By Lorene Rasmussen

Twenty-two thousand runners, thirty-two degrees at the starting line, and by look of things, none of us were ready for the freezing temps.  The last four years I completed the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), starting temperatures have been around sixty-five degrees, therefore you understand the shock my body was going through.  It doesn't matter how many times I've participated in this race, I still respect the miles and hours ahead of me. 

Back in January of 2007, when we announced I was going to take on the project to complete my first marathon, who knew I would still be doing it in 2011?  One fellow runner told me once that preparing for and completing a marathon were much like life and leadership.  I thought, "How poetic!" Yet his words have continued to echo true in my own running experience.  I have learned countless lessons along the way, whether about my own abilities or about life in general.

Everyone needs a noble cause

Once the race began and we all started warming up, garbage bags, ugly sweat shirts, and disposable clothing were thrown by the wayside revealing a myriad of messages pinned to the backs of runners.  Folks get very creative with their wording, signage, and general appearance.  Many run for a cure; some run for fallen soldiers; a few run for individuals "who can't run"; while others run because someone inspired them to achieve a goal.  There are an elite few who run the MCM to qualify for the "Grand-daddy" of them all, the Boston Marathon, but I don't run with them.  My cause is much simpler but no less noble; I want to complete forty marathons before I turn 85 years old. With more practice, I just might qualify for the Boston by then, but it means I'll have to speed up my finish time.

Everyone needs to run their own race

As a runner, I liken myself to a Clydesdale: strong, stocky, slow, and sure.  On the other hand, my oldest son, Sean, is closer to a Thoroughbred: stronger, faster, elegant in stride, and consistent in time.  As a tri-athlete, he joined me this year with a specific time goal for his first marathon. I, too, had a specific time goal, but once again got caught up in the energy of the starting line and ran too fast during the first half, leaving no physical reserves. 

The last half of 26.2 miles is really the hardest for me and many others who complain about "hitting a wall" at mile 18 or mile 22.  It was around mile 17 when I had passed the same fellow I had been playing leap frog with for the past four hours that I realized I had been running someone else's race.  The first 13 miles I ran on pure excitement and joy of being there. Although that's all well and good, it doesn't leave much for the second half.  Instead of becoming discouraged and giving up, I readjusted my attitude by asking, "What did you come here for?" 

Of course, this brings me to a good question for you: "What did you come here for?"  As a leader of a large organization, a medium-sized work team, or a small business, you have a race to run.  Perhaps it is implementing a new employment policy or taking another step toward becoming more efficient in your processes, you need to run your own race.  I know it sounds trite or maybe too simplistic, but it's no less true.  Allowing the economy or your competitor to set the pace for you isn't necessarily the correct answer for your situation.

Everyone needs a champion

In his book,  Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell believes no one achieves greatness on their own.  He writes, "You have to have others who encourage and support you." and I agree whole- heartedly.  Even though the number of personal cheerleaders and well-wishers has diminished since my first marathon, I still need and have those who champion my efforts.  Of course my favorite and most constant champion is my husband Tom who has graciously put up with hours of training and complaining.  Yet there are others who still check in on me from time to time, and for that, I am genuinely grateful. 

If I have had a particularly tough race or am feeling a little overwhelmed about my goal, I return to an old voice message left by one of my champions and a leader who runs his own race.  Here are the actual words that continue to fuel my spirit:

First saved message, sent, Thursday, November 1st, 2007 at 4:46 pm. "Hey Lorene, this is Garry Beaty! I was just reading your email here and as it is, I saw you limping down the street today, so I was going to call you and see what the hell happened to you.  I couldn't remember if the marathon was before this or after this point, so I didn't know if you made it and hurt yourself or what?  Anyway, what a 'stud-ly deal!' Very good! Congratulations! Hope to talk to you some time."

Whether in life or leadership, we all need to articulate our noble cause, run our own race, and have folks around us that will champion our efforts.  I feel blessed beyond measure that I am still given the opportunity to learn life's little lessons even if they aren't always fun to learn.

Lorene Rasmussen is a freelance writer, editor and regular contributor to The Leadership Advisor.  On October 30, she completed her fifth Marine Corps Marathon along with her oldest son, Sean, and comedian Drew Carey.  Lorene has adopted a new mantra, "40X85," that powers her when she starts believing she should quit.  Lorene earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Boise State University and is a certified Life Coach through Genesis Enterprises in Seattle, Washington.