Building a Company and Running a Marathon

With the goal to do a full marathon this year, I was asking runners around me on their annual plans so that we could form a support group for each other while training. At the same time, I was drawing parallels between building a successful company and running a marathon. I felt I was at the same spot as 2022 when I started up on my own. Both endeavors – starting up and running a marathon require resilience, collaboration, and a supportive community. Here is how my mind was intersecting the two disparate worlds:

1. The Starting Line: Vision and Preparation

Company Building:

Founding a company begins with a vision. Just like a marathon runner visualizes crossing the finish line, entrepreneurs imagine their product impacting the world. But vision alone isn’t enough. It requires meticulous planning, market research, and assembling a team that shares the same dream. As a founder, you’re not just sprinting; you’re in it for the long haul.

Marathon Running:

Runners don’t wake up one day and decide to run a marathon. Months of training, discipline, and dedication lead up to race day. They seek advice from experienced runners, join running clubs, and learn from others’ successes and failures. Similarly, founders seek mentorship, attend industry events, and learn from fellow entrepreneurs.

2. The Grind: Mile by Mile, Task by Task

Company Building:

Building a company involves countless small steps. From product development to marketing, each task contributes to the bigger picture. Just as a marathoner focuses on each mile marker, founders celebrate every milestone—whether it’s securing funding, launching a feature, or acquiring the first customer. And just like a village, your team supports you through the ups and downs.

Marathon Running:

During a marathon, runners break down the race mentally. They tackle one mile at a time, drawing strength from the cheering crowds and fellow runners. Similarly, founders break down complex challenges into manageable tasks. They rely on advisors, investors, and employees—their village—to keep moving forward.

3. The Wall: When Things Get Tough

Company Building:

Every founder hits a wall—a moment when the odds seem insurmountable. It might be a cash flow crisis, a failed product launch, or intense competition. But just as marathoners push through “the wall,” founders lean on their village. Mentors, peers, and employees provide encouragement, fresh perspectives, and solutions.

Marathon Running:

Around mile 20, marathoners often experience physical and mental exhaustion—the infamous “wall.” But they press on, fueled by the crowd’s cheers and the camaraderie of fellow runners. In business, too, the village rallies around founders during tough times. They offer emotional support, share lessons from their own struggles, and remind you why you started this journey.

4. The Finish Line: Celebrating Together

Company Building:

When a company achieves its goals—whether it’s an IPO, a successful exit, or widespread adoption—it’s a collective victory. The village that supported you celebrates alongside. Founders, employees, investors, and customers share in the joy. It truly takes many villages—customers, partners, and stakeholders—to build a thriving company.

Marathon Running:

Crossing the marathon finish line is emotional. Runners hug, cry, and high-five fellow finishers. The crowd’s applause echoes the support they received throughout the race. Similarly, founders celebrate milestones with their village. They acknowledge the contributions of everyone who believed in their vision.

We often undermine the people that support us, give us the encouragement, celebrate our small wins and provide their shoulder in lean periods. This post is for all those who stood by me when I started and are my constant support even today as well as for all those who are encouraging me to start my training – my coach, my family, my fellow runners. Celebrations at the finish line await!