For the past two decades, I dedicated myself to honing my financial skills, often at the expense of my physical health. This year, I decided to change that by participating in various running events organized by RunRio, including the Ayala Foundation’s tACbo event in January, the BPI Best Life Run in June, and the Hoka Trilogy Run Asia events. These experiences refocused my attention on my health and revealed striking similarities between running and finance. Here are some of my insights:

Maximizing Returns, Minimizing Costs Sustainably

In both running and finance, the goal is to achieve sustainable outcomes efficiently. Running means improving health without incurring significant costs. Unlike pricey gym memberships or fancy equipment, running requires just a pair of good shoes and an open road. This mirrors the financial principle of maximizing returns while minimizing costs. This translates to achieving sustainable profitability with careful budgeting and strategic investments in finance.

Diversifying for Long-term Success

Think of your physical and mental well-being as an investment portfolio. In finance, diversification is essential to mitigate risk and enhance long-term gains. Similarly, running offers diverse benefits, from boosting cardiovascular health to strengthening bones and enhancing mental clarity. Just as you rebalance a financial portfolio to protect against market volatility, varying your running routines—whether through jogging, sprinting, or cross-training—ensures comprehensive health benefits.

Enjoyable and Fulfilling Endeavors

The elusive runner’s high—a surge of endorphins that makes the world feel conquerable—is akin to the satisfaction of a successful financial venture. In finance, we chase similar highs when our strategies pay off, when markets rally, or when we achieve our financial goals. Running, like finance, teaches patience, persistence, and the rewards of delayed gratification. Like each investment decision, each run brings us closer to our goals, culminating in a profound sense of fulfillment that transcends mere numbers.

To my fellow runners and finance enthusiasts, let’s embrace the parallels between our disciplines. Whether crunching numbers or pounding the pavement, remember that each step counts towards achieving cost-effectiveness, resilience, and joy. Invest in your health, diversify your physical activities, and savor the journey toward your goals. The marathon of life awaits, and we’re all in this together.

***The above is not medical advice, and the author, whom you could contact via email at [email protected], is not a medical professional. Views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of FINEX.