Over the past six years, I’ve taken up running, and with my children moving past the baby stage, I've been able to devote more time to it. This year alone, I’ve completed five 10k runs, three half marathons (with two more to go), and I rarely miss a Saturday Park Run. Most recently, I took on the Clarendon Half Marathon, an off-road course that winds through Hampshire’s stunning countryside between Salisbury and Winchester. Known for its gruelling hills and a 400-metre elevation gain, this particular run made me reflect on how training for a race and running a business share striking similarities. Here are four parallels that came to mind:
1. Preparation & Goal Setting
When running a race or aiming to improve fitness to break personal records, it’s essential to set both short-term and long term goals. Having something to aim for keeps you motivated and focused. While this concept seems obvious in business, it’s easy to dive into a new venture or pursue growth without a clear picture of the end goal. This is especially true for small business owners, who must consider not only their professional ambitions but also how these align with their personal lives. Having a clear vision of where you want to go and what you want your business and life to look like is crucial in the short, medium, and long term. Once you’ve defined that vision, you can map out the small steps that will take you there.
2. Community
Running may seem like a solo activity, but it’s far from it. Being part of a running club has shown me just how impactful community support can be. The encouragement, advice, and even running app kudos make all the difference. These small yet powerful boosts can help mark and celebrate each milestone. Similarly, in business, having people around you provides essential support, motivation, and perspective, carrying you through the toughest moments, much like in running.
For me, joining Winchester Fit Club RC has been essential, offering not only motivation but also a strong sense of community and support. Saturday morning Park Runs have also been fantastic for building connections and inspiring people to take up running, even those who might never have considered it otherwise. The same is true in business it’s essential not to go it alone. Whether you’re a sole business owner or part of a team, surrounding yourself with other business owners or colleagues is crucial. They provide a space to share ideas, be accountable, seek advice, and build connections.
3. Endurance
In my recent Clarendon Half Marathon my sixth time running this challenging course. I approached the uphills differently. Rather than trying to power through every climb, I decided to walk those sections. This allowed me to catch my breath, conserve energy, and focus on pushing hard during the flat or downhill stretches. As a new runner, it can feel psychologically challenging to slow down, as if taking a break means losing valuable time. However, I noticed that while others kept running up the hills, I was able to pass them once we were over the top. By walking, I had more energy and a better pace along the flats and downhills.
The same principle applies in business, where there’s often immense pressure to keep pushing forward without pause. However, I believe it’s crucial to reframe this mindset. It’s okay to stop, slow down, and rest. These pauses are not only beneficial but essential to your work. Taking a break allows you to relax, make better decisions, and ultimately reach your goals with a clearer mind and renewed sense of purpose.
4. Celebrating & Rest
At the end of a run, there comes celebration, followed by rest. The celebration might come from friends and supporters cheering you over the finish line, or from receiving kudos on a running app. After that celebration, there’s rest a time when the journey comes to a close. This rest could mean taking a few days off after a major race or simply enjoying a quiet day after a shorter run. It’s a moment to acknowledge that your effort has culminated in completion.
A quote from author - Rob Bell always comes to mind when I finish a work project or event: "Your work is not complete until you rest." This highlights how, after intense periods of work, it’s essential to pause and switch off. The resting phase is as much a part of the process as the active creation phase. Ancient writers spoke of this in a creation poem that described the world being created over seven metaphorical days, with the seventh day reserved for rest. This final day was as integral to the creative process as the six days of creation.
The same holds true in running a business. Reaching a milestone, achieving a goal, or completing a project is not fully realised until you take time to rest, celebrate, and disconnect. In this pause, we allow ourselves to reflect, recharge, and truly complete the journey before embarking on the next.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re putting on your running shoes or preparing for your next business challenge, embrace the process. Seek and embrace the support around you, and remember to take time to recharge. These experiences shape you and make the journey as fulfilling as the destination.
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