Life Lessons from Obstacle Course Racing

If you could only understand all the feelings running through my mind at this exact moment?Prayer, Pain, Suffering, Fatigue, Satisfaction and commitment...

One word - Grit – Is the word I like to use to describe the way I felt

This is the 6th year of my Obstacle Course racing journey.??Over the past 6 years I have started and failed more than I can count! Above that has been an increase in self-confidence and humility. This picture was my first 50K ultra –

Just a few, of many, ways I have started, failed and learned about life along this journey! (Thus Far)

• Getting out of bed

The demons in my head have won more than once.??I hear my alarm clock and Choice to stay in my warm bed! We never advance the ball forward by continuing to take the easy path. You have time to do anything you choice to do, never say I don’t have time.

• Self Confidence and Grit:

Never give up... especially when you are knocked down, or you fail an obstacle. Get up, reevaluate the situation and keep putting one foot in front of the other. This lesson doesn’t matter if we are talking about Life, construction sites or and obstacles race, I have trained for these road blocks, I have trained to pick myself up and focus and learned to keep my eye on the infinite game. Rinse and repeat – the more obstacles you tackle on the courses and in life, the more your grit and self-confidence increase.?Obstacles make us stronger!

• Climbing a rope

Do you remember having to climb a rope in gym class???Wasn’t easy for me then and has proceeded to get harder the older I get, the rope is not won by brute strength. Life is not about brute strength, a lot more can be accomplished with proper technique and discipline.

• Running a mile

Day one of training - I anticipated I would start with jogging a mile.??I went out and set a nice pace of 8-9 min/mile.??Ran 100 yards and had to stop for a break/walk.?Not clear but think I ran 200 yards that day and walked a half mile. I change tactics and joined a program - Couch to 5k. Six years later I am running a respectable time in the mountains for 33 miles. Anyone can do it, focus on incremental improvements and never ever give up. You cannot be scared to step out of your comfort zone. Growth does not happen where you have always been, it happens on the edge.?Keep pushing for growth.

• Missing a Spear Throw

A little patience and practice is necessary even for the “simple” things. The Spear throw at the Spartan race may be the simplest obstacle, however, it has caused me the most burpees. Patients and practice will take you farther than about any other attributes. Once I accepted the throw was easy but not simple, I took a few deep breaths and practiced the spear throw became simpler. Focus on sound planning, practice and don’t overthink your actions.

• 100% Commitment-

With everything we do in life you must have 100% buy in within your own mind and body. The mind will quit long before the body. If you pause and second guess yourself you will most certainly fail. Commit and set your mind to execution. The only way to do that is you must believe in the mission.?If you do not understand or have questions stop and ask so you can have the clarity needed for 100% commitment.

• Teamwork

Most Obstacle Course races are solo races, if you run open you are able to assist and have assistance. However, even when it is a competitive race there are always better participates around, instead of focusing only on themselves, they are ready to share words of encouragement and advice to other racers on the course. The community wants to help others overcome their own personnel challenges. Like in business, encouragement and teamwork are key elements for the success. You may be on a solo mission but everyone does better with support. Each individual needs to ask for help and give help. If the job doesn’t create an emotional bond between the employees, it’s pretty impossible to get teamwork.

• Humility

Finally you certainly need to check your ego before you start an obstacles race. If you do not have your ego in check the walls you climb and obstacles you face will do it for you. Everything in life and business is better when you can check your ego and show humility. My family, staff, peers, bosses and most importantly me, have gained respect for who I am. You will make mistakes, you will fail, you will not always be right, you will fall flat on your face. Stand up, dust off and apologize to yourself or others.?Learn to say “I’m Sorry. Please Forgive me.”?

?Obstacle Course racing is not for everyone, but I would recommend you try it.?If not these races find something you do not feel comfortable doing and commit.

Life is an obstacle course race – It is hard, it is not fair and no one is going to hand it to you. We will face struggles, be uncomfortable, say prayers, endure pain, suffering, overcome fatigue. However when we get to the end we feel massive amounts of gratification, proving to ourselves we can accomplish more than most.?As I crack open the cold beer at the end of a run and feel that refreshing brew hit my tongue, I think back on the last 9 hours of racing with satisfaction knowing I laid it all out on the line. With a tear of pride in my eye I pull out my phone and take a look where can I go for my next race! Growth does not happen where you have already been, chase the edge.

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