What the Manitoba Marathon taught me about Business, Family and Freedom

This past Sunday I ran my first marathon and what I can say is that running the Manitoba Marathon was more than just a physical challenge; it was a transformative experience that imparted valuable lessons applicable to various aspects of life. I began training back in December and from the early morning sessions to crossing the finish line, each step taught me about perseverance, dedication, and the importance of support systems. These lessons have profoundly influenced my approach to business, family, and living life to the fullest.

The Power of Perseverance

One of the most significant lessons from running a marathon is the importance of perseverance. Training for a marathon requires a long-term commitment, consistent effort, and the ability to push through difficult moments. There were days when the weather was unfavorable, especially in the middle of winter when there was a foot of snow on the ground,or my body ached, and when my motivation waned. However, I learned that success in the marathon, much like in business, is not about never facing obstacles but about pushing through them. It’s in these moments that you must have a deep “Why” behind you. For me, it’s really two fold. Personally, I love pushing myself to physical, mental and emotional limits. It’s in these moments that we find out who we really are, what we are made of and what we are truly capable of. Most people hold themselves back in life, never pushing themselves. If they did, they might find that they are capable of achieving a life beyond their dreams.

Someone told me recently “character is like a photograph, it gets developed in the dark.” In these challenges the darkness comes when you hit the wall, and your body wants to stop. It’s these moments where we forge our character.

My second “why” for running the marathon is my daughters and relates to my personal why. I want Jayelle and Max to grow up knowing that they can do hard things, that they can redefine what others might think is impossible. My dream for them is a life without limits and by challenging themselves and doing things that most others are unwilling to do, they can redefine what is impossible.

In business, challenges are inevitable. Whether it's a dip in the market, a tough negotiation, or an unexpected setback, the key to success lies in the ability to keep going. The perseverance I developed during my marathon training has become a cornerstone of my approach to business. It has taught me that setbacks are temporary and that with resilience and determination, I can overcome any hurdle.

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The Importance of Planning and Preparation

Running a marathon is not something you can do on a whim. It requires careful planning, goal setting, and incremental progress. I had to map out my training schedule, set milestones, and track my progress meticulously. This process mirrored the strategic planning required in business.

In my professional life, I have learned that success comes from meticulous planning, preparation and what I would call extreme execution. Setting clear goals, developing a step-by-step plan to achieve them, and regularly assessing progress are crucial components of effective business management. The marathon taught me that while the journey may be long and arduous, breaking it down into manageable steps makes the seemingly impossible achievable.

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The Role of Support Systems

“Rising tides raise all boats and nobody becomes successful on their own.”

During my marathon journey, the support of family, friends, and fellow runners was invaluable. Their encouragement kept me motivated, and their belief in my abilities helped me push through the toughest parts of the race. This experience underscored the importance of having a strong support system in both personal and professional life.

In business, having a supportive team can make a significant difference. Collaboration, mutual support, and the collective effort of a dedicated team often lead to greater achievements than working in isolation. Similarly, in family life, the support and encouragement of loved ones provide the emotional strength needed to face life’s challenges.

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Balancing Business and Family

Training for the marathon required me to balance my time between work, family, and training. This taught me the importance of time management and prioritization. I learned that while pursuing my personal goals and ambitions is important, it should not come at the expense of family time. It also reminded me of a lesson I learned many years ago, that you will only be successful if you have the support of a great partner. For me, this is my wife Sam.

When I was up training from 5:30 AM every weekday and from 6:00 AM until 10:00 AM on Saturdays, she was the one getting up with our kids. Without her, there is no way I would have been able to devote the time that my training required.

This lesson reinforced the value of work-life balance. In my career, I strive to ensure that I am not only meeting business objectives but also spending quality time with my family. This balance is essential for long-term well-being and fulfillment. The marathon taught me that achieving personal and professional success is possible with effective time management and prioritization.

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Living Life to the Fullest

Perhaps the most profound lesson from running the Manitoba Marathon is the realization of what it means to live life to the fullest. The journey was not just about crossing the finish line but about embracing the entire experience – the highs and lows, the pain and joy, the moments of doubt and the ultimate triumph.

In life, it's easy to get caught up in daily routines and forget to savor the journey. The marathon reminded me to embrace every moment, to push beyond my limits, and to appreciate the beauty of the present. This perspective has enriched my approach to both business and family life, encouraging me to pursue my passions, take risks, and cherish the journey.

I took this lesson to heart. When we think about it, our entire lives are the journey and really the end point is quite literally only at death. If we are always so focussed on achieving the end point, the finish line, we are missing out on our entire lives. We need to enjoy the journey, otherwise what the hell is it all about?

We also need to be open minded about the risks we are taking in life. Someone once told me that life is about taking on the risks that you are comfortable with. There is risk in everything but the biggest risk which most people are victims of, is the risk of not doing things. Finding your wealth in life is all about living a life beyond what you thought might be possible and in order to do that  you need to weigh out your risks in life. If the risk of not doing something and looking back with regret on your life outweighs your fear of doing something, then you need to do it. You have to!

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Conclusion

Running the Manitoba Marathon was a transformative experience that taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, planning, support systems, balance, and living life to the fullest. These lessons have not only made me a better runner but also a more effective leader, a more present family member, and a more fulfilled individual. The marathon journey has reinforced my belief that true wealth lies in experiences, the freedom to pursue one's passions, and the limitless potential that life has to offer.

So, will I be running another marathon? Probably, I hope that my journey has inspired a number of Endeavourites to take on the challenge next year and run a distance that is challenging to them. But that being said, there is a world of other fun challenges to face, and I prefer to change things up as well! Stay tuned for more adventures!

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This information has been prepared by Grant White who is a Investment Advisor/Portfolio Manager for iA Private Wealth Inc. Opinions expressed in this post are those of the Investment Advisor/Portfolio Manager only and do not necessarily reflect those of iA Private Wealth Inc. iA Private Wealth Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization.

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