Life, business and the long run: lessons from the road and trail

"I don't stop when I'm tired. I stop when I'm done." David Goggins

What does it take to truly go the distance? It's not just about physical endurance or reaching the finish line. It's about committing to the journey, step by step. Running, whether on the open road or rugged trails, has a way of stripping life down to its essentials. It's where grit is forged, patience is tested and adaptability becomes second nature.

For me, every run is more than a workout; it's a masterclass in resilience and focus, a reminder that the principles of endurance don't just apply to racing but to every long-term goal, from personal growth to navigating the complexities of business.

The truth is, there's no shortcut to achieving long-term goals. When training for a marathon, you don't just wake up one day and say, "Alright, let's run 42 kilometers today." No, it's months of slow, steady progress. Some runs feel like you're flying, and others, well, let's just say they build character. It's about trusting the process, even when the results aren't obvious. It's the same with business. The best strategies aren't about quick wins but about consistency and discipline. You have to put in the work, even when the payoff feels kilometers away.

Then there's the grit part. Running has this funny way of showing you exactly where your limits are and then daring you to push past them. Whether it's hitting "the wall" at kilometer 32 or dealing with a storm ultratrail race, you learn to keep going. Business is no different. You face setbacks, tough markets and days where nothing goes your way. But if there’s one thing running has taught me, it’s that tough moments aren’t the end, they’re the turning points where your character is forged and your resilience grows.

And let's not forget adaptability. No race ever goes as planned. Maybe the weather turns brutal or your legs just don't show up that day. In business, it's the same: markets shift, competitors surprise you and strategies need tweaking. The key is staying flexible and making adjustments on the go. Sometimes you speed up; sometimes you hold back. What matters is staying in the race.

But above all, persistence ties it all together. In both running and business, the finish line isn't handed to you! It's earned, one step at a time. It’s easy to give up when things get hard; trust me, I’ve been tempted mid-race more than once, but every time you push through, you prove to yourself that you're capable of more.

That said, persistence doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Just like a strong team of pacers or supporters can make the toughest races more manageable, having a team and management you trust can transform challenges into opportunities. When you're surrounded by people who understand the journey, who share the vision and who are ready to adapt and support, the climb becomes less daunting. Together, you find strength in unity and the finish line feels that much closer.

As I prepare for my next marathon, these lessons are more than just words, they're reminders of why I keep showing up.

Whether it's training, business or life, it's about finding joy in the process, tackling challenges and never losing sight of the bigger picture.

In the words of the Tarahumara: "When you run on the earth and run with the earth, you can run forever."

#UNYP #geacollege #nevergiveup