I'm a Runner but also a dedicated Project Manager. Through the years, running has taught me valuable lessons that can be applied to project management. I've chosen 5 to present it to you.

1. 5 lessons from running
applied to project management

2. I’m an average
athlete (the guy
in the middle)
that loves to run
since forever.
I’m also an
experienced PMP
and CSM,
Leading PMOs
and Managing
Programs and
Projects since
2006.
La Vig-Bay Half Marathon
Spain, March 2015

3. Running is a life experience that
embraces our thoughts on each
step we take.
Along the years running also taught
me a few lessons that can be
applied to Project Management.
Here is what I’ve learned.

4. # 1 – Planning is everything

5. Before embarking on a new race I run a checklist: what’s the
distance, do they have a time limit, how does the altimetry look
like, what will be the weather conditions on racing day, how many
water stations will they have, … ?
I set-up a plan on how my race should roll-out.
This has “saved my life” a thousand times.

6. When managing projects you deal with similar questions: what’s
the scope, who are the stakeholders, whose risks should be
closely monitored, what are the deadlines, what’s the effort to
accomplish, …?
It all starts with planning.
Planning is the key to success.

7. # 2 – It’s always a mental game

8. Everyone that has ran a marathon will tell you: the first 30kms are
a result of your training, so you run it with your legs, the next
10kms with your mind, and the last 2kms with your heart.
The same happens while executing projects.
When everything seems lost, remember to be strong in mind
and spirit.
Be a Leader! Inspire others!
(don’t be a crying baby )

9. If you can take it,
you can make it.
Louis Zamperini
Olympic Athlete

10. # 3 – Be Humble and Learn

11. On the past few years we’ve seen:
A new 100 meters World Record at 106 years old, a new 5K
World Record at 81 years old, a 92 years old lady finishing a
marathon, new World Records running 7 marathons for 7 days
on 7 continents, athletes running more than 200 kms on any
weather condition and in self-mode, and the list goes on…

12. Think you know it all?
Think again: there’s always someone else that runs longer and
faster than you.
The same is true for projects.
Be humble and respect the others.
Take on their experience.
Learn from them.

13. # 4 – Practice, Practice, Practice

14. Each time I run my trainings I learn new things about myself:
how I run, how to control my breath, how far can I go, when I
should take my gel, how my heart rate rises, when to push it
forward, …
All these information help me prepare the next race.

15. Each time you execute a project you learn
and get experienced about preparing for
risks, managing resources, controlling and
monitoring your KPI’s, defining and closing
scope, leading the way to your team, …
Sounds familiar?
Practice makes you better and better.

16. # 5 – Do it with pleasure and succeed

17. I run with pleasure.
Each step I take brings me closer
to my dream to continuously
outstand myself.
The same principle works for a
project manager.
Loving what you do, makes you
stronger and closer to succeed.

18. Choose a job you love, and you will never
have to work a day in your life.
Confucius

19. Helder Ferreira
PMP, CSM
2015