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What Running an Ultra and Building a Business Have in Common3 Principles to Increase Your Odds of Success in Either Arena

Stephen Mater running  225KM in Belize
Stephen Mater running 225 KM in Belize

Most people will never run 100 miles in a single stretch.

Most people will never build a business that survives its first year.

But those who do — tend to operate by a different set of rules.


As someone who’s run ultra-marathons and built multiple companies from the ground up, I’ve learned this: running and entrepreneurship are more alike than different. The stakes may vary — but the mindset, structure, and execution needed to finish strong remain eerily similar.


Here are three lessons I’ve learned from both pursuits — and how applying them can increase your probability of success, no matter which start line you’re standing on.


1. Discipline Is Greater Than Motivation


In an ultra, you don’t feel motivated at mile 80. You’re hungry, sore, probably tired— and the only thing carrying you forward is the structure you trained under and the identity you built before the suffering began.


The same is true in business.


When the novelty wears off and the obstacles stack up, it’s not passion that pushes you forward. It’s discipline.

Structure beats emotion. Routine beats inspiration. Systems beat hustle.


Success isn’t about staying excited — it’s about staying consistent.


2. Know Your Pace, But Don’t Slow Down


Most first-time ultra runners burn out by going too fast, too early. Most entrepreneurs do the same: chasing everything, saying yes to too much, and stretching their attention until it breaks.


In both worlds, you need to know your optimal pace — a rhythm that keeps you moving forward without risking burnout. But don’t confuse that with playing small.


Whether it’s running or building, you must move with intent, urgency, and endurance. Don’t just survive — advance.


The ones who win are the ones who manage energy, not just time.


3. Pain Is Data. Use It.


Ultras hurt. So does entrepreneurship.

The failures, the detours, the unexpected conditions — none of it is personal. It’s just feedback.


In a race, pain teaches you where you’re under-trained or under-fueled. In business, it shows you where your offer is weak, your systems are broken, or your team needs work.


Don’t romanticize suffering — but don’t run from it either.


Every obstacle has something to teach you. If you’re willing to listen, pain becomes progress.


Final Thought: You Don’t Rise to the Occasion — You Fall to Your Preparation


In both ultra running and business, success isn’t built on hype — it’s built on habits.

It’s not about how hard you can push once…

It’s about how well you can show up, day after day, long before the world sees the win.


You want to win?

Build structure.

Train your mind.

And learn to fall in love with the boring stuff.

 
 
 

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