Marathon. As with all past Olympics the recent games in London finished with the marathon.This flows from the history of the Olympics and Greece. This race is 26 miles and 385 yards long. Getting prepared for this race requires a lot of training and perseverance.The runners have to pace themselves so that they can not only last the complete race but have enough energy left to make a sprint for the finish.If you look at your life, your business, or your community the same principles apply. It is not the fast start but rather the finish that is important.It is critically important for all of us to pace ourselves, to take the right steps, and to keep the all important goal in mind. In order to finish what you start you have to have the patience of the long distance runner.So start today to do your own planning and never lose sight of the real goal! You always begin with the end in mind.“Have a dream. Make a plan. Go for it. You'll get there, I promise.” — Zoe Koplowitz (A woman with multiple sclerosis who required 24 hours on crutches but finished the 1993 New York City Marathon — 26.2 miles).For more information, visit the SBA website at www.smallbusinessadvisors.com, call 295-7832 or e-mail dhhills@ibl.bm. You can view past boosters at www.smallbusinessadvisors.com/boosters/indexhtm