Fundamental Endurance: A Lesson in Sustainable Growth, Leadership & Humility

Let me tell you a story about running. Not the kind of running you do when you're chasing KPIs, launching new ideas, or managing a company. Real running. Feet-on-the-ground, heartbeat-in-your-ears, legs-on-fire kind of running.

I used to run fast. Mentally and physically.

I’ve always had this strong mindset: push your limits, go all in, don’t slow down.

I’ve done triathlons, CrossFit, distance runs — I was proud to push through pain, ignore fatigue, override the warning signs.

But the truth? I had no real foundation. No base. No “endurance fondamentale”.

And eventually, my body hit back — hard.

Injuries followed. I did physio, got injections, followed rehab protocols. And when I started to feel better, I came back at full force. “I’ll prove them wrong,” I thought.

Doctors said, “You’re not 20 anymore, specialize in the chest press…”

And I thought: What do they know? I’m 40 — or let’s say 43 — and it’s the new 20!

Yes, I was proud. Yes, I was also a little pissed. Yes, my ego took over. Again.

But this Sunday, something changed.

I went out for a 10k run — at my new, slow pace, training in what runners call “endurance fondamentale” (fundamental endurance).

I ran 25 minutes slower than my best time. Let’s be honest — I had to walk. A lot. Just to keep my heart rate low.

At one point, two women passed me. No hello.

My first instinct? “Really? You don’t say hi? You think you’re better than me? Let me show you how fast I can go!”

But then I looked at my watch, and it said:

“Slow down, sweetie.”

And for once, I did.

I smiled.

Because this time, I wasn’t chasing the ego.

I was building something sustainable.

I was choosing patience. I was choosing growth.

Building My Company with "Fundamental Endurance"

You see, the story above isn’t just about running. It's about how I approached starting my own business — and how it mirrors what I’ve learned from my journey as an entrepreneur.

When I first launched my training and coaching company, I wanted to move fast.

I launched like a rocket.

I thought I needed to go full speed ahead. No time to pause. No time to celebrate the small wins. Just push forward.

I felt pressure to succeed. After all, with all the experiences I’d gathered in my career, the effort should surely pay off faster, right? It didn’t. And that’s when I faced a tough lesson. I had to acknowledge something I wasn’t ready to admit:

Building a sustainable business takes time.

And it’s not all about speed. It’s about foundation. Patience. Endurance fondamentale.

For a while, I ran on adrenaline, just like I did in my sports. I thought I could muscle through and prove myself. But the truth is, building a company, much like running, isn’t about quick wins. It’s about setting a strong foundation for long-term success. It’s about acknowledging that growth requires consistent effort and humility.

Leadership & Management: The Power of Humility & Sustainable Growth

What does this all mean for leadership? For management? Everything.

We live in a world that rewards quick wins, fast results, and instant success. But true leadership isn’t about sprinting to the top. It’s about how we endure, how we build, and how we inspire others through our example.

Sustainable leadership means investing in your team and business for the long haul. It’s about being grounded in your values and taking the time to foster growth, both for yourself and others. And yes, that involves patience.

True leaders, whether running a business or a team, need to recognize that humility is a key part of sustainable growth. It’s not about ego. It’s not about proving how much we know or how fast we can go. Leadership is about embracing vulnerability — acknowledging that there will be ups and downs, moments of doubt, and challenges. And through it all, I chose the path of consistent, humble progress.

When I reflect on my journey, I know that the fastest way to burn out is to ignore the need for patience, resilience, and humility. It’s essential to celebrate the small wins, trust the process, and embrace each step, no matter how small.

Monday IINspiration:

This week, ask yourself:

Are you building on strong foundations or running on fumes?

Are you letting your ego lead, or are you embracing humility in your leadership?

Are you slowing down to appreciate the small wins and trust the process?

Because here’s the truth: Going slower doesn’t mean doing less.

It means doing it better.

So, here's to your endurance,

and the courage to embrace the journey of growth with patience and humility 💛

— Laura | CoachIIN