No, I am not running away from financial planning. And no, I am not running for political offices at the local level.

Let me start with something you might not expect from your financial planner: I’m currently training for a marathon.

That’s right. The guy who spends his days talking about Roth IRAs, trust and wills, and tax planning is out here logging miles, icing sore calves, and seriously reconsidering life choices every time I hear the words “long run.” My race is on September 7th, and it’ll be my first full marathon. It’s a beast, but also one of the most exciting challenges I’ve ever taken on.

And along the way, it hit me: marathon training and financial planning are… weirdly similar.

Here’s what I mean.

1. Signing Up is the Easy Part

Whether it’s registering for a marathon or setting that New Year’s resolution to “finally get my money right,” the decision to start always feels great. You’re pumped. Motivated. Vision board ready. Let’s go!

But about two weeks in? That’s when the real work begins.

You start realizing just how much goes into it. The small details matter. There are good days and “what-am-I-doing” days. Sound familiar? Welcome to the world of long-term financial planning.

2. You Need a Game Plan

I have been following a 17-week training schedule, and it’s the only thing keeping me from completely winging it (and regretting it at mile 16). Each run builds on the last. It’s all about structure, consistency, and tracking progress.

Same goes for a solid financial plan. You can’t just say “I want to retire at 55” or “I want to buy a house next year” and hope for the best. You need a roadmap. A budget. An investment strategy. And someone (hi, that’s me) to help guide you along the way.

3. It’s Never a Straight Line

Some days, the runs are smooth. Other days, I wonder if my legs have secretly filed a complaint against me.

Financial goals work like that too. Maybe the market dips. Maybe your car breaks down. Maybe your income changes. Life throws curveballs. What matters is how you pivot and stay on course, not whether every single step was perfect.

4. Progress Over Perfection

I’ve missed runs. I’ve eaten pizza when I probably should’ve had a protein shake. But I’m still training.

You don’t need to get everything perfect with your finances either. Overspent this month? It’s okay. Forgot to contribute to your Roth IRA in Q1? No sweat. We course-correct, and we keep going.

5. You Can’t Do It Alone

You know who gets runners across the finish line? Coaches. Teammates. Family. People cheering on the sidelines with signs and snacks.

In finances, your support team might be your spouse, a financial advisor, or even your group chat that holds you accountable for not ordering DoorDash three times a week. Lean on your people.

6. The Finish Line Is Just the Beginning

You train for months for one big day… and then what?

Well, here’s the secret: the real win isn’t just the race, it’s the transformation along the way. How much stronger you got. The discipline you built. The confidence that comes from knowing, “I did something hard.”

Retirement, buying your first home, paying off debt, it’s not just about checking the box. It’s about the peace of mind and freedom that come with it.

Final Thoughts

Training for this marathon has taught me that the real challenge isn’t the race, it’s showing up every day, doing the work, and believing that each small step matters.

Your financial life is the same way.

So whether you’re starting from scratch or already mid-run, remember: you don’t have to sprint. Just keep moving forward.

And if you want a running buddy for your finances, I’m here for that.