Running with the Pack

The first time I ran a half-marathon (The Carlsbad Half), I trained for months, just me and my earbuds. My playlists were meticulously designed to keep me on pace: 170 beats per minute, perfectly synced to a 10:10 mile. On race day, I was ready. I even had a three-hour mix queued up.

A friend and I carpooled — someone more experienced with the marathon world. When we arrived, they asked about my pace and directed me to a pacing group that matched it. I was surprised to learn that pacing groups with leaders even existed. Then my friend peeled off to join a different pacing group and wished me luck.

As I stood around with my group, I wondered: should I keep my earbuds in? I had trained this way, enjoyed my music, and it provided me comfort in a new environment. But then I remembered something a mentor once told me: "Any time you have an opportunity to connect with others, do it. There is magic in connection."

So I put my earbuds away.

I started chatting with others. The miles flew by. I easily kept my pace. I found out where the food and water stations were. We supported a runner who fell. Some of us finished together, while others joined or left the group; however, about 75% crossed the finish line as a unified group.

I finished in 2:14 at a 10:08 pace — while unknowingly positive for COVID-19. I was proud of my body, but more than that, I was grateful that I had chosen connection over isolation.

Leadership is like that. You may train alone, but the real test is how you show up for and with others.