Entrepreneurs and Ultramarathoners Are Cut From The Same Cloth
There are some things that are commonly considered off limits, if not crazy. Things like
running 100 miles or starting a business, for example, are not for everyone. Entrepreneurs and
ultramarathoners possess an extraordinary amount of optimism, courage and flexibility
which sets them apart. They stay positive through the pain and focus on the big picture. They
are not afraid of putting themselves out there – and often do so alone. They have a solid plan
and the drive to see things through. Most importantly, they know how to pivot and make
adjustments when necessary.
In sports and in business, the hardest part about taking on the unimaginable is just getting
started. But, turning a notion into an action can be as simple as taking the first step. Sign up
for the race. Jot down your business idea. From there, you can plot out what your next steps
will be — from mile 1 to 100 in a race, or from day 1 to year 5 in business. That way, you can be
prepared for the inevitable variances to your plan. When you dive into something that is
bigger than anything you’ve ever done, you have to be a few steps ahead of yourself and take
care of issues before they become problems.
Ultramarathons are often run on rocky, narrow, root-filled and steep trails with big changes in
elevation. If you are getting a blister, take the time to treat it. If you are getting fatigued, walk
a bit. And, always know where your aid stations are located on the course! Similarly, when
starting a business, there are usually a lot of ups and downs to navigate. You need to think
about what you could be doing now to make things run smoothly in the future. Talk to your
team often—your employees are your legs in a race. Take care of your customers—it’s like
fueling your body with necessary calories for the long haul. Keep a pulse on the industry—it’s
like knowing your environment and competition at all times.
It’s no surprise that running 100 miles and starting a business will each cause pain and
suffering. There are the physical risks with running long distances – everything hurts, bleeds
or oozes. Your mind wants to go to the dark side and your body wants to upheave, break and
stop. The stress of starting a business can also be painful — bringing ulcers, headaches,
insomnia, and the like. In order to lower all of these risks and avoid running out of energy (or
shutting down), you need to be ready for the road ahead with a can-do attitude. Learning
how to suffer should be one of the goals, and that comes down to how much you want it.
Pushing through the skepticism and hard times is what sets apart those who succeed from
those who don’t. It’s going to be uncomfortable and hard. Look beyond each obstacle and be
sure to celebrate your milestones along the way.
Ultramarathoners and Entrepreneurs
Ultramarathoners and entrepreneurs all reach a a point when it feels easier to just stop. It’s
those who succeed who have made a clear choice between the doubt and determination in
their minds. Once you lay out your own definition of success, you can work toward it. Is it
crossing the finish line or completing a race in 24 hours? Is it having 1,000 customers or
making your first million dollars? Always have something on the calendar and look at ways
you can be prepared for the next race or the next level in your business plan. Having the right
amount of support is brilliant — whether that means having enough sustenance along the
race or growing your number of employees. Behind every super-achiever is support team of
family, friends and people whose goals align with their own. And, it’s never a question of
whether or not it’s worth it — of course it is!
Rod Bolls is CEO & Founder of Boxwell, the manufacturer of innovative storage
solutions for businesses around the world. Rod steers his Boulder-based
company with the same honesty and integrity that he lives by– prioritizing a
balance between working hard and playing hard. He is truly driven by the idea
that the best work is created out of diligence, openness and innovation. His
passions outside the office include running (he has completed 5 Ironman, 4
hundred milers and over 50 marathons), biking and enjoying time with his
wife and two children.