“You will fail, and that’s OK. It’s not the failing that matters…”
GoRuck Challenge Class 317
So a few thoughts on GRC Class 317. First off our class was 16 people and 6 of those were women. This class was really interesting as it was really a few sets of friends who had trained together. Because of this, the team bonded pretty quickly, which is always good.
I won’t go through a play by play, as that is super boring. Instead, I think I’ll highlight a few of my lessons I learned.
Everything is Better with a Positive Attitude
We went through some incredible suck I’m sure.. I really don’t know, as I was just looking forward to the experience of it all. Even the thing I didn’t really enjoy that much, alligator walks, I had a good time doing. Nathan and I ended up coming up with a system to get through them that was just cracking us up. So laugh and smile at what you are given no matter how much it hurts. It will go a lot better. I promise.
Nothing is Impossible, it’s Just Not Really Easy
We carried a log from Kentucky over the Purple People bridge, up the street and ~400 steps to reach the top of Mt Adams. One of the guys said to me it’s impossible. No, it’s not impossible. It’s just very very difficult. The only thing we needed to focus on is how to do it. Once you start thinking something is impossible then it will be. So focus on what you have to do to complete the task. Break your problem into small, achievable tasks. Let’s just say we took several rest breaks getting that log up the stairs.
Never Judge Someone by Their Size
Yoda was totally right. One of the strongest team members was my size. She had incredible legs! She was able to pick up half the log and get it up on her shoulder no problem. Just because someone is small doesn’t mean they aren’t strong.
Help Others When You Can
One teammate wasn’t going to make it at the end. They were tired and couldn’t continue to run with their pack. That’s OK. That is what the rest of the team is for. Think of it as karma. When you need help, others will help you.
You Will Fail
And that’s OK. It’s not the failing that matters, it’s what you do during and afterwards. If your system doesn’t work, try something else. As Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Cadre Joel loved giving us time hacks we couldn’t meet. Instead of getting flustered by knowing you will fail, work to achieve close to the goal. You never know, you could hit it. And yes, we did hit a few time hacks… just not a lot of them.
Mind Over Matter
As soon as you believe something it becomes true. I noticed this during the pushups at the end. My arms were giving out, but I told them to just keep pushing up. What you believe will become your reality. So believe in something awesome like doing 50 pushups after 11 hours of rucking, body builders, and log carries.
I want to take a moment to thank my team in 317. You were an absolute pleasure to spend 11 hours with and I wouldn’t trade any of you. Thanks to Cadre Joel for giving us a great tour and learning about so many animals. This GoRuck Challenge was just another shining example of why people should do these things. Get out of your comfort zone and learn that you are more than you think you are.
GO RUCK!
[infobox] Jessica Featherstone completed her first Tough Mudder in 2011 and it proved to be her gateway into obstacle racing and GoRuck Challenges. Since then, her event of choice has become The GoRuck Challenge, and she has come to love the opportunity it gives her to test herself physically and mentally. Jessica has taken on multiple GoRuck challenges these past few years and has also recently completed the Disney Marathon, Cupid’s Undie Run for charity, and other events. Jessica is an inspiration to many, and now functions as an ambassador for Dirt in Your Skirt. [/infobox]
- Mind over Matter & Lessons Learned - April 17, 2013
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