Ten years ago at exactly 5AM I popped on my headlamp, stuffed a few gels in my running vest, and embarked on a 12-hour journey during a freak May nor’easter at Bear Mountain, NY. It was my first ultramarathon, and it would redefine my understanding of focus and resilience.
After running over 30 races from 50k to 200-miles through cel-phone-dead-zones, I've learned — and re-learned — ten pieces of trail wisdom that can apply to life and work-life:
1. The map is not the terrain
Whether it’s reviewing a a 100-miler elevation map or a fresh project scope, everything looks straightforward on paper but only reveals itself once you dive in.
2. Nail the details
You can’t just wing it at an ultra. Everything needs to be dialed in — fitness, nutrition, gear, attitude. There are countless steps to getting you across the finish line of a race or a project, and countless ways to flame out if you’re not prepared.
3. Embrace the suck
There are lows in every ultra — and every project. When you find yourself in a dark place, take time to reset before returning to the trail or laptop. Successes are built on more than a great idea — they require relentless forward progress, especially through the tough times.
4. Find that extra gear
The gears that can move you forward are inside you somewhere, ready to be activated whenever you’re at a standstill. Once you find them, they can never hide again.
5. Pay attention to small signals
Ignoring a hot spot on your heel at Mile 10 can lead to a race-ending blister at Mile 20 — sending the early-morning training miles, time away from family, and travel costs down the drain. Ignoring small signals from a client or co-worker can sneakily snowball into harsh realities. Mistakes compound. Solve the small things before they get big.
6. Celebrate small wins
Seen as a whole, an ultra seems impossible. Breaking it into managable chunks of 5 - 10 miles makes the adventure no less intimidating, but slightly more achievable. Think agile sprints and splitting large projects into phases. And don’t forget to celebrate the small successes.
7. Stay agile
Inhaling volcanic dust for days in triple-digit temperatures while circumnavigating Mt. St. Helens and being lost for hours after midnight in New Hampshire's White Mountains oare just two of the “bonus challenges” I’ve faced while chasing this sport. Problem solving the unexpected is crucial to moving forward.
8. It’s okay to lose your “why”
Everyone has low moments and middle-of-the-night thoughts where we question everything. Live with them for a minute before gently setting them aside and focus on your successes. Before you know it, you’ll find your “why” again.
9. Bold breaks through
Whether it’s an ultramarathon or a ultramarathon-length project, whenever you hit that metaphorical wall, look at it as an opportunity to level up — your work output, your client relationships, your attitude. Keep pushing, you’ll get there. The best way forward is through.
10. The finish line is the start line
Collapsing to the grass with a finisher medal is a hard-won moment — and an opportunity to think about your next audicious goal. Enjoy the win, enjoy the process, and never stop. Remember, this is what you signed up for.
