What a Marathon Taught Me About Law, Leadership, and Life

On September 28, my daughter, Ally, and I lined up in Boulder, Colorado, to run a marathon together. At 54 years old, it was my very first marathon. Training for months and then pushing through 26.2 miles on race day was no small task. It required discipline, endurance, and grit.

But what struck me most was not just the finish line — it was everything the process taught me along the way. Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I realize the marathon gave me lessons that extend far beyond running. They’re lessons about life, family, and even the way I practice law.

Here’s what I’ve carried forward since that day, and how those miles continue to shape the way I show up for my clients and my community.

Do Hard Things

Running 26.2 miles is no easy feat. Neither is preparing for it. In the months leading up to the race, I ran hundreds of miles so that I could finish just 26.2. I wanted my kids to see that hard things are worth doing — that pushing through challenges makes us better. One of my favorite quotes from Marcus Aurelius says, “The obstacle is the way.” I’ve found that to be true in every season of life and in every difficult case I’ve worked on. The push is where we grow.

Show Up Every Day

Most people see the finish line. What they don’t see are the early mornings, the sore muscles, or the days you run when you’d rather not. The marathon reminded me of the power of showing up consistently. I’ve been doing that since 1999 — and this race was just another reminder that showing up is what makes the difference.

It’s the same in my practice. At Kennedy Berkley, my clients see the results, but behind the scenes are the hours of preparation, research, and strategy that make those results possible.

Don’t Quit

Quitting has never been part of my mindset. During training, I dealt with doubt, injury, and the grind of miles. On race day, I saw the first runner step off the course at mile 18. Between miles 18 and 22, I saw several more — some even laying on the side of the road. For me, quitting wasn’t an option. I was prepared to crawl across the finish line if that’s what it took.

That same determination is what I bring into my practice. When I’m entrusted with a client’s case, I commit to seeing it through — no matter how tough the road ahead looks.

Gratefulness

The biggest surprise lesson I took away was gratefulness. Running a marathon is not a solo sport. My wife, Kim, never complained when I was up before dawn training. My family cheered me on with every milestone. Ally ran by my side, encouraging me when I needed it most. And most importantly, it reminded me how grateful I am for my clients. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to build friendships with the people I serve. Being able to get up every day, do what I love, and work with people I respect is truly a privilege.

Carrying These Lessons Forward

Crossing that finish line with my daughter and finishing this marathon taught me the power of showing up consistently—and that’s something I strive to do for my clients and community as well. If you’d like to continue this conversation and receive more insights, leadership lessons, and legal updates, I invite you to join my email list here! 

— Lance Cochran Managing Partner, Kennedy Berkley