Why running makes me a better leader

Running is a core part of who I am, and I’ll be honest, it is so intrinsic to my identity that I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t run. Being a co-founder and managing director of a business, I also wholly believe running makes me a better leader. These are the key reasons why:

Running trains both your physical and mental strength

As wellness coach Brad Stulberg said for New York Magazine: ‘What you do in the gym or running on the roads makes you a better higher-performing person outside of it.’ Running certainly makes your body stronger – but it also strengthens your mind, too. Running is just as much a physical endeavour as a mental one. When I run, I feel tougher; I have more stamina, and I feel like I can achieve just about anything. Running gives you real mental tenacity and a sense of confidence that translates into every facet of your life, including how you work and how you lead.

Running opens up new perspectives

I run long distance, and I’m lucky enough to have access to the mountains, which is where I most love to run. Running through such an inspirational landscape is part of my own self care, and a critical tool that helps me reflect, prioritise and just think. It gives me the chance to really assess situations and see things from many different perspectives. When I’ve been running, I’ve come up with some of the best ideas and solutions in my life, and science has also backed this up. There is data that shows that exercise can help with creative problem-solving: ‘when we exercise, blood pressure and blood flow increase everywhere in the body, including the brain. More blood means more energy and oxygen, which makes our brain perform better’.

Running teaches you to effectively manage resources

When you run long distance, you really have to be careful with how you use your own resources: your physical and mental energy. As a runner, you don’t think about mile 35 when you’re running the second mile. This mindset has helped me to also look at work projects like this. If there is a huge task ahead, I have to break it down into smaller, more feasible and achievable pieces to get to the finish line.

Running gives you courage

My main form of running is trail running (running in the mountains – long distances and at a high altitude). This is often about finding your way, getting lost and finding your way back again. It tests your physical energy as well as your orientation. This can sometimes be daunting, as navigating through an unknown and uncertain environment means leaving your comfort zone, staying calm and having the courage to find your way. This perfectly translates into what it takes to lead a team or business.

Running instils discipline and work ethic

Running really has taught me how to be disciplined. By sticking to a regular routine and changing comfortable habits day by day, running has been fully incorporated into my life. This naturally has had a wonderful effect on my own work ethic. By being focused and driven to succeed, I can achieve the goals I set out on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis, and grow my team and business even further.

Last year was quite a test for me personally. I fell while trail running and badly injured my knee. This setback was a bit of a blow to my confidence, but slowly I have regained trust in running again, and my motivation has climbed back to its peak.

Just like in business, you’re going to have peaks and troughs as a leader, but what is important is that you always keep the end in sight, and trust yourself that you’ll find your way back, even better than before.

-      Virginie Briand, co-founder and managing director of 19:13

I would love to hear how running, or another regular practice, helps you do better work. If you’d like to share what’s on your mind, please leave a comment on this post.

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