Leadership Lessons from a 5k

My heart rate rose to a place where my doctor told me it should not go. Thankfully, I didn’t know that was my doctor’s opinion until after the fact. If I had known I would not have accomplished my goal of finishing the race. Let me back up a step or two and explain.

I had been training for my first 5k race. I was using the “Couch to 5k” app and was finishing up week 7 of 8 when I discovered that there would be a “fun run” for the family members and friends of the gathered XC runners at the Riverside High School meet. I decided to lace up my shoes and run the race and see what happened. I had a few goals.

  1. Don’t throw up
  2. Don’t embarrass myself
  3. Don’t pass out
  4. Don’t walk
  5. Don’t come in last
  6. Finish in under 35 minutes (32 minutes was my goal)

Here is what I learned from my first race about life.

  1. Run your race. When the race began, it appeared in the first 100 yards that I might come in last so I kicked it into high gear to keep up. This was a horrible decision that would haunt me the rest of the race. When it comes to leadership, you must be who Christ has created you to be in following Him. You are probably not the person that everyone follows on social media so don’t try to be. Be the person God created you to be as a leader.
  2. Be an encourager. It is amazing what the students along the race meant to me. My son, Leo, was cheering me on. Leo’s friends were cheering me on. Strangers were cheering me on. Their encouragement had a powerful impact on me. In life you will meet people, often every day, who need encouragement. Be a leader that offers encouragement generously and often. You might help someone make it one more day.
  3. Don’t be afraid to fail. My decision to run with the crowd meant that my heart rate reached a dangerous level. If I was going to finish the race it would mean I would have to walk at times and let my heart rate get out of dangerous territory. Doing so would mean I would not reach all my goals. There will be times in life you will have to take a step back and reevaluate your goals. Sometimes this is due to mistakes you make. Don’t let fear of failure stop you from running the race God has marked out for you. A strong leader is willing to take risks that could result in failure.
  4. Run with a friend. In the third mile, while trying to get my heart rate down, a guy ran slowly past me. I decided to run with him for a bit and it was interesting how helpful that was. Don’t journey through life alone. Yes, people may let you down but more often than not they will help you lead well. The risk of disappointment is worth the benefit of a friend in the long haul. You will be a better leader if you don't lead alone.
  5. You are not invincible. I had not finished my training for a 5k but figured I was close enough. I probably would have made the same mistakes regardless of when I finished my training but I would have at least been more physically prepared. I find that when I have a higher view of my abilities than I ought, it is a prelude to surgery. Even though you should not be afraid of failure; even though you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength, you should not lead past your current competency and capability. If there is a goal you have in mind, grow into a person that would be considered highly competent and capable for that goal.

I woke up this morning and ran 3 miles and when I was done, I felt great. It has been a few weeks since the race and I can tell the Lord is helping me grow stronger as I run each day. Leadership changes don’t happen overnight. Learn, grow and stay committed to the Jesus life. He will help you become more than you can imagine.