Years ago at BYU, I had the chance to live with Jason Pyrah—an elite middle-distance runner who would go on to represent the U.S. at two Olympic Games. Even back then, his discipline was unmatched. While the rest of us leaned into the social side of college life, Jason was up before sunrise, pounding the pavement and keeping his sights set on excellence. Our condo wasn’t exactly a training sanctuary, and he eventually moved out that summer, but our friendship stuck—and years later, we even ran together on a Hood to Coast relay team.
Running has always been part of my life too—marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, and ultra races like Wasatch Back. But more than a passion, running has been one of my best teachers. It’s taught me about leadership, grit, and the kind of success that only comes through endurance.
Here are three key leadership lessons that running—and Jason Pyrah—have taught me:
1. Discipline beats talent over time.
Jason’s Olympic success didn’t come from talent alone. He put in the work every single day. In business, it’s not the flashiest person who succeeds—it’s the one who shows up consistently, does the hard things, and keeps moving forward.
2. The hard miles are where growth happens.
Whether it’s mile 20 of a marathon or year three of a tough business climb, pushing through the pain and doubt is what forges real strength.
3. No great race is run alone.
Even individual runners rely on coaches, teammates, and support. Business is no different. Surround yourself with people you trust and run the race together. Jason’s journey to the Olympics is more than inspiring—it’s a masterclass in resilience and leadership. Whether you’re leading a company, managing a team, or simply trying to level up in life, there’s something powerful about putting in the miles—on the road and in your role.