Here’s A Thought :: What RAGAR Taught Me, Year 2

Remember my post about my first RAGNAR experience from last year?

Well, I did it again.

To refresh your memory, RAGNAR is a relay race. A really, really long relay race.

Competing in a RAGNAR Relay means covering 192 miles over two days, running non-stop both night and day, with a 12-person team (in our case, an 11-person team) in two vans from Hull, Massachusetts to Provincetown without stopping. And we do it with team spirit (uniforms, crazy costumes, van graphics), strength and focus with each runner completing up to 20 miles through the cold, wind and dark-of-night.

And, just like last year, I learned a few valuable things along the way.

Commitment: First I learned that while it was a really long, blizzard-filled winter, it is never too late to get back into shape. Sure, I indulged in a few too many sea-salt caramels from my favorite Etsy shop and baked a few too many holiday cookies. And the epic snowfall legitimately made it difficult to run outdoors most days this winter. But that’s no excuse. I felt I was not nearly as prepared as I was last year and only started my real training in March for RAGNAR. I was heavier and slower. But once I committed to RAGNAR again, my weight and muscles remembered and responded.

I think this reminder translates to everything we do. If we completely commit ourselves to the things we hope to achieve and we practice and stay focused, we will see results. It’s okay to have lapses – everyone does. The important lesson for me was to fight on – find my focus again and rededicate myself to it fully. I’m going to apply this to everything – my business, my writing, my creativity – and commit myself to flexing my business and creative muscles everyday – and get in a run. What can you commit to and start to change today?

Getting it done: It amazes me what a great team can do. Some of the faces on this year’s team were new, some returning. But being thrown into a challenge as difficult as a 192-mile relay race requires a huge amount of teamwork, trust and a herculean effort. We don’t have time for miscommunication, arguments or mishaps. When things go wrong – which inevitably they always do – you need to think and act quickly … together.

For example, we had a team member who was injured just before the race. Without hesitation or conference calls, meetings or PowerPoint presentations, we picked up her legs of the race. Done. The decision was made in an instant because we are a strong, focused team. There was no petty back-and-forth. There was only “DO”. What business couldn’t benefit from that kind of attitude? That’s a team. Clear goals. Same direction. Get it done.

Attitude: The very best of RAGNAR is what it brings out in people – their best. Not just personally – but as a community of runners. We supported one another. We helped one another. We cheered for each other. Yes, we were in a race and on teams – but there is this spirit of commraderie that is difficult to explain. It’s something that is felt and experienced.

When one of our runners had a pitbull get loose from its owner and jump up on her during her run (Tracie – you are a warrior), another team of runners stopped their van to make sure she was okay and texted the RAGNAR staff to alert them on-the-spot. Then, they told our team while we were waiting for her what had happened. I thanked them profusely at that exchange, and sought them out at the next exchange to thank them again. They became our friends and we looked out for each other after that through the entire race. That’s RAGNAR.

When I was running one of my legs, there was a girl who I passed on my route with a knee brace on her leg. Her team drove every mile of that leg to get out of the van and cheer the hell out of her. They pole danced on street signs, they made human pyramids, they sprayed her with water pistols. They kept her going. They made her laugh and believed in her. When I came in far in front of her, I looked for her to finish so I could congratulate her. Then, I applauded her team and told them I thought what they did was inspiring and awesome. They just shrugged and replied, “We knew she could do it. We just tried to keep her smiling.” That’s RAGNAR.

On another one of my runs, I ran a PR (personal record). At the finish line, a man from another team waiting for their runner gave me a high-five as I sprinted into my exchange. “Really nice effort, runner. Great time. You were moving!” I will never forget his kind words for the rest of my life. Just that simple acknowledgement from stranger – moveover, a competitor – lifted me up and made me so proud – more than I could do for myself. That’s RAGNAR.

RAGNAR makes you do your best while bringing out the very best in you.

I want us – society – to be a RAGNAR. I want us to cheer each other on. To acknowledge accomplishments even when they don’t benefit us – even when they beat us. I want to experience random acts of kindness everyday. I want to be proud to be part of this team – my community of friends, neighbors, co-workers, family, strangers. I’m going to try hard to take the spirit of RAGNAR forward with me. I don’t want it to end at the finish line.

I was so very, very proud of our entire team – and especially our newbies Tracie, Justine, Kate and Chris. So proud. I’m already looking forward to our next challenge together. Perhaps the RAGNAR Trail Relay? {Text me}. I’m willing to try any new challenge with this group of warriors – and it’s the same in business, right? Have the right team, then you can accomplish anything. Together.

Here is my awesome 2013 RAGNAR Cape Cod team, Worst Pace Scenario, at the finish line – tired and proudly receiving our medals.

Top row “The WPS Girls from the Vag Van” from (l to r): Me (Amy Graver), Heather Iafrate, Katherine Conte, Kelly Chapple, Tracie Valentino, and Justine Moore

Bottom row “Da Boyz from the Man Van” (l to r): Eric Sydor, Chris Nuelle, George Charney, John Schiaroli, and John Chapman

And now for some random memories …