Learnings from a first marathon!

Last weekend I completed my first marathon. So, you might now think: what is so great about completing a marathon? In the Netherlands alone, this year over 30,000 people have passed the 42,195 km line – what’s the story here? 

One and a half year ago, I could hardly run for more than 10 kilometer and a running event of 15 km caused pain in my entire body for weeks. Late 2017 I realised that I needed a challenge, I needed to get out of my comfort zone and that I wanted and needed to take 100% responsibility for my life - and indirectly that of others.

In fact, this marathon was the last run of a year where I completed 3 half marathon, one trail-run and this weekend’s 41,195 meters. After a bike accident in May I had to cancel the two triathlons I had scheduled as well.

My main objective was to stop making excuses and keep to a commitment – and during the past 12 months I have learned more about myself than in most of the years before. During this time, I have run over a 1,200 km, put simply, because of the above goals. I have also learned that preparing for a marathon gave me lessons that can be applied to my business live and that I here want to share with you. A marathon is not like running a business. But in my opinion the preparation and the race day itself have helped me develop certain skills that will hopefully make my business better.

Begin with the end in mind. As in Covey’s words, or put simply: set a clear goal. The easiest way to stick it is to pick a run, register, pay and you have past the first hurdle. I told as many people about my plans, mainly to support – and the more people knew about my plans, the more difficult it would become to pull back. Not that I need to prove anything – I have passed that stage. But I was committed to get to the finishing line upright, smiling and strong! The parallel to a business is obvious – without clear goals (a valued team member always hammered -rightfully - on “the why”) that are appealing to everyone and can thus be visualised - nobody knows where you are heading to!

Write a SMART roadmap. What worked for me was a clear and detailed plan to get there. And when I say detailed, I mean detailed! For most of the year I know at what day, time, how far and which pace(s) am running. Typically, a week has one long-distance run, 2 shorter runs and an interval run. The more SMART you make it, the easier it becomes to measure and thus track progress. Again, this relates easily to running a business. A good 5-year plan can fit on one A4 page (I quite enjoyed the OSGM planning tool I have used over the past few years), which will benefit every business.

Be positive and do it for the right reason. Give it some thought why you are doing this. My goals were clear and I only did this for myself – as said, I have passed the stage that I need to prove anything. Being out in the forest or on the road makes my mind free and gives me time to focus. Every long run requires mental preparation and it requires dedication, consistency, and loyalty. Not everyone is willing to make the sacrifice or the effort – and that is fine! This only works if you are positive and really love it – the same goes for your job. Love what you do and do what you love - not because you have something to prove or simply because you need to bring home the money – you will find that doing the right thing will energise you!

Stick to the plan – be disciplined. Now this is for most people the difficult part – and so did I have my challenges! A busy life, business travel, family, social, and other commitments. The key to success is deciding to do it, and not giving in that commitment or plan to achieve your goal! For me that means: waking up 3 times a week at 5.15 am (and sleep in until 6.00 am the remaining days), no alcohol during the week and during the month prior to the marathon and going to bed at 10.00 pm - also on Saturdays, because on Sundays I want to be back from my long-distance run before 10.00 am for other commitments. Nutrition is an obvious one. I have been vegan for over 5 years now and whilst I will not be able to turn all readers into vegans, the right diet and discipline here will tremendously improve your results. Is that always fun? No! Is it difficult? Yes! But it is part of the journey to run a marathon and to achieving my personal goals. And even then, you need to be flexible, or built in enough flexibility if it one does not go the way you planned it. Making sure you stick with the plan, be ruthless (I a positive way) in following it yet learn to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected obstacles  will help your business improve.

Learn to pace yourself. A big lesson learned during this marathon and key focus point for the next one. Before the running day, I I figured out my pace for every 5 kilometers during the race to achieve my goal. But soon realised that a pace that feels good during the first 5 or 10 kilometers does not necessarily feel good after 25 kilometers. Starting up a business requires hard work, dedication and a true start-up spirit. And whilst hard work is absolutely necessary, you will not do yourself or your career any favor by burning out quickly. Setting up a business means getting ready for a long-term commitment and create a sustainable environment for yourself and others. Knowing yourself is key here. Likewise, I have seen so many businesses aiming for short-term results, triggered by quarterly results, and corresponding bonus plans. One of my previous employers has replaced the MD every 2 years and is still surprised that that business does not grow – after 6 years! Creating a sustainable business means building for the long run. 

Recognise the man with the hammer. As we say in the Netherlands, or more commonly called “the wall”. This is the point in a marathon, in my case at the 35thkilometer, when finishing suddenly seems impossible. My body was screaming to stop and my mind could not think of a reason to keep going. It was also the point where I could see the finishing line, only to be guided away from it for an additional seven kilometer! By now the finish line seems impossibly far away. Luckily my supporters knew this and one kilometer later, they were there, which made it easier again to continue. Quite obvious a parallel can be drawn to any obstacle that stands between you and business success. And I think we have all seen the wall in business. Key is to recognise it, and figure out how and why it has appeared. 

And then... there is was, the finishing line! My supporters at 37th and 40th kilometer really helped me through it! Suddenly all the pain was gone (it comes back soon afterwards) once I passed the finishing line and had that desired medal around my neck!

I finished in 4.30 hrs. This was below my target (I did not well during the interval trainings and I had an injury on my left foot the week before, making it unsure if I could run in the first place) - but well enough to be pleased about having finished it! 

Two days later, all my muscle pain has gone and I feel better than ever! It seems that the training did pay off in the end!

Now off to 2019. Four half marathons, two triathlons and one marathon are scheduled for the coming 12 month! And I have learned for the coming year: there is always something new to try, techniques to refine, training to improve, efficiencies to find. I can be stronger, more focused. I want to give it everything I have got and see what happens - and finish below 3:59 hrs! I will keep you posted!

note to reader: adapted after A. Hudson