Leadership is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

 For many people, the idea of being a leader—or running a marathon—feels like a far-off dream. Something inspiring, maybe even a little glamorous, but not quite within reach. I used to feel the same way.

Then I started running. And around the same time, I joined a Toastmasters club. What began as two unrelated interests quickly started to feel connected. I realized that becoming a better runner and becoming a better leader actually follow a very similar path. And more importantly, both are a lot more achievable than we often think. They’re also incredibly rewarding.

Let me share how running and leadership go hand in hand—and how the lessons from both can help you not just professionally, but in your personal and family life too.

Know Yourself

To be a good runner, you need to know your pace, strengths, and limits. Are you built for speed or endurance? Leadership is the same. Are you the motivator? The planner? The one who gets things done quietly behind the scenes?

Understanding your leadership style is the first step in using it effectively—whether you’re managing a team at work or helping your child think about future career choices.

Pace Yourself

My first marathon didn’t go well—I cramped badly at the 25 km mark. I’d started off too fast, driven by excitement, and burned out halfway through.

When I finally did complete a marathon, it was because I’d learned to pace myself. Start slow, find your rhythm, then pick up speed after you’ve settled in—maybe after the 15 km mark.

Leadership works the same way. If you push too hard from the start—overcommitting your time, energy, or setting unrealistic goals—you risk burning out yourself and your team (or even your family). Good leaders pace themselves. In the workplace, that might mean steadily moving a long-term project forward instead of chasing quick wins. At home, it could be knowing when to encourage and when to hold back—like when I was teaching my 7-year-old to ride a bike. Knowing when to push and when to be patient was key.

Training Matters

No one accidentally becomes a marathon runner. It takes a plan, a routine, and consistent practice. Leadership is no different. You grow by taking on roles, challenges, and responsibilities.

Whether you're leading a work team or organizing a family event, leadership is learned through experience. My journey with Toastmasters taught me that. Just like I needed long practice runs to get ready for race day, I needed many leadership opportunities to grow into the role.

Coaches and Mentors Make a Difference

Even elite runners have coaches. Why? Because someone else can often spot things you can’t see yourself.

Leaders need mentors for the same reason. Whether it’s a senior colleague, a wise family member (for me, it’s my father), or a friend who gives honest feedback—having a mentor helps you identify your blind spots, sharpen your thinking, and stay focused on what matters.

Discipline Is Everything

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: discipline makes the difference.

No runner succeeds without sticking to a daily routine. Haruki Murakami, the famous writer, runs 10 km every single day—not for fun, but to keep improving.

The same goes for leadership. Discipline is what helps you consistently show up for your team, keep your word at home, and stay focused even when you’re not feeling motivated. It builds trust—both at work and with the people closest to you.

Take the First Step

Whether it’s running or leading, there’s always room to grow. You can run farther, lead better, communicate more clearly, and stay more focused. But none of that growth happens until you take that very first step.

Run your first mile. Say yes to your first leadership role. Start that important conversation at home. These small beginnings are what eventually lead you to become the long-distance runner—or strong, confident leader—you’ve always wanted to be.

So take the step. Become the better version of yourself—at work, at home, and within.