On Nov. 5, Phil Lang joined 50,000+ others in running the New York City Marathon and finished in 2:43, a two-minute personal best from seven years prior. Here he shares five things that he learned in getting to the top 0.5 percent of finishers.
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As I crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon, a wave of emotions washed over me — pride, elation and a sense of deep accomplishment. I had just completed one of the most challenging courses in the country, and I had done so in a time that I never thought possible.
But more than just a personal achievement, the marathon taught me valuable lessons about life, leadership and the pursuit of excellence. These lessons, honed over miles of training and tested on the unforgiving pavement of New York City streets, have transformed my understanding of what it takes to achieve extraordinary goals.
1. Mastery comes through repetition
The marathon is a grueling 26.2-mile race, and there’s no shortcut to success. It requires months of dedicated training, pushing your body to its limits and beyond.
I’ve run this race over 10 times, and with each repetition, I’ve learned to anticipate the course’s challenges and my body’s reactions. This familiarity has instilled in me a sense of mastery, allowing me to navigate the race with confidence and resilience.
In business, the pursuit of excellence demands a similar commitment to mastery. Just as a marathon runner must become intimately familiar with the course, a leader must gain a deep understanding of their industry, competitors and customers. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions, anticipate market shifts and navigate the complexities of the business world.
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