As railroads expanded west during the 1800’s the term End of the Line was used to announce the last stop on a railway. However, for the passengers on the train the phrase represented where civilization stopped and the Wild West began. It meant you had better be tough, gritty, and smart because there was an outlaw, hustler, or rough individual around every corner looking for the next green horn to step off the train to swindle, steal, or kill.
Deadwood, SD has an aura about it. Some people see the town as a tourist trap with shops selling souvenirs on Main Street. Not me. I see the streets where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane made a reputation for themselves. Where only the strong would prosper and to be successful you had to be willing to do what others wouldn’t.
When I heard about the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon I knew I had to give it go. The course starts in the small town of Rochford and follows the old Mickelson Railway 26.2 miles until it finishes at the historic Engine House in Deadwood…or better known as the end of the line. I’ll never know if I would have survived the Black Hills during the late 1800’s, however the race challenged me and taught me a few things along the way.
Challenge Yourself Every Year
My first marathon landed me in the hospital in 2017 (Click Here for the story). Stephanie made me swear I’d never run another. Rod claims I said “I’m not doing that again.” Deep down I knew I would run another one. I barely remember finishing the first one and I needed to prove to myself I could finish on my terms. In addition, I believe in doing something that takes me out of my comfort zone every year and has a significant chance of failure. If you set goals outside your comfort zone, struggle, and push through the tough times I guarantee you will have a new perspective on life. Personally I find myself not sweating the small stuff because I know that no matter how bad things get, I have the confidence that I can make it through the tough times.
When deciding on a goal that is going to challenge you remember it doesn’t have to be physical (although that works for me). Go skydiving. Visit a new city with no plan. Take on a new responsibility at work. Just do something that is new and will challenge you. The key phrase to keep in mind is: will challenge you. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Don’t Under Estimate the Power of an “Atta Boy”
Checkpoints are located along the Mickelson trail as recommended viewing areas for spectators. Stephanie was waiting for me at the first one and hearing her cheer me on gave me a boost as I continued up the trail.
When I hit the second checkpoint, I was starting to hurt. I had covered over 13 miles, however still had a long way to go. Scanning the crowd for Stephanie I heard a familiar voice say “Good job Seth, keep up the good work.” I turned my head and saw my friend (and boss) cheering me on. He drove 5 hours from Valentine, NE to watch me for a few seconds as I passed through each checkpoint. Those eight words immediately made me feel better. Stephanie gave me a high five and I continued down the trail with revived energy.
Sincere compliments of performance and encouragement are two of the most underutilized tools to motivate people. How many times a day do you tell someone they are doing a good job? Probably not enough. If it is sincere, a “thank you for the work you have done” or “great job” can significantly impact someone’s day and improve their performance. Knowing that both Jeff and Stephanie would be waiting for me at every checkpoint and the finish line helped me push through the pain.
When Shit Gets Tough…Laugh
A mental battle ensued as I passed the 20-mile marker. I had come a long way, but six miles stood between me and the finish line. A fellow runner who had been running next to me noticed the grimace look on my face and said “All you have left is six miles buddy, think of how many six mile runs you’ve done in your life.” I groaned some noises that didn’t equate to a coherent sentence, and with a big grin he replied “We are dumbasses for doing a 20 mile warm up, aren’t we?” I cracked a smile and my mood shifted immediately.
Laughter is a powerful tool. Kris Paronto gave a presentation at a conference I attended recently. Kris is known for his heroic action during the attack in Benghazi in 2012. It was a very powerful story and one lesson stood out. At one point, the Americans were under heavy fire and their situation was looking bleak. He and his fellow soldiers did not know if they would survive. He said something to the effect of “we need to get back to base because I need to take a shit.” He acknowledged that not everyone made it back, but that comment boosted moral and got everyone to refocus on the objective.
When things get tough look to humor. I’m not saying take a serious situation lightly, however there isn’t a rule against laughter. Often times it can improve the circumstances. When I passed the last aid station with a mile to go I remember one of the volunteers asking if I wanted water or Powerade. I responded “Got any Busch Light?” He laughed. I laughed. And finished the last mile.
Life is about learning. Go out and challenge yourself, encourage and compliment the people you care about, and don’t be afraid to laugh.
I finished 51st in the Deadwood Marathon with the time of 4:07:40. Officially making it to The End of The Line. (Video Recap).
Until next time remember...you’re going to have to earn it.