Preparation matters

Friday, May 8

My friend Jessica recently completed the half marathon during the OKC Memorial Marathon weekend.

She came into the office the next day and I noted how she was able to walk just fine. She replied with something along the lines of, “As it turns out, preparation matters.”

She had been training for the run. Not just getting in miles, but training for recovery along the way. So when race day came, she was ready. When the day after came, she was ready.

Last weekend I went on a short run (3.5 mile range). I used to run often, but now run once every few months - my last run before this was in March. My legs hurt for 2-3 days. I was not prepared for it (most of my training these days is strength and conditioning, not running). My body was not prepared for it.

13.1 miles. Prepared. Just fine the next day.
3.5 miles. Unprepared. In pain for a few days.

The difference is preparation. Training.

This is true in running, this is true in life, this is true in leadership. Moments of difficulty are on the path. Moments of hardship will inevitably find their way to our doorstep. Adversity will show up.

The question is are you preparing for it? Will you be ready for it? Will you get through the difficulty and keep moving, or will you suffer unnecessarily?​

Don’t wait for the moment and hope. Prepare.
​
Keep chopping wood. 🪵🪓

-Kevin