Ep. 30 | Growing, Not Failing - Part Deux

Written By Sarah Bettman
 
 

The Challenge and the Training

The 29029 trail event is nothing short of a monumental challenge. The objective is to hike the equivalent of Mount Everest’s elevation—29,029 feet—over the course of three days. This means anywhere from 26 to 29 miles of trekking each day. Preparation for such a feat involves arduous training sessions and simulation weekends aimed at mimicking the conditions of the actual event.

Last weekend marked my second simulation weekend. The goal during these simulation sessions isn't just physical preparedness but also gaining insights into effective strategies, nutritional needs, and recovery techniques.

Understanding Limits and Recognizing Warnings

I share candidly about my experience of reaching physical and mental thresholds during simulations. During the second training session, I was able to complete 20 miles with additional weight in just eight hours. This gave me confidence since the actual event allows 12 hours to complete each day’s course. However, fatigue and physical complications like foot pain and shortness of breath took a toll on me, proving that sometimes our bodies send us signals we need to pay attention to.

Instead of pushing through potentially harmful pain, I chose to modify my training. I ended up skipping the third-day 10-mile stretch in favor of resting and seeking medical advice. This decision, though difficult, emphasized a crucial lesson: recognizing when to pull back isn't a sign of failure but an act of wisdom.

Mental Battles and Emotional Releases

One of the most revealing moments came when I confronted my doubts on the mountain. Feeling discouraged, I found myself in tears, wrestling with the harsh reality that I might not finish within the allotted time. It was a cathartic moment that allowed me to face my fears and reshape my mental framework.

The key takeaway here is the importance of acknowledging our feelings, no matter how discouraging they may be. By embracing these emotional lows, I am able to reframe my mindset, which paves the way for a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

Learning and Adapting

Simulation weekends are designed for learning, and I certainly gained some valuable insights. I discovered that my prior training methods didn't entirely align with the demands of the extended mileage required for the actual event. An essential part of my preparation moving forward will be to fine-tune my approach, including reviewing nutritional strategies, fitting my gear more suitably, and seeking medical advice.

One significant change I plan to implement is adjusting my footgear and possibly retraining my feet to handle longer distances without succumbing to debilitating pain. This learning curve is part of the growing process and highlights the need for adaptability in pursuing ambitious goals.

Balancing Positivity with Realism

While it's vital to maintain a positive mindset, I understand the necessity of grounding that positivity in reality. It's tempting to lean into toxic positivity, which disregards genuine challenges and concerns. Instead, I advocate for a balanced approach: visualize success while being prepared for setbacks. This duality ensures you're psychologically resilient and tactically prepared.

The Continuous Journey

During the episode I refer to ultramarathoner Courtney DeWalter, who reminds us that even the best athletes don't always succeed on their first attempt. The road to achieving monumental goals is seldom linear and often fraught with lessons disguised as failures.

I hope my commitment to vulnerability, adaptability, and grounded positivity sets a powerful example. As my story evolves leading up to the October event, I want my journey to teach us that growing from setbacks and embracing the learning curve can be as fulfilling as achieving the end goal.

Preparing for the 29029 trail event is testing me in more ways than one. From strenuous physical training to navigating emotional and mental hurdles, this journey is a testament to the profound learning and growth that comes from pushing one's limits. 

Whether you’re an athlete, a business professional, or someone striving for personal growth, these experiences offer invaluable lessons. It's not about the destination but the journey and what we learn along the way. 

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More About Live Stoked | Lead Stoked

Have you ever wondered if there is something more? Are you ready for something to change, but aren’t sure how to get started…or even what to change? Do you dream of living life on your own terms, full of purpose and the ability to choose what’s best for you? Are you ready to live stoked?

You’ve come to the right place! In this podcast, we will explore what it means to live stoked. To live a life on your terms, one where we’ve tossed away the pressures of roles, expectations, and identities that have been put on you and that you did not choose, is a bold choice. Frankly, it’s a series of small choices in micro-moments that lead to a bold life.

I am Sarah Bettman, coach, consultant, and speaker, but more importantly, I’m a person who found myself waking up in the wrong life and needed to find a way to me. 

I am on a mission to unravel the things we tell ourselves, the roles and/or identities we’ve taken on, and the expectations that drive our decision making, so that we can begin to live our most authentic and stoked lives. My guests and I will share our stories, solutions, and multitude of ideas…since one size definitely doesn’t not fit all. 

My hope is that you will find something meaningful for you, in the moment, that will move you forward on your path.

Sarah Bettman
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Ep. 29 | Lead Stoked: An Update with Dr. Stephanie M. Kirkland on Identity Strengths in Team Dynamics and Leadership