Running a business vs running an ultramarathon

I recently completed a very wet, and muddy 100 km ultramarathon, and it got me thinking about the similarities between running a business and running an ultramarathon. Ultimately, I think it boils down to dedication, discipline, and sheer determination:  

Why? Why not!?   

If you have decided to run an ultramarathon or start a new business, 99% of people you share the idea with probably won’t understand why you’re doing it. You might not be able to answer the question in short, but I always find that if they ask why, they won’t understand anyway. 

Planning 

Everyone knows how important it is to have a good plan. The problem is that nothing ever goes to plan. If you have the right mindset to successfully run a business or an ultramarathon, tinkering your plan or reverting to plan B, C or even D will come naturally. The key is that you must be prepared for the unknown, which brings me to my next point. 

Crisis management 101

When the going gets tough, the tough...remain calm. Whether you’re at the 65th km of a 100km ultramarathon, and you’re lost in the mountains, or in the second year of doing business and you’re on the brink of losing your biggest client, the key thing to remember is just stay calm. To any normal person this would be nothing short of a cataclysmic event, but to a business owner or ultra runner - it’s all part of the job description. Roll with the punches, and things will be fine. 

Support 

Sometimes ‘you’re doing great!’ is all you need to hear to keep pushing on. Sometimes you also need a great kick up the backside as well. Whether it's a mentor, advisory board, coach, running buddy, or your daughter waiting for you at the finish line - you need that support.

Emotional rollercoaster

The highs and lows are real. I have only ever experienced a dramatic switch from pure happiness and excitement to almost suicidal depression and they were while running a business and while running an ultramarathon.

It's all about you

The only way it's going to work is if you're the one out there making it happen, and the question is - how bad do you want it?

Are there any ultra-running business owners out there who can add anything to this?

#ultramarathon #ultrarunning #businessowner #entrepreneurmindset #entrepreneurship