Inspiration: Lessons from the Road and the Startup Journey

By Amy Gallant Sullivan

Holding my medal from the Paris-Versailles race, I’ve been reflecting on what it takes to go the distance—not just in running, but in life and business. As the founder of a female-led startup, Èyes Are The Story, I’ve come to realize that success in both arenas requires the same key ingredients: resilience, pacing, and inspiration.

Finding Strength in Unexpected Role Models

I recently learned an inspiring fact about Dr. Mathea Allansmith, my father’s mentor at Harvard Medical School. At 93 years old, she earned a Guinness World Record as the oldest woman to complete a marathon. Dr. Allansmith was a remarkable figure—a perfectionist who demanded excellence and inspired my father to aim high. Her influence, in turn, shaped my own approach to life and work.

What’s even more fascinating is that Dr. Allansmith didn’t begin running until she was 46. She started with two miles a day in Boston, not aiming for speed but for health, stamina, and quality of life. Rain or shine, she stayed consistent—a testament to the power of persistence and purpose.

Parallels Between Running and Building a Startup

Thinking of Dr. Allansmith’s journey inspires me as a runner, and as the founder of Èyes Are The Story. Both pursuits are daily marathons that require:

• Consistency: Just as Dr. Allansmith ran every day, building a business demands showing up daily, no matter the challenges.

• Resilience: Whether it’s braving bad weather or overcoming setbacks (like launching during a global pandemic or facing production delays), staying the course is key.

• Vision: Success isn’t just about immediate wins; it’s about pacing yourself for the long haul.

Why Inspiration Fuels Innovation

As a female-founded, science-based startup, Èyes Are The Story is driven by the same principles that guide a long-distance runner. We merge innovation with purpose, creating optocosmetics that support sensitive eyes while empowering our customers to feel confident and cared for. Like training for a race, building a business takes dedication, a willingness to adapt, and a focus on the ultimate goal.

Looking Ahead

As I hold my race medal, I envision many more "races" ahead—on the road and in the world of business. While breaking Dr. Allansmith’s marathon record may be a distant goal, I’ll keep running forward, setting my own pace, and striving for the next milestone. Every step, both in running and entrepreneurship, is a reminder that the journey is as important as the destination.

What keeps you inspired to go the distance in your own journey? Share your story—we’d love to hear it.

Here's the link from Runner's World of Dr Allansmith from the race she won the World record: https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a44727305/92-year-old-marathon-world-record/