The first rays of sun beamed over The Loess Hills as I backed my truck up to the trail. After a light warm-up of basic calisthenics and stretching I organized some bananas, bagels, granola bars, running chews, Gatorade and water on my tail gate. I deposited a dollar in the donation jar and gazed down trail. No music. No pre-race camaraderie. No starting gun. After a few seconds I started to run.
Covid-19 has impacted all of our lives. Jobs have been lost, sport seasons canceled, businesses required to operate virtually, life events postponed, and everyone just waiting to see how things shake out. Personally, I had the Lincoln Marathon cancelled. In the big scheme of life I realize it is pretty minor, but it was a big deal to me.
At the beginning of the year I set eight goals. Eight pursuits that take top priority over everything else. I know that if I am going to reach these goals I will have to make sacrifices, say no, and miss out on other opportunities. One of my eight goals was: Run the Lincoln Marathon with an 8:59/mile pace or better.
I’m serious about these goals, and to put this into perspective I turned down attending a cruise for work that was scheduled the week before the marathon. Heavy peer pressure from my friend Mike almost made me cave. After all, I would technically be working towards another one of my eight goals (hitting my sales numbers). Deep down I knew it would prevent me from running the race I was training for.
Most people cannot comprehend this. Even Stephanie questioned my sanity for turning down a cruise. Here is the way I see it: People don’t do what they say they will do. In an attempt to please or an inability to say no, individuals over commit and under deliver. If I can’t even fulfill a commitment to myself, then how am I going to come through on promises to others?
Of course none of this mattered because the cruise was cancelled due to the global pandemic and the Lincoln Marathon followed suit shortly after. My friend Ken Smith always quotes Yoda, “Do or do not. There is no try” and with the announcement I would not reach my goal. All of this was out of my control. I had an out. I could stop training, and people would understand. However, when you can’t get what you want go get the next best thing. The race organizers announced that participants had the option to run the race “virtually” and I knew what I had to do.
Planning a solo marathon might seem like a daunting task, but I kept it pretty simple. First, I’ve ran 20 miles multiple times unsupported, so I knew it was possible. On the flip side, I have also ran marathons and know the last six miles can be brutal, so I needed to make sure I had the proper nutrition. I bought the basic food supply, planned a route that consisted of four “out-and-backs” that added up to 26.2 mile, wrote Stephanie’s number on my arm in case someone found me unconscious, and started to mentally prepare.
The run itself was uneventful. It was a beautiful morning and I felt great. After 4 hours and 50 seconds I crossed the finish line with a new personal record. There was no crowd cheering or support. I did it all with months of preparations, the voices in my head (good ones) and an iron will to finish the job.
How Does This Apply to Business
Do the shit you say you’re going to do. It was tough turning down that cruise, but I made a commitment to myself. Everything great comes with sacrifice. Don’t be afraid to say no, but if you say you are going to do something (especially to yourself), then do it.
When others only want to survive, find a way to thrive. Covid-19 gave everyone an excuse for not achieving their goals, slacking off, and relying on others. There is nothing wrong with that, but I have a different philosophy. There will be circumstances you can’t control. When this occurs look at the current environment, determine the best possible outcome, then go get that. When I found out I wouldn’t be able to run the Lincoln Marathon I started making plans for the next best thing, running 26.2 miles solo.
Do something hard by yourself. Last year after I ran the Deadwood Marathon I said: “Do something hard that challenges you mentally and physically.” This year, due to circumstances, I added another layer. Do something hard by yourself. I believe in teams, but sometimes you have to do things by yourself, just to prove to yourself that you can. This will build your confidence and improve your ability to lead others.
Until next time remember…You’re Going to have to Earn It