Something About the Rush

Have you ever stood at the starting line, glancing to the right and to the left of you, sizing up your opponents? Everything is quiet and loud at the same time. You try to control your breathing, reminding your lungs to go in and out, trying to control the nerves you know won't subside until the race is over. You stretch your right leg, than your left, grabbing your ankle and trying to loosen up every muscle.

Then the starter tells you to take your mark. You know the moment is coming soon. You get in your stance, think about what you're about to do, lean over slightly, ready to go. Then the starter holds up the gun and calls out for everyone to get set. A slight pause that feels a lot longer when you're on the track. Then the gun goes off and your mind goes on autopilot.

You start running, pushing yourself beyond your training runs, building on the momentum and excitement from the race. You are racing against yourself and chasing down others. Taking off one than another. You are on the back stretch of the quarter mile, the longest and loneliest part of the race. The finish line is behind you and that long stretch that often comes with a wall of headwind forces you to use more energy to push through. You've run this race before, but each time it feels longer and tougher because you keep pushing yourself to do more and more.

You're about half way done, panting and trying to conserve your last bit of energy for the final kick. You round the corner and for those in front of you, it's a decision to pass on the curve or wait for the straight. Finally you can see the finish line. It's not too far and yet feels like a lifetime away. You call up whatever reserves you have left and sprint like you were running a 40m dash. You're not even remembering to breathe at this point, pulling every ounce of energy to get across the finish line first. You hear cheering and maybe someone calling your name, but the funny thing is your shoes are the loudest thing.

Finally the race is over. You've crossed the finish line. Congratulate your opponents, look for cheers from your teammates and look to your coach for the nod of approval. You're done, for now, but know you'll run it again soon. That race isn't for everyone. It's not a sprint and it's not a distance run. It pushes you to limits and challenges you to do better.

I never thought running track and field, and especially the 400m dash, would prepare me for what it's like doing product launches. I've been through several and each time you plan, train and prepare and no matter how good you do, the end is a sprint. Each day has meaning, each meeting and task moves you closer to your goal. You hit headwinds, some stronger than others, and have other competing initiatives, but have to focus.

I've run it alone and in a relay with teammates, each one doing their best for the good of the group. The ones I remember are the relays. Four people working together, all with different skills and abilities, adding what they have to the whole. You work harder for the team, making sure you are training hard, working together, coaching and energizing your teammates even though when your moment comes you work alone. Each one taking turns at the leader, the follower, the cheerleader and the motivator. And it's not for everyone. Some thrived with the team and some dreaded it. Me, it was my favorite race to run.

On a product launch there are individuals who bring their unique skills and abilities, but there is also the piece of being in it together. Doing what you do best for the good of the team. Picking each other up, holding each other accountable, being the one in your teammate's ear letting them know they can do more than what they know. And when you get through that race together, you are stronger for it, more connected, knowing you'll win or lose together. Exhausted, relieved, proud and excited. I've done product development and launches most of my career and times I've left it, I've missed it. I'm wired for the slow paces and the quick races, the struggle and the excitement. And it's twice as fun when you get to watch your team running the race, with you coaching (and diving in a bit or old times sake) and cheering them on. There are no medals or podiums, but the victories and friendships that stick with you for your life.