Last year, I wrote about participating in the Whiterock Ultra. Rather than running the full distance, I chose to walk a partial race, completing 13 miles, a half-marathon. I did it in memory of my dear friend Jen and as a way to honor personal goals rather than external expectations. I wasn’t there to compete with the seasoned ultramarathoners who take on 50 miles or 50 kilometers; I was focused on walking my own path at my own pace. It was a deeply meaningful experience that reminded me leadership is often about having a clear purpose and the courage to define success on your own terms

This year, I returned. Once again, I walked rather than ran and once again I chose the 13-mile distance. It was my second time at this race and my third half-marathon. This time, though, I felt stronger. More prepared. More attuned. And still entirely uninterested in running.

Whiterock Conservancy, where the race is held, is a 5,500-acre nonprofit land trust in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Its mission is to provide educational and recreational opportunities for the public, protect and improve the land through conservation, and demonstrate regenerative farming methods. It is a place of learning, growth and connection. It’s a perfect setting for a journey full of insight, humility and the occasional blister. 

Preparation is everything

Drawing on what I’d learned last year, I was more prepared for the experience this time around. I created a thoughtful training plan. It felt a bit like moving from freshman year to sophomore year – no longer wide-eyed and guessing, but approaching things with a bit more strategy, experience and common sense. Last July, the mid-morning 95-degree heat and full-on humidity nearly knocked me out. So this year, I didn’t only walk in the cooler early morning hours, like any sensible person might. I also did training walks in the hot, sticky midday sun and in rain as well. I prepared myself to meet the potential obstacles head-on. Leaders must do the same. It is not enough to prepare for ideal conditions. As the military would tell you, simulation helps. You have to train for the mess, the stress and the sweat. Especially the sweat.

Have the right resources

I also upgraded my gear. Better boots, breathable hat, plenty of water, different snacks. These small decisions made a big difference. In the world of endurance walking and leadership alike, the right tools can keep you upright and moving forward. Whether it’s a well-designed system, clean data or just the right trail mix, having what you need when you need it saves time and frustration – not to mention dehydration and sore feet. 

Know the route

One of the advantages I had this year was familiarity. I had walked parts of the course in advance and knew where to pace myself, where to push and where to pause and pretend I was just enjoying the view while actually gasping for air. In leadership, we rarely get a perfect preview, but we can seek information, ask questions and plan ahead. Having a strategy and a roadmap is key. Even a rough map is better than none.

Enjoy the view

One of the joys of returning to Whiterock for this year’s Ultra was anticipating the beauty. I looked forward to the twisty Bluebell Trail, the ripe berries in the woods and the seas of prairie wildflowers. I knew I’d spot goldfinches and maybe a hawk or two. Joy came not only from discovery, but from recognition. Leaders can get so focused on crossing the finish line that they forget to look up. The path has beauty. Notice it. Especially the part with the wild blackberries.

Walk with friends

This year, I walked with longtime friends and new ones. Some of us were honoring Jen. Others were just along for the adventure. I shared what I knew about the trail and they shared wisdom, conversation and snacks, which made for ideal friendships. Leadership thrives on shared knowledge, trust and mutual support. And snacks, always snacks.

Find joy in those who excel

After I finished my 13 miles, I sat on a picnic bench eating watermelon, happily rehydrating and watching the real ultra-athletes come in. Some had run 50 miles, starting at midnight and wearing headlamps. Others had run 50 kilometers in a matter of hours. Most looked superhuman. Some didn’t even seem that tired. No matter how hard I train, I will never be able to do what they do, and that’s perfectly fine. But witnessing elite performance or greatness is powerful. Leaders should actively surround themselves with people who are more skilled, more creative, more talented and more daring. Learning even a small part of their craft helps us appreciate their excellence. Also, it makes cheering wildly from a shaded bench feel like a leadership skill in its own right.

Share your pursuits with loved ones

One of the most heartwarming scenes came from a young family waiting for their runner. When he neared the finish, they leapt up with signs and bubble wands. His tiny daughter, about 4years old, ran up and earnestly declared, “Dad, you need a misting!” Then she sprayed him with a tiny fan connected to a water bottle like it was her full-time job. She was part of the victory. And she will remember that hot day in Iowa, not because her dad ran an ultra, but because she helped him finish it. Leaders should never underestimate the power of sharing the journey. It creates meaning for others, and it makes the finish line even sweeter.

When I crossed the finish line, there was no medal. Just some scattered applause, relief and a deep sense of joy. Plus, a picnic table of friends waiting. I had done what I set out to do. I had honored Jen, walked with purpose and learned something new. Again.

Leadership, like a long walk, is not about speed or distance. It is about how you show up, who walks with you, how well you prepare and how often you remember to look around. The terrain will change. The goals may shift. But if you stay present, walk your own path and pack an extra snack, you will get where you need to go. And you just might enjoy the journey.ν

For more information about Whiterock, go to whiterockconservancy.org. For more information about the Whiterock Ultra, go to whiterockultra.com.