Last Saturday, 166 ‘crazy’ runners started in the dark at 6am and 68 miles (110km) later I finished in 17 hours 58 minutes at midnight.
It was a fantastic day out exploring the valleys and mountains in the Lake District. I knew it was going to be a tough challenge when I signed up last year, so I’ve spent months training in all weathers, consistently putting in the hours & hours needed to ensure I was ready, physically & mentally.
Taking on a tough ultra trail marathon of this nature requires you to develop good decision making skills, as so many things don’t go to plan, so you need to be in a position to make quick effective decisions.
It’s true in business also, taking on a tough challenge at work can help you make better decisions in a number of ways:
It teaches you how to deal with uncertainty and ambiguity. Tough challenges are often complex and unpredictable, and they can force you to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
It builds your confidence and resilience. When you successfully overcome a tough challenge, it gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts your self-confidence.
It helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Tough challenges can force you to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
It gives you a better understanding of your priorities. When you're faced with a tough challenge, you have to make decisions about what's most important to you and what you're willing to sacrifice.
What challenge will you be taking on ?
PS. Thanks to my lovely wife & friends who were a Fab Support Crew, topping me up with water & food throughout the day & night. Their encouragement kept my spirits up when I went through some low points, wrestling with fatigue and running in the dark - as the second photo shows.
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