Going the Distance: PR Lessons from Running a Half Marathon

Earlier this year, I challenged myself to complete a half marathon before my next birthday. I logged over 150 miles during an eight-week training program, and as my mind wandered during one particularly tough run, I started thinking about the similarities between running and public relations. Both require consistent effort, smart pacing, and celebrating progress along the way.

Here are the lessons I learned, mile after mile: 

The “Why” Keeps You Going

Every runner eventually faces the question: “Why am I doing this to myself?” For me, it hit right around mile ten on race day. What pushes you through is having a compelling answer. Keeping my goal in focus allowed me to keep putting one foot in front of the other—even when I didn’t want to.

In PR, we face similar moments of doubt. The teams that thrive are the ones who get crystal clear on their objectives. Just as my training had purpose beyond the finish line—like improving my physical and mental health—our PR initiatives need a purpose beyond visibility. Are we educating the market? Changing perceptions? Establishing thought leadership? Knowing your “why” makes all the difference when things get tough.

Plan for Pivots

Since I chose to run the half marathon on my own rather than as a part of an organized race, I had the luxury of choosing my race date. Still, I aimed to finish by my birthday, so I picked an eight-week program and built a work-back plan. Like any good PR pro, I padded in an extra week for unexpected hiccups. 

In PR, it’s always smart to have a plan B (and sometimes a plan C) to account for shifting market conditions, surprise competitor moves, or breaking news stealing the spotlight. The ability to pivot is essential, and building in flexibility from the start makes changing course that much smoother. 

Progress Happens During Quiet Periods

Most people only celebrate race day, but runners know the truth: it’s the invisible training miles that matter most. Those early morning runs and weight lifting sessions when nobody’s watching build the foundation for success.

PR works the same way. Between major news cycles and product launches, it’s the quiet periods that often shape long-term success. This is when the best teams focus on thought leadership, journalist relationships, and content development. Like cross-training, these efforts create a well-rounded PR program that’s built to last.

Find Joy in the Journey

I hung my training schedule on my fridge, and my two toddlers made a ritual out of adding stickers after each run. After long runs, my son would ask for a recap of all the animals I saw along the way. And I had entirely too much fun mapping out routes, creating loops all over my town in the Garmin app. These moments brought so much joy—maybe even more than race day itself. 

PR offers similar rewards beyond the big wins (though, let’s admit—those are great too). There’s joy in crafting a pitch, building a relationship, or landing an interview. These small moments add up, and they matter.

Slow Down, but Never Stop

Whether you’re training for a half marathon or developing a PR strategy, neither is a sprint. Both require thoughtful planning and the resilience to keep going, even when the path gets tough.

Ultimately, in running and in PR, crossing the finish line isn’t the only point. It’s about the confidence and capability you build along the way. Each mile teaches you something valuable about strategy, grit, and the power of consistent effort. The real win? Discovering what you’re capable of when you show up, one day at a time.