Run Your Own Race: The Leadership Lesson I Learned at Mile 3

When I was training for my first marathon, my dad, an experienced runner, suggested I sign up for a half marathon to get used to the race-day atmosphere. Smart advice, right? What I didn’t expect was the energy: music blasting, runners in costume, vendors everywhere, and a countdown clock that screamed GO! like I was in the Olympics.

I took off like I was chasing a world record. Three miles in, I was already tired, sore, and questioning my life choices. The bad news? I still had 10 miles to go.

The lesson hit me hard (and early): the moment I stopped running my race and tried to keep up with everyone else, I lost.

This isn’t just about running. It’s leadership, life, and burnout prevention all rolled into one.

When we stop checking in with our own pace, priorities, and purpose—and start matching everyone else’s urgency—we end up drained, distracted, and directionless.

Want to lead better? Want to make a bigger impact? Run your own race.

• Define what success looks like for you

• Set a pace you can actually sustain

• Stop sprinting because someone else looks like they know what they’re doing

Your leadership shouldn’t come at the expense of your alignment.