USING THE TURKEY TROT FOR BIZ SUCCESS
On a whim, I decided to sign up for the LA marathon this coming March.
I used to be a competitive runner, but it’s been quite a while since my peak performances: these days, I am more inclined to take regular “grandma walks” - strolls around town - than hit the track or do long runs like I used to.
TBH, I’m a little nervous about how I’m going to pull this off in a few short months.
Last week, I had my first test with the Turkey Trot, which I ran with my family on Thanksgiving morning.
The course, while just under five miles, was very hilly, and for the first time as a runner, something amazing happened: I easily coasted up each and every one, using them as a chance to pick up my pace. In the past I would have seen them coming with a pit in my stomach and slogged up reluctantly, breathless at the top and hating the race.
I certainly don’t consider my recent chill daily peace of mind walks “workouts” or “training sessions,” but they do involve a lot of uphill walking, which, as it turned out, was my secret weapon for running well in - and more importantly, really enjoying - the Turkey Trot last week.
Something similar happened back in my marathon heyday - I ran my very best times (PR of 3:29 in the Boston marathon) without methodically adhering to a strict running training regiment, instead focusing more on regular weight lifting, which I was just getting into - and really excited about - at the time.
SO - here is how my marathon mentality translates into some insight on success in business:
Commitment is key: I’ve firmly decided I’m running the LA marathon even though I still feel a bit…unprepared at the moment. → Stay the course. No one feels 100% prepared all the time or ever.
We’re getting there even when we don’t necessarily see overt progress: I didn’t know I was “training” for hills on my slow walks, but indeed I was. → The same holds true for transferable skills.
Obsessing on things - i.e., grinding and forcing - doesn’t work in the long run (see what I did there?!): When marathon training, I enjoy my miles, don’t go crazy with following the prescribed protocol for marathon success, and always end up with a time I’m proud of. → Get to your happy place as quickly and as often as possible and everything falls into place from there.
Strength will grow if it’s cultivated: Like weight training and a million other things in my life, my daily uphill walks aren’t always something I look forward to, but I know they’re good for me. → Look for - or at least embrace - little ways to get uncomfortable as much as possible.
Resilience is a muscle that can be built in unexpected corners: My marathon plan was and is unconventional but it works for me. → Just make the decision and the path will appear. In related news…
…Know that action is everything: Taking (any) steps might feel like an uphill slog at times, but that still counts as progress.
Marathon training - not to mention life, love, and the pursuit of business success – doesn’t have to be painfully arduous - view those hills in the distance with a new perspective, and you’ll see what I mean!
P.S. You never know when that random thing you do, skill you learn, or kindness you pay forward will end up benefiting you, so keep it up.