5 reasons to hire a marathoner

Yes, it is hard to keep the snack table stocked in the presence of a marathoner and yes, we tend to talk about running a lot; but once you get past that, having a marathoner is a wonderful addition to your team. Here's why:

1) Fewer sick days:
Looking at the scientific evidence, one still can't clearly state that exercise boosts your immune system. However, it is highly likely that if you are not overdoing it (i.e. you are not an elite athlete, training for the Olympics), it gives you a leg up. Additionally, runners tend to be more careful not to catch a cold, because if you are sick you can't run and guess who hates not running. The bottom line is, runners lose less office days due to sickness.

Long-term positive effects of running are clearer. It helps you maintain body weight and fends off heart problems and expensive diseases like diabetes. Result? Less health problems, less days lost, happier employees, cheaper health insurance.

2) Mental resolve and adaptability:
Your standard marathoner will do at least one 20-mile run. Not to mention all the other 15+ milers in the season. If we are lucky, we get to do 10% of these in ideal conditions. Optimum weather, enough free time, perfect nutrition. The other 90% of the time we are battling heat waves or snowstorms, nursing an injury or trying to keep food down. Over time runners develop tolerance to challenge. We don't panic when we see a problem, we tackle it. When things don't go the way we planned, we adapt.

3) Runner's Serenity:
I am sure you heard of "runner's high". It is that moment when happy hormones and glucose depletion kick the brain into a state where no negative emotions exist. After the run, the runner becomes a serene creature, which filters in to our professional life.

4) Thinking time:
Humanity created only limited amount of music, audiobooks and podcasts for the runners to consume on the run. At one point or another, we run out of things to occupy our mind, or just get plain sick of it (How many times can you listen to "Gonna Fly Now" anyway). That leaves us lots of free time to think about our work.

5) Running is contagious: 
What did you say? You hired a marathoner and now you want more? Good news, it is contagious! Your newly acquired marathoner will convert your existing employees. They won't all become marathoners all of a sudden, but I can safely say that you will be able to field a team for your local "Corporate Challenge".