Marathon & Marketing... is it Worth the Torture?

This past weekend, I was cleaning the house while watching the television as a background noise. I happened to notice that the marathon was on, and I got sucked into watching in amazement. These runners put their bodies through the ringer, and most are happy to do so. Then I thought, do they go to work the next day. Would I be up to doing marketing and design after running 26.2 miles?

If you work in marketing, you know that us professionals endure challenges that can feel as grueling as running 26.2 miles. But why do we put ourselves through this torture? Let’s explore the surprising similarities between marketing and marathon running and why we keep going despite the hardships.

The Starting Line: Preparation

Just like training for a marathon, marketing requires meticulous preparation. Before a campaign can take off, there are:

• Market Research

Understanding your audience is like mapping your marathon route.

• Strategy Development

Crafting a marketing plan is your training regimen.

• Content Creation

Building your creative assets is akin to putting in those long training runs.

The Early Miles: Initial Excitement

The beginning of a marathon is filled with excitement and energy, much like launching a new marketing campaign. There’s the thrill of:

• New Ideas

Fresh concepts and strategies that promise success.

• Team Enthusiasm

Everyone’s pumped and ready to go.

• Initial Feedback

Early signs of engagement that fuel your motivation.

The Mid-Race Slump: Facing Challenges

Around mile 10, reality sets in. The same happens in marketing when:

• Campaign Fatigue

What seemed brilliant at the start now feels repetitive.

• Budget Constraints

Like hitting the wall, financial limits slow you down.

• Competitive Pressure

Competitors start catching up, just like fellow runners.

The Uphill Battle: Overcoming Obstacles

In both marketing and marathons, obstacles are inevitable:

• Hitting a Wall (figuratively)

We all know that feeling when we feel like we can't move on or forward and we need to

push through somehow.

• Negative Feedback and White Noise

Harsh comments and ongoing chatter can be as painful as a cramp.

• Tight Deadlines or Slowdown

Rushing to meet a tight deadline feels like sprinting uphill.

The Final Stretch: Pushing Through

As you approach the finish line, exhaustion kicks in. But in marketing, as in marathons, this is where determination shines:

• Creative Push

Innovating new ideas when running on empty.

• Team Motivation

Rallying the team to push through the final stretch.

• Final Review

Going through everything one more time and making last-minute adjustments.

The Finish Line: Sweet Victory

Crossing the finish line is euphoric, much like completing a successful marketing campaign:

• Results

Seeing your hard work pay off with tangible results.

• Recognition

Celebrating wins with your team and stakeholders.

• Reflection

Analyzing what worked and planning for the next race (or campaign).

Why Do We Do It?

So, why do we put ourselves through this marketing marathon? It’s simple:

• Passion

We love the thrill of creativity and innovation.

• Challenge

We thrive on overcoming obstacles and pushing our limits.

• Success

The satisfaction of achieving our goals makes every hardship worth it.

Marketing may be a marathon, but the journey is as rewarding as the destination. So, lace up your running shoes, prepare for the long haul, and remember that every step brings you closer to victory.