made a donation but were always asking about the training in the months leading up to the day and others did make generous donations.
I am a believer in the more you have on your plate the more successful you are in all task in life, work and home.
So you train for months on end and then it is over. But 2 weeks later I did get married back home in New York and the marathon was a huge preview of all the work leading up to the event and then the it here and over.
So I would say for those working on projects where they invest so much time and energy to then have to move onto something else the marathon is a similar.
Still at work meetings and events whenever anyone brings up a marathon or running they always come to me.
Good Luck, not sur eif this helped!!!
