Getting Unstuck in Life and at Work: Lessons from 6 Marathons
I’ve been asked many times about my marathon journey, training experiences, and why I’ve decided not to run another one. As an executive coach, I see powerful parallels between marathon running and the journey of getting unstuck in life and work.
Over the course of six Chicago Marathons, I’ve experienced:
288 training runs
Over 3,500 miles covered
$24K raised for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
72 Friday early bedtimes
68 Saturday 4:15 AM alarms
6 toenails lost (they grow back, don’t worry!)
23 pairs of running shoes
A 53-year-old woman who feels ready to channel her energy elsewhere
Through it all, I’ve learned that getting unstuck in life—whether in running, leadership, or personal growth—isn’t about avoiding discomfort. It’s about embracing it and pushing forward.
Overcoming Challenges: The Mental Game of Resilience
Marathon running has taught me that resilience and mental strength are just as critical as physical endurance. The same applies to getting unstuck in life and work.
Key Takeaways:
The hardest moments reveal what you’re truly made of.
Getting through tough times is 90% mental—on and off the course.
Your inner voice matters. Be kind to yourself when facing challenges.
Surrounding yourself with supportive people makes a world of difference.
FAQ
Q: How can I apply marathon mental strategies to my career?
A: Just like in marathon training, success in your career requires consistency, discipline, and the ability to push past discomfort. Set clear goals, trust the process, and remind yourself why you started.
Q: What’s the biggest mental block that keeps people stuck?
A: Fear—fear of failure, fear of change, and fear of the unknown. The key to getting unstuck in life is recognizing that fear is a normal part of growth and pushing through it anyway.
Finding Purpose: Fueling Your Motivation
One of the biggest lessons from marathon running is that having a purpose beyond yourself makes all the difference.
Key Takeaways:
Find a purpose larger than yourself—this fuels resilience.
Success in one area doesn’t guarantee success in another—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again.
Discipline carries you when motivation fades.
Encouragement from others can be the push you need to keep going.
FAQ
Q: How do I find my purpose when I feel stuck?
A: Start by identifying what excites you, what impact you want to make, and what challenges you’re willing to overcome. Purpose often emerges from action, not just reflection.
Q: What if I fail when trying something new?
A: Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Every attempt teaches you something valuable. The key to getting unstuck in life is to keep moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned.
Moving Forward: Your Next Step to Getting Unstuck in Life
If you’re contemplating trying something new—whether it’s running a marathon, changing careers, or starting a new hobby—go for it.
Map out a plan.
Remind yourself of your strength and resilience.
Find a support system.
Be kind to yourself when things get tough.
After six marathons, I’ve decided to step away from long-distance running—not because I’ve stopped loving it, but because I’m choosing to channel my energy elsewhere. More of an amazing thing isn’t always a more amazing thing.
Next year, I’ll be cheering from the sidelines, encouraging others on their journey of getting unstuck in life—whether on the racecourse or in life. Peace out ✌️
