If you’ve ever trained for a marathon—or even thought about it—you know it’s not something you just wake up and do one morning. It takes planning, preparation, and a whole lot of persistence.
And honestly? Running a business is exactly the same way.
In this week’s Biz Tip Thursday episode of The Passports, Profits, and Pixie Dust Podcast, I shared how my current marathon training journey mirrors what it’s like to grow a business. Whether you’re training for 26.2 miles or building your dream empire, the lessons are the same: consistency, mindset, and preparation matter more than speed.
Listen in here:
Lesson 1: Start Where You Are — and Believe You Can
When I signed up for my first half marathon back in 2013, I was not a runner. I was the girl who dreaded the mile run in gym class. But something in my heart nudged me to sign up anyway, and that simple decision changed everything.
The same goes for your business. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. You just have to start and believe that you can learn along the way.
There will always be people who doubt you (sometimes even people you care about). But your belief in yourself has to be stronger than their opinions.
✨ Action Step: Start something this week that scares you a little. The confidence comes from doing, not waiting.
Lesson 2: You Need a Plan — But You Also Need Flexibility
No marathoner shows up at the starting line without a training plan. I follow one from Hal Higdon, and it’s structured, strategic, and proven to work. But even the best plan requires flexibility.
There are days when my body needs rest, or life gets in the way, or the weather doesn’t cooperate. I’ve had setbacks — knee pain, bronchitis, vacation breaks — but the key is always getting back on track.
In business, it’s the same. You need a roadmap, but you also have to give yourself grace. There will be “off” days, quiet seasons, and detours. What matters is that you don’t quit.
✨ Action Step: Revisit your current business plan. Where can you give yourself more flexibility without losing momentum?
Lesson 3: Train Your Business Muscles Consistently
If I tried to run 26 miles tomorrow without training, I’d end up injured—or worse. You have to build endurance gradually, mile by mile.
Think of your business skills the same way. You can’t expect massive results if you’re only showing up occasionally. Consistency is what strengthens your systems, your confidence, and your results.
You don’t have to go full speed every day, but you do have to keep moving forward.
✨ Action Step: Choose one skill to “train” daily in your business—creating content, following up, or connecting with potential clients—and track your progress.
Lesson 4: Invest in the Right Support
For my marathon, I didn’t just rely on willpower. I invested in high-quality running shoes, nutrition, and joined supportive running groups to stay accountable.
Your business deserves that same level of care. You need the right tools, mentorship, and community to help you grow. Whether it’s a business coach, an accountability group, or the right software systems, these are investments that fuel your success.
✨ Action Step: Ask yourself—what’s one investment (time, money, or energy) that would make your business run smoother? Then take action.
Lesson 5: Respect Rest and Recovery
There were moments in training where my body forced me to slow down. And that’s okay. Sometimes, stepping back is the smartest move you can make to go further later.
The same is true for your business. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s strategy. Use downtime to realign, learn, and prepare for your next “race day.”
✨ Action Step: Schedule intentional rest or reflection time this week. Your creativity and motivation will thank you.
The Big Picture
Running a marathon and building a business both take patience, preparation, and heart. There will be hard runs, tough weeks, and moments you want to quit—but when you cross that finish line (hit that income goal, launch the new program, book your dream client), it will all be worth it.
So lace up, friend. Your business marathon is waiting.
You’ve got this. 🏃♀️💫