Life has a way of weaving itself together in surprising ways. Part of the fun of being a lifelong learner (at least, for me!) has been seeing how I can apply lessons from one area of life to another.
And, as you might expect, the most common area of overlap for me is between endurance running and entrepreneurship, not only with REI Nation alongside my family, but throughout my entire business journey. It's not just about being struck by an incredible business idea while on a run (though that does happen), but about the entire process. Though they might seem worlds apart, ultramarathon training and scaling a business share remarkable similarities.
I find it most evident during periods of growth and serious preparation. Both require more than willpower—they demand discipline, consistency, and an endurance mindset that most people never develop.
Here's what I mean.
5 Ways Ultramarathon Training and Business Growth Mirror Each Other
#1 — Long-Term Vision Beats Quick Wins
In business, sustainable growth never comes from a single decision or lucky break. It comes from years of building systems, nurturing relationships, and strategically reinvesting profits.
Ultramarathon training follows the same principle. It isn't about crushing one workout: it's about months of consistent miles. Showing up, even when you don't feel like it.
In both cases, chasing quick wins leads to burnout or collapse. Adopt that endurance mindset from day one. It sets realistic expectations and sustains you through inevitable setbacks.
The lesson: Whether you're building a company or preparing for your first 100-miler, trust the process and stay focused on your long-term vision.
#2 — Small Actions Compound Into Massive Results
Scaling a company happens through daily actions: closing one deal, hiring one employee, refining one process at a time. No successful entrepreneur finds overnight success. They see results after showing up consistently, again and again.
Endurance athletes understand this intimately. Every training mile, recovery run, and small adjustment compounds into race-day readiness. Progress comes from stacking consistent, incremental gains over time.
The lesson: Celebrate small wins—you're building something bigger than you realize.
#3 — Mental Toughness is Your True Competitive Advantage
Markets shift. Competitors emerge. Deals fall apart. I've had moments where I'm so frustrated I want to throw in the towel.
Ultramarathons test you the same way. Weather turns brutal, legs cramp, lungs burn, and you hit that wall that makes you wonder if this race might actually get the best of you.
Success in both domains depends less on perfect conditions and more on your ability to push through discomfort. Mental toughness—staying steady under pressure when others quit—separates finishers from those who fall short.
#4 — Smart Strategy Always Beats Raw Effort
You can't complete any race without a plan, and you can't scale a business without strategic planning. You certainly can't finish an ultramarathon on grit alone.
Smart pacing, efficient resource allocation, and clear checkpoints make the difference. Entrepreneurs who ignore strategy burn cash and time. Runners who ignore pacing hit the wall early.
The lesson: Work smarter, not just harder. Strategy amplifies effort.
#5 — Recovery Isn't Optional—It's Strategic
Entrepreneurs often glorify hustle culture, just as athletes sometimes glorify grinding through fatigue. Our culture craves recognition for total, unwavering dedication.
But sustainable performance requires strategic recovery. Quality sleep and proper nutrition allow athletes to train harder over the long haul. Entrepreneurs who prioritize rest and self-care build businesses that thrive instead of burning out.
The lesson: Recovery is part of the strategy, not weakness.
The Endurance Entrepreneur Mindset
Scaling a business and training for an ultramarathon are both endurance challenges demanding vision, patience, and resilience. None of us automatically possesses what it takes. We forge these qualities and grow into them with every step, day by day.
By adopting an endurance mindset and building mental toughness, entrepreneurs and athletes alike can achieve breakthroughs that once seemed impossible.
Whether you're lacing up for your next race or laying groundwork to grow your company, remember this: success isn't a sprint—it's an ultramarathon. And like every ultramarathon, it rewards those who prepare properly, pace themselves wisely, and refuse to quit when things get tough.
The finish line is waiting. Now go earn it.
What parallels have you noticed between endurance sports and business? Share your experiences—I'd love to hear how these lessons have shaped your journey.