Enthusiasm is Plentiful, Endurance is Rare: Lessons from Endurance Running for Long Term Planning

Many of us enjoy a run now and then, but have you ever considered running in a 24-hour endurance event? Succeeding at endurance running is no easy challenge. Where running a marathon is all about getting to the finish line, endurance running requires you to change your perspective.  It is not about who gets there the fastest or quick wins, it is about who can stay the course and keep going. That takes preparation, patience, and resilience, which are also all key attributes to building a good financial plan. 

The mindset required to run an endurance race has valuable parallels with what makes a successful financial plan. Here, we explore some of these perspectives and how it can provide a fresh way to think about your plan, with personal insight from our planner Hollee Vivian, whose enthusiasm for endurance running has provided lessons for how she thinks about financial planning.

Pacing

Endurance running requires a different way of looking at a race than running a marathon does. The race is measured in hours, not miles, so pacing becomes critical. It is about managing energy over time, deciding when to take breaks and even when to sleep.

The same principles apply to your financial plan. Chasing quick wins can be tempting, but sustainable progress matters more than short bursts. Resisting the urge to react to every market movement helps you reach the finish line. Sometimes you need to be able to take a step back and get some perspective on the bigger picture. Working out what stage you are in your financial plan can help you and your planner assess how you want to approach the next section. Hollee took up endurance running when she was looking for a new challenge having completed a half marathon (and sworn off them!).

Conversations with your planner about your goals and what the long-term picture looks like, helps create a plan to fit your needs. There may be times when you are comfortable with more risk being taken, and times when you may want to conserve your energy. Working out what pace makes sense for you at the moment, and how that might change over time, is a critical part of making your plan work for the long haul. 

Planning

Endurance running requires careful preparation. You have to think about your body: have you rested it enough, taken in enough calories, is it hydrated enough? You also have to consider the weather, the time of year you’re running in, what the elements might throw at you? Do you need to bring extra layers in case the temperature drops? What time does the sun set? Taking the time to make sure you are prepared allows you to feel confident that you are ready for whatever comes.

Financial planning is similar. It also requires dedicated preparation and consideration for what could happen in various scenarios. The markets can sometimes behave much like the weather in the UK, you don’t know if you’re going to get glorious sunshine one minute and a sudden downpour the next. That volatility is something your planner can take into account when helping you. They can stress test your plan against various scenarios to establish if you are well positioned. A good plan anticipates change and includes contingencies, so you can adapt without losing sight of your goals.

Trust the process

People looking for quick wins won’t find them in endurance running. It can be draining and gruelling and requires a level of grit. Sticking with something that is hard is no easy feat. Hollee recalls a race where a large poster read: “Enthusiasm is plentiful, endurance is rare.” It is a lesson that applies equally to financial planning. It too requires a degree of trusting the process and perseverance. 

Starting something new is exciting. Whether it is a race or a financial plan, enthusiasm comes easily at the beginning. The challenge is sticking with it when progress feels slow. A well-thought-out plan gives you confidence to keep going and helps you focus on the bigger picture.

Final thoughts

Endurance running shows that success is not about speed. It is about resilience, preparation and trust in the process. The same principles apply to your financial plan. Stick with it, prepare for change and pace yourself. That is how you reach your goals.

This article is designed to provide you with information only. It is not designed to provide you with financial advice. Please seek financial advice if you are still unsure about your options. There may be a charge for this. Remember, tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. And the value of investments can go down as well as up, and could be worth less than what was paid in. This information is based on our understanding in November 2025. Aberdeen is not responsible for the information, accuracy and views of external sources.