Success is not about avoiding challenges, but about becoming stronger through them

Entrepreneurship is Hard... Lessons from Training for a Half Marathon

Starter

Entrepreneurship is one of the toughest journeys you can embark on. It’s filled with highs, lows, and unexpected hurdles. Right now, I’m not just experiencing this challenge in business, but in my personal life too—as I train for my first half marathon. The process of pushing myself physically mirrors the struggles and triumphs of running a business, and along the way, I’ve learned some powerful lessons that apply to both.

Main Course

When I started running in March, I thought it would be simple. I was living in Durres, Albania, right by the coast. The terrain was flat, the weather was perfect, and I assumed, "This will be easy." But I quickly realized how wrong I was. Despite being active and lifting weights regularly, running was a completely different challenge. I could barely hit 1.5 miles at an 11-minute pace without struggling, and I soon developed runner’s knee.

Fast forward to today, and I’m in Knoxville, TN—a much more challenging environment. There are hills, humidity, and higher temperatures. But this week, I ran 8 miles at an 8:45 pace. Since March, I’ve logged 180 miles, gotten better at pacing myself, and learned to manage my runner’s knee.

This journey reflects my experience with entrepreneurship. You start with excitement and optimism, thinking you’re prepared for the challenges ahead. Then reality hits, and you realize the obstacles are bigger than anticipated. As an entrepreneur, you’re wearing many hats—CEO, Marketing Director, Operations Manager, Project Manager, Sales Director, and more. The grind is real, and progress can feel painfully slow.

But here’s what both running and entrepreneurship have taught me: it doesn’t get easier—you get better. Through persistence, consistency, and pushing through discomfort, you start to build momentum. Over time, you’ll find your rhythm, your pace improves, and you become more resilient.

Entrepreneurship requires patience and the willingness to embrace the long game. Just like marathon training, success doesn’t come overnight—it’s earned through showing up and doing the work day after day, even when it’s hard.

Digest

The path of entrepreneurship is tough, but the rewards are worth it. Just like training for a marathon, you’ll face challenges that seem insurmountable. But with enough perseverance, you’ll improve, build your strength, and ultimately, thrive. So, if you’re feeling the grind, remember: the key is to keep showing up, keep pushing forward, and trust that the hard work will pay off.

The Insight Toolbox:

Key Takeaways:

• It doesn’t get easier—you get better. Progress is about improvement, not removing challenges.

• Show up consistently. Daily effort is what drives long-term success.

• Embrace the long game. Success, whether in business or running, is a marathon, not a sprint.

• Push through discomfort. Both entrepreneurship and running require resilience and persistence.

• Find your rhythm. With time and practice, you’ll build confidence and momentum.

About The Author

Patrick Miley Jr. is a business and career coach with a passion for helping individuals navigate career transitions and unlock their full potential. With a diverse background in both healthcare and business, Patrick leverages his unique experience as an ICU nurse and his MBA in Organizational Management to empower solopreneurs, minority business owners, and healthcare professionals to thrive in competitive industries. He is the founder of Insight 2 Action, where he provides strategic coaching and marketing consulting services. Patrick is dedicated to teaching the art of strategic communication—a skill that has transformed his own career.

When he’s not coaching, Patrick enjoys paddleboarding, running half marathons, and leading discussions in the Knox Book Club. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or through his company, Insight 2 Action.