How Running Teaches You to be Successful

Laure Stoma is a Louisiana-based sales professional and runner who was at the Boston Marathon in April during the bombing. Her fiancé Leo was competing in the race and she was there to support him. The two are racing in the upcoming ING New York City Marathon and are requesting pledges on behalf of Boston Children’s Hospital.

Here is our interview with her.

Describe your experience in Boston.

I was at the finish line waiting for Leo, ready to take a picture as he crossed. Then the bomb went off right across the street. Waiting for him to get to me was the longest four minutes of my life. The bomb knocked me off my feet.

It puts everything in perspective and makes you feel more fortunate for the things you have. Leo and I have always done everything together – I didn’t know we could become any closer than we were but we are now. I’m grateful that I can get up and run every day. The lives of many of the people there were changed forever.

What have you learned from running that applies to your career?

My fiancé and I went on a 20-mile run recently and it rained for probably 90% of it. At the end, our shoes were soggy and we had blisters. He looked at me and said, “Remind me why we’re doing this again!” With anything challenging in life, you have those moments when it’s not easy to keep going – but if it’s important, you stick it out.

How does running help you deal with stress?

I’m an early riser. I’ve learned that doing something active first thing in the morning gives me the motivation to keep going all day at work and maintain my energy so I can spend quality time with Dani, my 17-year-old daughter.

-Sarah Cooke