Kim Box Inspires » enjoy the journey http://kimboxinspires.com Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:02:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Be the Buckle: Leadership Lessons from an Ultra Runner http://kimboxinspires.com/adaptability/be-the-buckle-leadership-lessons-from-an-ultra-runner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=be-the-buckle-leadership-lessons-from-an-ultra-runner http://kimboxinspires.com/adaptability/be-the-buckle-leadership-lessons-from-an-ultra-runner/#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:26:09 +0000 Kim Box http://kimboxinspires.com/?p=264 How does a person prepare to run 100 miles climbing over 18,000 feet and descending close to 23,000 feet in elevation throughout a course that is on a wilderness trail and fluctuates from extreme cold to extreme heat? And did I mention the 100 miles is run in one day by many of the runners?! Every year elite runners from around the world apply for the Western States 100 lottery in the hopes of being chosen for the limited number of entries allowed to race. This year I had the privilege of crewing for a friend, Bruce Falzarano, who was one of only around 365 chosen in the lottery process and gained entrance to take part in this extreme running event.
While I reflect on the incredible experience witnessing these athletes accomplishing the seemingly impossible, I can’t help but parallel the leadership lessons I observed. These runners do not just decide one day, ‘I think I’ll run 100 miles tomorrow in extreme conditions’. They start by building their skills over time and setting goals along the way. Many of them run marathons and then begin to get the desire to go further testing out their skills on ultra runs. An ultra-run is defined by a run that is over the traditional 26.2 mile marathon distance. These ultra runners begin building their skills for the further distance to increase endurance and the mental capacity it takes to go the distance.
All of this preparation is necessary for any runner wanting to be successful on race day. But in addition, these runners must have something that every strong leader must have; that is, relentless determination completely focused on achieving the goal. The entire time we were preparing to crew for Bruce he made a very strong point that he did not want anyone to make any comments during the race that raised doubts about finishing. Even to the extent that he did not want us to ask any questions that would lead to a possible distraction from making the goal. He had only one option and that was to reach his goal of finishing the race before the 30 hour cutoff. We all embraced this relentless resolve and during the race only asked what he needed and told him he was on track to finish strong. Our crew chief, Rick Czaplewski, took on the mantra, ‘Be the Buckle’ not only to cheer on Bruce but all runners as they passed through the aid stations. The vision being the runner with the buckle award at the end of the race was the ultimate triumph. I was amazed at how Bruce came in to each aid station – mile 55, mile 66, and so on with a smile and upbeat attitude. He was setting such a high standard of how to attack this challenge with the right mental attitude and setting an example for all of his crew.
In summary, what are the leadership lessons from these elite runners?
Preparation is Imperative
• Train both physically and mentally to endure the race
• Ensure your crew is informed and prepared to support your throughout the race
Adjust along the way
• Unexpected obstacles will appear along the way, be prepared to adjust
• Listen to your instincts of what is happening around you and within you to be proactive
Complete concentration and focus on the goal
• Do not entertain any other thoughts except successfully reaching the goal
• Do not include anyone in your crew who is not completely focused on the success of reaching the goal
Enjoy the journey
• It takes a team to reach many goals, enjoying the whole experience is key
• Reaching the goal is only a moment in time; the preparation and performance to get there is an experience to relish and enjoy

The experience of crewing for Bruce and witnessing the performance of these extreme athletes was simply amazing and awe inspiring. At the end Bruce had his entire crew run in with him for the last mile and then watch him as he ran through the finish line at 29 hours, 28 minutes and 58 seconds. We all got to see Bruce ‘Be the Buckle’ and it was an experience that I am truly grateful to have been a part of.

]]> http://kimboxinspires.com/adaptability/be-the-buckle-leadership-lessons-from-an-ultra-runner/feed/ 2 Work: Can it be fun? Absolutely! http://kimboxinspires.com/inspiration/work-can-it-be-fun-absolutely/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=work-can-it-be-fun-absolutely http://kimboxinspires.com/inspiration/work-can-it-be-fun-absolutely/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 16:39:02 +0000 Kim Box http://kimboxinspires.com/?p=229 Can leading an organization or project with challenging goals, occasional turmoil and never ending change be fun?  Absolutely!  As a matter of fact, if it’s not fun then why bother?  Obviously the popular answer is ‘because I need to make a living!’  I do understand and fully appreciate everyone’s need to bring home a paycheck; I do not mean to patronize this basic need.  However, if you are going to be working, why not direct your energy on a project or job that you can enjoy while you’re at it?  I have the belief that it is possible to work hard and have fun concurrently.  I have also always said that when a job or challenge that I am involved in is no longer enjoyable then I will move on to something else.  While it isn’t always easy to do this because of a variety of reasons; economy, location, skills development to name a few, with some effort and planning it is possible.

This also applies to volunteer leadership activities.  There are many times when we step up to lead where it is completely optional.  Sometimes we get into these situations based on the need of an organization and we have a desire to make a difference.   And there are times when we get involved and after a while we think, ’what did I get myself into?’  That’s when you start making an exit plan.  Obviously, when you have made a commitment then you have a responsibility to fulfill it.  You may need to do some planning to exit gracefully, but it can be done.

The best assignments are ones that we are totally engaged and passionate about.  There are times when I’ve worked endless hours but was thrilled with making progress and leading the way to reach a goal. It is those times that I know my team was also energized because they had a leader that was excited about driving towards the vision and willing to work hard along-side the team to get there.  It is possible to ‘enjoy the journey’ along the way to the destination.  For me, there is no other way to travel the path!

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