Let me start out by saying I am not a runner. In fact, I don’t think I ran more than one mile until my mid-20s.  I also don’t particularly like running, though I don’t mind that rush of endorphins you get, and, you know, getting some exercise. But in 2004, I ran the Chicago marathon.  

I decided to train and run a half-marathon with a friend. It was mostly about the chance to hang out and achieve a goal together. Once I ran the half-marathon, my logical side said: Amy, after running 13 miles, you will never be closer to running a marathon than you are right now. So, I decided to go for the whole thing. And I learned a lot along the way. Running a crazy distance is not unlike navigating your career. Here are a few things that got me to the finish line. Below are the lessons I learned, and how you can apply them to your professional life.  

1. Tap into Your Resources 

Instead of reaching out to a running group, I found a marathon training guide on the internet. Unfortunately, I injured myself three weeks before the marathon. So, in hindsight, a running group may have been a much better idea! 

Career Takeaway 

You don’t have to go it alone. Don’t be afraid to seek out expertise from people, even if you are new to a city and must put yourself out there. Find people who can share their experiences with you and give you a leg up. 

2. Create a Support Network 

My friends and family encouraged me. My housemate road her bike alongside me on an 18-mile run to keep me company. My sister showed up at the marathon to cheer me on at miles 11 and 17 (and this was before smart phones gave you information on how quickly runners were advancing). Even though I was training for the marathon by myself, my support network was everything. 

Career Takeaway 

Shout your goal from the mountaintop and let people help you achieve it. Find an accountability partner or partners to help you move forward. Reach out to your network and ask them for help in specific ways that can help you move forward (e.g. connect you to an individual for an informational interview, practice interview questions, send you inspiring text messages, etc.).  

3. Open Your Mind 

While I was running the marathon, lots of spectators called out my name in support. I also received a lot of hook ’em shout outs from Longhorns. Having strangers cheer for you really motivates you to keep going. The unexpected help I got was from the other runners. They are the ones who read the messaging on the back of the shirt. Several gave me messages of support. One runner offered me some Advil in case the pain in my leg got too bad. One runner in particular asked me about my pain level at mile 15. When I told him, he said, “Buck up! We still have a ways to go.” It was exactly what I needed to hear.  

Career Takeaway 

Pay attention to others you encounter on your path. They can have an impact on your career trajectory more than you can imagine.  

4. Set Realistic Goals 

When I first met with my physical therapist after the injury, she told me that I would not be able to run the entire marathon—I would need to walk part of it. This popped my balloon. But I decided that my goal was to finish a marathon, running or walking.  

Career Takeaway 

If you encounter limitations on your path, understand how to best address them. You may need to adjust your goal; but that doesn’t mean you can’t reach it. Just stay motivated!  

5. Believe in Yourself 

I still look back at that race and at times cannot believe I ran the entire thing! It was a combination of setting a goal, working hard, engaging my support network, believing I could do it. 

Career Takeaway 

Making moves in your career is hard work. It is much easier to stay where you are at and where you are comfortable. But if you stay focused on your success, and believe in yourself, you can make it all the way.  

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