Running 42.195 kilometres is impressive and if you have done this, kudos to you as this distance is also included in the World Athletics Championships, which began in 1983.
Here is why marathons are popular
In the corporate world
When sponsors, participants and the public from various backgrounds gather this is a unique networking opportunity. It is also an opportunity for team building and bonding.
For the sponsors marathons build a positive brand image and demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility; this resonates and connects emotionally with the public. As the training goes on, employees get a chance to get physically fit which leads to better mental well-being and a more positive attitude at work.
Apart from getting fit and helping to manage stress, running most employees discover is a healthy lifestyle choice and some continue on the running path away from the marathon season. The dedication to run a marathon, the goal-oriented mind set, and the mental toughness required to complete one are qualities are highly valued in the corporate environment.
Marathons are usually a chance for employees to show that they are capable of undertaking challenging roles. Something which the employer notices.
In The Small Business World
Building a small business can be akin to preparing for and running a marathon. It is about being willing to do the work, it’s about time, energy, patience and discipline. It’s about figuring out how you work best, what time of day you have the most energy for doing certain tasks and is about setting yourself up for success by creating a manageable routine.
To run a successful marathon, participants follow a road map which is crucial in small business too. Having a roadmap guides and helps cut out the guesswork because there will be people along the way to ask, cheer you on and to help you get closer to your goals.
Schedule actual rest on your calendar to avoid fatigue because if you don’t, doubt will creep in, and everything will feel like a massive effort. Join a local football club, chess, netball, or an online business group to find your people.
Also, there is always going to be someone who is further along in their journey, who is “further” than you. This is okay and normal. Run the business at your pace, and if you need to take a take a moment, take it. Pause, catch your breath and do remember you’re running with people on different levels so do not compare your place in the race to theirs. Just keep on running your business!
