The expression “running your business” is appropriate isn’t it?  CEOs are always running.  So as a former business owner and marathon runner (much slower than this guy), I’ve always considered the lessons learned from marathon training to be relevant far beyond just the next race.

A few weeks ago, I called upon Joe Henderson, a renowned author who has written 25 books and participated in more than 700 races, to send me the direct quote from his book, The Long Run Solution (1976), which I remember reading many years ago.  The quote is about running, but serves as a wonderful metaphor for achieving overall success in business and in life.  He was kind enough to respond to my request in a matter of hours, showing me that running isn’t the only thing he does with a sense of urgency.

“The challenge in running is not to aim at doing the things that no one else has done, but to keep doing things anyone could do — but most never will. It’s harder sometimes to keep going back over the same ground you’ve covered a thousand times before than to go someplace you’ve never been. It’s harder to get down to the little, everyday tasks than to get up for the big, special ones.”

Jim Collins refers to it in terms of “disciplined people who engage in disciplined thought and take disciplined action.”  Success in running and in business, isn’t necessarily a result of performing superhuman feats.  Often times, it’s simply about keeping one foot in front of the other in pursuit of your goals.

Thanks for the reminder, Joe!