When and where does the 2016 Boston Marathon begin? People familiar with running might respond it begins the morning of the third Monday of April in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

And while the mobility impaired athletes leave the start line at 8:50 followed by the elite women runners at 9:30 and elite men runners at 10:00 for all those athletes and most of the thousands of others that will follow that day the 2016 Boston Marathon already began months, and in some cases years, ago. The marathon began in their homes and dormitory rooms, from where they tackle those first of the hundreds of miles they will spend preparing. For most there will be races before and after that marathon, as the marathon is a milestone in the ongoing pursuit of faster times, greater health and any other improvement that serves to motivate.

The Lean thinker needs the same discipline. To reach significant milestones demonstrating improvement daily work is necessary, not only to drive improvement but also to maintain the gains achieved. The Lean thinker needs the mindset of an endurance athlete.