As a long distance athlete, I am often asked why I spend so much time on running. While my response is usually a lighthearted one-liner, the reality is that running yields success. Over the years, I have run numerous marathons and ultra-marathons, and I can say with certainty that running has played a significant role in my personal and professional achievements.

Success, however, is not limited to financial or professional accomplishments. Through conversations with fellow runners, including those in low-key jobs, I have come to understand that running can bring fulfillment and contentment that extends far beyond the boundaries of career and money.

In my opinion, success is about living a balanced and fulfilling life. In this article, I will share 11 reasons why runners are likely to be successful individuals.

1. They understand the importance of goal-setting. Setting clear and powerful goals is vital for achieving anything significant in life. A study conducted on Harvard MBA graduates revealed that only 3% had written goals and plans, while the majority had no goals at all. Ten years later, the 3% who had written goals were earning ten times more than the rest of the class combined. Runners constantly set goals, whether it’s for speed training, hill training, or races. Missing these goals can be heart-breaking, highlighting the importance of having clear objectives.

2. They measure progress. Runners are obsessed with gadgets that track their speed, heart rate, distance, and other data. By analyzing this information, runners can measure their progress and make necessary adjustments to improve their performance.

3. They value time. Time is crucial to runners, especially during races. Being late to an event or missing a cut-off time by a few seconds can be devastating. This emphasis on punctuality and time management carries over to other aspects of life, driving runners to be more disciplined and organized.

4. They are highly disciplined. Training for long distance events requires months of consistent effort and sacrifice. Runners develop a strong sense of self-discipline, which is essential for success in any area of life.

5. They know how to overcome obstacles. Runners face injuries, illnesses, and fatigue during training. In extreme events like the Comrades Marathon, they endure grueling obstacles. These challenges bring out the best in runners and teach them resilience and perseverance.

6. They are patient. Runners understand the value of process and know that success takes time. They resist the temptation of shortcuts and embrace patience, which teaches them endurance and humility.

7. They know that competing with others is not the most important thing. While competition can be healthy and motivating, runners understand that the true measure of success lies in competing against oneself. By focusing on personal growth and improvement, runners avoid getting jealous or devastated by others’ accomplishments.

8. They build networks. Runners meet numerous people during training and races, forming relationships and networks. These connections contribute to personal and professional success by providing support, guidance, and opportunities.

9. They budget. Runners participate in multiple events throughout the year, some of which require travel and accommodation expenses. To avoid last-minute bookings and increased costs, runners must budget in advance. This financial responsibility translates to other areas of life, contributing to overall success.

10. They understand the power of leverage. Runners often run in teams or pace groups because they know the power of teamwork. They can encourage one another, share the load, and learn from the strongest members. By leveraging the strengths of others, runners are able to accomplish more and go further.

11. They view failure differently. Successful runners understand that failure is not the end but a necessary step toward success. They learn from their failures, pick themselves up, and persevere. Failure becomes temporary when approached with the right mindset.

Running builds characteristics and habits that contribute to success. It teaches discipline, perseverance, patience, and resilience. It fosters a mindset that views setbacks as opportunities for growth. No wonder influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and Sean Combs have taken on the challenge of a marathon. Running is much more than just a hobby; it is a path to personal and professional accomplishment.