By Katie Gomez

As an avid runner and relatively newer stock trader, I’ve realized that these seemingly disparate pursuits share remarkable similarities. While one involves physical exertion and the other mental agility, both running and stock trading require discipline, strategy, and a keen understanding of one’s capabilities. 

So whether you dabble in the occasional retail trade on Robinhood or wake up at 6 a.m. ready for the market to open, running can be a great analogy to follow along in your trading journey. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating parallels between these two endeavors and how the principles of running can be applied to enhance your stock trading or investing performance based on your individual goals. 

Determining your goals 

Running and trading can be accomplished with differing intentions, goals, and practices. For instance, the workouts and training schedule for someone preparing for a marathon will look entirely different for someone who runs a few miles a week for weight loss purposes. The same could be seen in day traders vs. retail traders. Day traders are constantly at their desks, trading long hours, usually their full-time jobs. On the other hand, retail traders typically devote less time and energy to the market and focus solely on one stock or sector. Just as we train our bodies differently, traders train their minds differently, depending on the goal in mind. 

Not everyone who runs is training for marathons, and not every trader has the time to eat, sleep, and breathe the market. The beautiful thing about trading and running is that anyone can do it to shape their goals, from retail trading or jogging to day trading and running. 

You can enjoy the freedom a retail trading schedule offers and the short-term gratification from your trades, just as a runner who runs after work to burn off some stress and enjoy the immediate relief of a runner’s high. However, for those looking for more from your running or trading journey and more long-term strenuous goals to accomplish, it’s time to switch your perspective from immediate to delayed gratification. 

As I have been training for my first-ever half marathon, I have discovered several key parallels in shifting from a casual 3-mile post-work run to training for a 13-mile race. The following are some of the takeaways I found between long-term investing and long-distance running:

Endurance and Patience

Any long-distance runner knows that endurance is critical to success. Unlike the 100m dash or even a 5k, long-distance running is all about pushing through when you’ve reached a breaking point and finding new strength in stamina. The key to building endurance is playing the long game and embodying the key trait exemplified by the most profitable stock traders: patience. 

Just as endurance separates short-distance runners from marathon runners, patience and resilience in the face of market fluctuations separate retail traders from day traders. The ability to stay in it, keep your pace, and stick to your plan when things don’t go your way separates the good from the great. Whether your body crashes earlier than anticipated at mile 5 or you are forced to weather an unexpected dive in the market, the ability to maintain focus and proceed as planned separates the good from the great. 

Strategy and planning

Just as no runner embarks on a race without a plan, traders cannot expect to be successful without a strategy. Runners must plan their pace, hydration, and nutrition, just as investors develop a trading plan that outlines their entry/exit points, risk management techniques, and overall objectives. By approaching running and trading with a strategic mindset, you can increase your chances of success and minimize the impact of unexpected challenges.

Adaptability and Agility 

While a plan is necessary for both endeavors, adapting to changing conditions is crucial in running and stock trading. A runner must adjust their stride, pace, and tactics based on terrain, weather, and competitor behavior. Similarly, a stock trader must be able to pivot their strategy in response to shifting market trends, economic indicators, and global events. By cultivating mental and physical agility, runners and traders alike can navigate the unpredictable landscapes of their respective domains.

Risk Management and Self-Awareness 

Effective risk management is paramount in both running and stock trading. Runners must listen to their bodies and avoid overexertion to prevent injury, just as traders must manage risk exposure and avoid overextending their capital; both require a deep understanding of one’s capabilities, limitations, and risk tolerance. Again, we should focus on long-term planning rather than short-term gratification (i.e., pushing through the pain to PR or selling to cash out too early). By practicing self-awareness and setting appropriate boundaries, runners, and traders can protect themselves from costly setbacks and ensure long-term success.

Continuous Learning and Growth 

Additionally, pursuing excellence in running and trading demands a commitment to constant learning and growth. Just as a runner must constantly refine their technique, explore new training methods, and learn from their mistakes, a stock trader must stay up-to-date with market trends, analyze their performance, and adapt their strategies accordingly. By embracing a growth mindset and seeking opportunities for learning and development, runners and traders can unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.

The parallels between running and stock trading are undeniable. No matter where you are or plan to be, you can apply endurance, strategy, adaptability, risk management, and continuous learning to enhance your trading (and running) performance by recognizing and leveraging their similarities. 

So, the next time you lace up your running shoes or sit down to analyze market trends, remember that the key to success lies in the specific techniques of each discipline and the underlying principles that unite them. By embracing the shared wisdom of running and stock trading, you can develop the mental and physical resilience, strategic insight, and adaptability needed to excel in any endeavor you pursue. If you are ready to level up your trading game, visit Trade Ideas today to gain the valuable tools and insight needed to make your next move.