Are executives potential Ultra Runners ?
First let's start with the definition of the Ultra run. Normally this starts from the term "Ultra Marathon" which according to wilkipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultramarathon) is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres (26.219 mi) . I kind of disagree here though running 50km is not compared to runnning 100km or even 168km (100miles) which is also called an ultra. Allow me than to agree with the ultimate Ultra runner, Yannis Kouros who defined that ultra running as the distance in which you overpass yourself beyond your physical limits.
What does it take to become an ultra runner? Well that's a very good question. One could say that simply running a lot , frequently will get you there. While some would agree, some others more specialized to it will argue that such type of training will mathematically will lead you to injury or injuries. So what is it needed.
"Targeting"
Everyone who is not a professional athlete or an ex-athlete would like to go from A to Z in a single step. But everyone knows that nothing in life can be achieved without effor and discipline. But before start pushing and sweating, you must have clear vision of where you want to go. What is your target, your vision, your goal. Even if long term or short term , you must set a target . Setting a target will help you analyze , focus and break up the target into smaller, smaller and smaller but yet tangible targets. Climbing a mountaing cannot happen in a shot. Will have to pass througn several layers of oxygen, temperature, wind and climate conditions. If you need 10,000 steps to get to the top, you need to split that into several stages. Ones that once you accomplish you will be where you have targeted in the first place. And you have to remember that the longest jurney always starts with the first step.
"Learn your Self"
Before of course you start you must make sure that you will not run out of energy or motivation. Hence is essential that you are aware of your limits, your skills your pros and cons. Enhancing the pros and working on the cons is vital to get closer . In other words before you start you have to map yourself and have a very good and honest picture of who you are and not overestimate or underestimate your capabilities. Honesty is a virtue but yet is critical before you make your first step. Whatsmore self-awareness will help you prepare a plan of improving and get closer to where you wanna go. An ultra race afterall is a lone journey where you have to overcome many difficulties of different nature by yourself without having an expectation from 3rd parties. Hence knowing your self is better of and surely will help you become more energy efficient.
"Planning"
In an ultra race is not the faster that wins. But the one who can preserve the most energy efficient higher pace for a longer duration. Ultimately there will be a tipping point where your body won't listen to the mind, mind will not be clear, negative thoughts will dominate you and there will be many littlle devils whispering you to drop. Here where planning is essential. Automating a race means that you plan where to push and where to save some energy for the harder parts ahead. Leaning back and visualizing the next stage might give you also the cleaner vision and help you recover. Having a plan on hydration , recovering, nutrition, electrolytes (the oil in the engine) will definitely create the conditions not only to go further and more efficient but will prevent the scenario of running out of energy and eventually drop out. Can you tell the similarities withn business? Breaking a long term goal into midterm, and the midterm into shorter terms - sorting out a plan to start ticking the boxes of the small target is simpy the same.
"Discipline"
One of the most sucesfull runners of all times. Eliud Kipchoge, currently holder of the world record in the marathon and only individual who has run the marathon distance in less than 2 hours (unofficial race), said "“Only the disciplined ones are free in life.If you aren't disciplined, you are a slave to your moods. You are a slave to your passions. That's a fact.” Discipline will help you be focused on your goals.
Considering that , is an ultra runner better in his business?
"Patience"
"Business is an endurance race.
There are no quick wins in business –
it takes years to become an overnight success.
Focus on long-term progress rather than rapid growth,
and you're more likely to go the distance"
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