The Power of Running: Why Dedication to Running Makes for Exceptional IT and Security Professionals

A Reflection on Ten Years of Running

Today's the day! I have run every single day for 10 years. I've run through kidney stones and miscellaneous illnesses. I've run through Covid three times. In 2018 I averaged just around 20 miles a day.

When I first started running over 20 years ago, I never anticipated this type of streak. I attempted to start run streaks numerous times but failed due to various reasons. So, I began architecting my professional life around my runs. When I had long trips, I'd get up extra early to fit in a run prior to a flight. There were a few times where I'd come close to midnight, and you'd find me pumping out miles on the treadmill before sleep just to keep the streak alive.

But, while all of this sounds pretty incredible, and many of you might think about starting your own run streak (or not, more likely), think instead about the very real benefits.

Running for Physical and Mental Health

Running daily offers a wide range of health benefits for both your body and mind. Here are some of the more obvious key advantages. All of the following I have experienced:

Physical Health Benefits

1. Improved Cardiovascular Health: Running strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation.

2. Enhanced Lung Capacity: Consistent running can boost your respiratory system's efficiency.

3. Weight Management: It's a great way to burn calories and maintain a healthy body weight.

4. Stronger Muscles and Bones: Running helps build lower-body strength and increases bone density.

5. Boosted Immunity: Regular running can enhance your immune system, helping your body fight off illnesses.

Mental Health Benefits

1. Stress Reduction: Running releases endorphins, often called "feel-good" hormones, that help reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Improved Mood: It can alleviate symptoms of depression and leave you feeling more positive.

3. Cognitive Benefits: Regular running may improve memory, focus, and overall brain function.

4. Better Sleep: It helps regulate sleep patterns, improving the quality of your rest.

5. Increased Mental Resilience: The discipline of daily running fosters mental toughness and perseverance.

Overall Well-Being

1. Consistent Energy Levels: Running boosts stamina and reduces fatigue.

2. Longer Life Span: Studies show that regular runners tend to live longer, healthier lives.

Obviously, I keep motivated. A part of it is my propensity to not break streaks, but I also do that through subscribing to health-oriented newsletters and reading articles. I love the daily newsletter from Arnold Schwarzenegger, called Arnold’s Pump Club. But the real pinnacle that drove me to dedicate to running every single day was reading, understanding, and applying the concepts from the book ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running.

It teaches that running doesn’t have to be difficult. Running is simply leaning forward. It’s as easy and simple as that.

How Running Relates to the Professional Life

But running - or the dedication to something to improve your overall physical and mental well-being - has extra benefits that are directly related to your professional life. In addition to the health benefits, here's how I believe this relates to the people working in the IT and Security industry and profession.

Dedication and Perseverance

Running every day for ten years (or any length of time) requires an unwavering dedication and perseverance. This quality is paramount in the IT and Security industry, where professionals often face complex challenges that require sustained effort over long periods. A dedicated runner is someone who has proven their ability to commit to a goal and work tirelessly to achieve it.

Dedication to a pursuit that improves your well-being requires commitment and the willingness to make time for yourself. Whether it is running, yoga, meditation, or any other activity that resonates with you, the act of dedicating yourself to it can be transformative.

Consistency and Discipline

The consistency required to maintain a running streak is akin to the discipline needed in IT and Security roles. Whether it's maintaining systems, managing cybersecurity protocols, or troubleshooting issues, consistency and discipline ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Hiring someone who demonstrates these traits through their running habits suggests they possess the same rigor in their professional life.

Consistency is crucial. Make your chosen activity a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it is daily, weekly, or somewhere in between, the regular practice of your activity will yield the best results.

Resilience and Endurance

Running through illness and adversity, such as kidney stones and Covid, speaks volumes about resilience and endurance. These qualities are essential in IT and Security, where professionals must often navigate stressful situations and recover quickly from setbacks. A runner's ability to push through pain and adversity reflects their capacity to handle pressure and persevere in their work.

Dedication also builds resilience. As you face challenges and push through obstacles, you develop a stronger mindset. This resilience is valuable in all areas of life, helping you handle stress better and recover from setbacks more quickly.

Determination and Momentum

The determination to run daily, no matter the circumstances, creates momentum that is beneficial in a professional setting. IT and Security professionals must often start and finish projects, maintain momentum, and stay focused on long-term goals. A runner’s determination and ability to build and sustain momentum translates well into a work environment that demands continual progress.

Starting with small, manageable goals can help you build momentum. As you achieve these goals, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activity. Celebrate your progress and remain focused on the positive changes you are making to your well-being.

Grit and Success

Running every day for a decade demonstrates grit—passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Hiring someone with this level of commitment suggests they bring the same tenacity to their professional endeavors. Grit is a predictor of success, and individuals who exhibit it are likely to excel in the demanding IT and Security industry.

Success in improving your well-being requires grit—passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Stay committed to your journey, even when it becomes challenging, and remember that each step forward is a step towards a healthier, happier you.

TLDR

While the idea of maintaining a running streak may seem daunting to some, it illustrates qualities that are highly desirable in IT and Security professionals. Dedication, perseverance, consistency, resilience, determination, grit, and success—all of these attributes are cultivated through the discipline of running and translated into professional excellence.

So, when considering candidates for IT and Security positions, remember that a dedication to running is more than a personal achievement—it's a testament to the qualities that make someone an exceptional professional in this demanding field.

I invite you to dedicate yourself to something that enhances your physical and mental well-being. Choose an activity that you love, commit to it, and watch how it transforms your life. By nurturing your body and mind, you will not only improve your health but also enrich your life in ways you never imagined.

The key to maintaining dedication is finding an activity that you are passionate about. Explore different options and pay attention to what brings you joy and fulfillment. When you are passionate about something, it becomes easier to stay committed and integrate it into your daily life.