How Building a Business is Like Running a Marathon
The chronicles of a runner’s pursuit in business

How Building a Business is Like Running a Marathon

Just like there are three types of runners — the sprinter, the mid-ranger and the distance runner — there are three types of business people. I am a go-for-the-distance type of long-hauler in not just running, writing and Covid, but especially in business. 

Comfortable in my turtle shell, I view the speedy entrepreneur in awe as they power through at breakneck speed and the middle distance entrepreneur’s healthy, uncomplicated approach is admirable to me.

Faulted for letting our analytical side take over too often, endurance entrepreneurs mire in the details, overthinking everything. But most of us are in it for the long haul because we love what we do. So we tend to grow slowly because our love for the work keeps us wrapped up in the business of the day. 

Since I’ll always be a distance runner at heart, I can’t help but compare Veracity’s slow and steady course to marathon running. That’s why on our 15th anniversary, I’ve created a fun take on how the distance runner might approach the 26.2 miles, alongside what their attitude might be about their business during similar parts of growth.

Race Preparation

This is the most important part! You couldn’t even consider lacing up your shoes on race day without the grueling training runs that eat up half your weekend. But the little things can be just as important, like breaking in the right shoes and selecting the most uplifting playlist. Without all of this, there is no race to be had.

The same goes for opening a business. The preparation is done through building upon the experiences you’ve already had, tapping into resources and mentors along the way. Other details like studying the competition or available tools can help set the tone of your overall direction.

Miles 1 - 6

After running the Portland Marathon, with a sign my parents made reading "Go Amy"!

Forget about these. They don’t count. Your race preparations have made it so you’re not even breaking a sweat. The marathon doesn’t even begin until you’ve finished these piddly miles. 

And in business, writing off the early stages allows the kind of bold attitude necessary for risk taking. Early failures can be viewed as mini successes because the important lessons are over with. When faced with difficult business decisions now, I only have to remember the biggest risk of all, which was starting the company to begin with, and everything else pales in comparison. I’m glad I got that out of the way when it “didn’t count.”

Miles 7 - 10

This is your warm up in both running a marathon and operating a long-haul business. 

As I reflected upon the time we signed our first office lease, I chuckled as I recognized this next phase in our business. It wasn’t that we were spending money on a lease that was important. 

Having our name on the door meant something. Experiencing the new-found energy bubbling up in our new space, I realized we had only just begun. We were at mile 7.

Miles 10 - 13

While running this portion of the marathon, it’s preferable to go into “off” mode here and meditate into your body, your music, your breathing — while leaning into the relaxing state of the running.

Equating this to a sort of flow state, my business might be in this stage right now. Our warm up helped us work through the kinks so that we can build a steady foundation. I’m happy I’ve hit my stride!

Mile 14

WOW! Before you know it, you’re halfway done with the race. 

While most of us don’t know our true business halfway points, this is a healthy reminder to keep track of goals along the way. Every time I review our business plan and see that we’re on track I feel a sense of relief and pride.

Miles 15 - 18

Things are starting to get serious, especially in the Portland Marathon where runners are greeted with the grueling St. John’s Bridge. This is where the true willpower kicks in. Those who can push through will meet the other side of the miles. 

Even though I do not believe we’re at this stage yet, I’d imagine as businesses grow, their challenges increase. While trudging past the halfway point hill, business owners mustn't lose sight of the original dedication and vision that brought them there.

Miles 18 - 20

While hitting these mile markers, don’t focus on what happens past mile 20, knowing you have to get there first to find out. Hopefully, you’ve planned ahead and organized some cheerleaders to push you through these mile points. 

For businesses, possibly this is when the support of a solid team becomes the most necessary. You truly can’t go it alone, even in a solo sport, and when you’re at your breaking point, sometimes the only thing that will keep you going is a helping hand.

Miles 20 - 23

What happens here is as much up to fate as it is about your mindset and willingness to go the distance. They tell us not to train too far past mile 20 so we stay injury free. But I believe there is some notion of keeping your mind open and unafraid of this final length.

During the miles that bring us toward the end of our businesses, it might help to remember the ever-changing landscapes we’re constantly presented with. Competitors rise up, technology disrupts. Rather than fretting, successful entrepreneurs roll with the punches in order to adapt and change.

Miles 24 - 25

This part separates the women from the girls. Some girls cry, limp off the course, and call for pick up. But the women persevere. We might be dragging our bleeding, leaden feet behind us but we are going to make it through the finish line even if we have to crawl.

In a business sense, this is where the rubber meets the road. You’ve made it this far. Don’t throw in the towel too early. The finish line is around the corner.

Mile 26

Thank God! We are almost there! Who thought of this insane amount of mileage anyway? 

When a business owner can feel that same type of relief, while being proud to review the legacy they’ve left behind, they’ll know they’ve reached the ending point and are excited to see what’s on the other side.

The last .2

Really!?! Is this necessary? This pure torture. 

It may be torture for some of us to give up a business we’ve worked so hard on, but we know it’s best for us and everyone involved. As we unlace those shoes and store them away for safekeeping, we open a different door, considering the new equipment inside — golf clubs, art supplies or a new baby blanket.

At the end of the day we’re all just pounding the pavement.

 

thank you for not ditching us at mile 15. is that what mile we're on now?

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Cailyn Tegel

Senior Account Executive at Veracity Marketing

1y

Happy to be cheering you on in miles 10-13! 😁

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Mike Rosenberg

A Results-Focused Strategic Marketing Executive | Deep Experience Leading Aggressive Marketing Programs | Operations Manager, Public Speaker & Conference Presenter

1y

What is the pre-race carb loading? New client schmoozing? 🤣

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Marilyn Weinhouse

Former Owner, Hear Gear - Technology to Help You Hear

1y

Love this!

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