If you feel good about yourself, you will perform better, be it in business or any other field. Running makes you feel better about yourself, especially long distance running. Marathon running requires diligence, commitment, strong work ethic and strategy. And these principles apply to running a successful business as well. Long distance running has helped me stay focused over a sustained period of time, no matter what the distractions were. As I started training and participating in races I began to realise how important, at the same time difficult, it is to be both driven and patient.Five years ago, I had injured my elbow while playing tennis. I loved tennis and used to play for almost 30 years. I was introduced to tennis at the age of 18, but had to stop it because of the elbow injury. But the sports enthusiast in me wasn't hurt. A few of my friends told me to participate in the half marathon. That's when I made my foray into marathon running.I started preparing for my first half marathon by running five rounds of the Mahalaxmi Race Course (in Mumbai). The length of the track is almost 2.5 kilometres. Once I was able to run the five rounds, I was confident of completing the half marathon. It was exhilarating to finish the first half marathon, successfully. Since then there has been no looking back. I finished my first full marathon at Amsterdam and though I struggled with cramps, the sense of achievement after touching the finishing line was unparalleled.Now, I have come to understand that marathon running has several learnings. It helps hone managerial and business skills, improve one's fitness level to manage one's business, and also helps in managing stress.Running teaches you perseverance, focus and rigour. It has made me more patient and calm. It gives you enough time to think and reflect. There is a sense of commitment and you know you have to do things the right way to achieve your goal. Like my company has diversified into financial markets, asset management, commodities, credit and life insurance, I expanded my horizons to step up to triathlons.I learnt swimming 3 years ago, after a running injury forced me take a break from running. I find swimming very relaxing and am happy that my swimming has improved to an extent that I now participate in Triathlons - mainly the standard Olympic format. I do about one full marathon, one triathlon and couple of half marathons every year.I joined the Striders running group which has helped me take my running to the next level and also made running more enjoyable. We run as a group, and it's a great bonding exercise too. Running on your own is a lonely affair, so good social bonding with a team while training always helps. People who practice in groups share tips on how to improve their stamina and speed, and some even get professional trainers to help them. I religiously get up at 4:45 in the morning, every day and practise four days a week for an hour. The rest of the week is dedicated to swimming, biking or hitting the gym depending on the weather and my work schedule for that day. Rest is also an important part of training and hence I take complete rest on Mondays.It has had many spin off effects - on eating, sleeping, drinking water and even breathing. Most people we see are leading very unhealthy lifestyles and that has a direct implication on their productivity. In fact, I am glad that because of the marathon, people are at least becoming aware of the importance of physical activity.It has been fun running in different parts of the world which had a variety of climatic conditions. I always carry my basic running gear which consists of water and change of clothes. I prefer a minimalist style of running, so have very few things in my sports bag. Once in a while when I go for long runs and when I am alone, I carry an iPod and listen to fast and motivating music.I run wherever I travel. I might be in any part of the world or in any time zone, but I make it a point to wake up and run in the morning. I run 3-4 times a week, swim a couple of times a week and spend approximately 7-8 hours a week working out. Running in a new city shows you a different side of the city - especially in the mornings. I got an opportunity to see different sides of New York, Zurich, Tokyo, Chicago and Bangalore.run so far has been the Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway. Running in the evening (or across the night in this case) is way harder than putting your body in motion in the morning. What happens is when you run in the morning you have slept for six to seven hours, you have been in a horizontal position, and your legs are fresh. Conversely, when you run in an evening competition - after standing or sitting most of the day - it becomes harder to reach your peak because your legs have carried your weight through the day.The first time you run, you are just happy to complete it. But, once you have been a part of 3-4 marathons, you yearn for a bigger challenge. I have been lucky as my wife Vidya also runs and has been a great support. Many a times, we have planned our holidays around races in different parts of the world and have been a part of marathons in New York, Chicago, Boston and others.Long distance running has taught me how to be patient in stressful times. I have learned the importance of pacing and incremental and constant improvement. For long term endurance, a measured sustainable pace is more important. All these things have many similarities to building a business. Ultimately, building an organisation is like running a marathon.My biggest realisation, from running, was that your only competition is yourself.