This weekend I ran in the Warrior Dash. If you’re not familiar with it, it is a 5k (3.1 mile) race with different obstacles throughout the race. Wall climbs, running through mud, running through water, crawling through mud, hurdles, etc. A race of not only physical toughness but mental as well.
Not only was this race a challenge in itself but 5 months ago I wasn’t running at all. Before that, the last time I ran regularly was in college and that was about a mile or less a day.
I decided to start running again because I was tired of saying I wanted to start running again. For the longest time I wanted to get back out there and run. I just kept finding other things to take up my time. I knew the health benefits and how great it was for stress but like so many people I just wasn’t committed enough.
I tried several times over the years to start running again but never actually had a plan. I would go out and just run as long as I could and try to go as far as I could. Never lasted long and I gave up.
Think about how many times we do that same thing in business. We want to make a change or work on something new. But we continually put it off. The primary reason for this is not having a plan and a schedule for implementation.
Create a Plan
I can’t remember exactly what got me to start looking at running again but I do know what got me to stick with it. I heard about the Couch to 5K program. As it is accurately titled, it takes you from no running at all (the couch) to running a 5k. It does this through a 3 month plan of 3 runs per week. It is primarily a walk / run program where you start with very little running and a lot of walking and finish with all running at the end of the 3 months.
Having an established plan like this and seeing that there was a goal and a schedule kept me motivated to see it through. I think I wasn’t even half way through the plan when a friend showed me the Warrior Dash and I knew I had to sign up. A challenge like that was exactly what I needed to add additional motivation.
When I completed the plan I was already looking for other 5k races to do.
Networking
As I finished the Couch to 5k plan I joined a run group called Run Tampa which has been an amazing help. Being around other runners and seeing their progress has been very encouraging. I am learning more and more and even when I start to slip back a bit, being apart of the group has kept me coming back.
Networking with other businesses can be a great help when you need extra motivation. There are plenty of groups out there for business owners where you can network and get motivation. It can be a lot easier to learn in groups vs going it on your own.
Coaching
Coaching is always a great way to get additional help and learn from an expert. I was fortunate to find a great running coach in Debbie Voiles and get additional help with my form and get answers to some of the questions I had. I may be biased to hiring coaches but in sports, business, life and many other areas it is smart to have one. I myself pay for coaching and many of my coaches have coaches of their own.
Warrior Mindset
I have always thought of myself as having a warrior mindset and that is why this race was so appealing. A challenge like that is exciting. I knew it was for me as soon as I saw it. In our businesses we need to have that same warrior mindset. Viewing every challenge as exciting. Constantly pushing ourselves to the next level. Looking for the bigger challenges.
Always remember that the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward. I was tired, wet and muddy but when I crossed that finish line, none of that mattered!
For more pics of the race check out the facebook album and Google +
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