Race to The Top: Valuable Leadership Skills You Develop as a Runner

Those who participate in sports can learn many skills that they can use to become better leaders and more fulfilled human beings in general. Runners can develop some special skills training for foot races that they can carry over to daily life.

                                     Image source: wikimedia.org

  

• Preparation is key - One can’t simply decide to run a marathon and race the next day. Barring the comic superhero, The Flash, no one can run 26.219 miles or more without the proper physical and mental training, the right gear, and a prepared support team. The same is true for starting on an endeavor. Leaders cannot come up with an idea and then expect it to be perfect and precise immediately. Everything requires preparation, research, and the right minds and hands to execute the plan.

• Demeanor matters - Much like how athletes need to develop the proper form for maximum performance, leadership also has an ideal structure. That is, according to this Economist blog, to be seen as a leader and be an effective one too, a person has to project the look and sound of someone solid, reliable, powerful, and knowledgeable. This means anything from being eloquent, well-dressed, and poised.
• Having clear goals helps - Goal-setting is an integral part of running a marathon. This undertaking is by no means easy, and can take up a lot of time. However, it doesn’t have to be an impossible quest with the right motivation and dedication. Leadership also requires a clear vision and objective, and the ability to motivate one’s team to work for the common goal.
• Quick-thinking creates race winners and leaders - Admittedly, even with enough preparation, extraneous factors like injuries, getting lost, or inclement weather can threaten to slow runners down. Thinking clearly under duress can help a runner make the right call for any situation – whether it means powering on or choosing to go to the hospital. The same is true for a leader. Sometimes one may find solutions for problems, and sometimes it’s time to face the music and pivot. What makes one a true leader is the ability to assess the situation and make clear-headed decisions. 

Without a doubt running, as well as many other sports, can expose people to useful insights and learning experiences that can turn them into effective and efficient leaders.

                                     Image source: wikimedia.org

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A Natural Stride: Trying Out Barefoot Running

For years, people have been buying expensive pairs of shoes to help them run without getting injured. But do we really need foam and cushion to protect our joints from injuries? 

Recent studies show that barefoot running is the best way to get fit. Traditional people have been running barefoot, an activity which is believed to strengthen the feet in a more natural way.

Image source: coalcreekpt.com

Studies say that running with motion-controlled and well-cushioned shoes is like having your neck in a cast for a long time. When the cast is taken off, your neck will be weak. The same thing applies to running shoes. When you pound and bounce the balls of your feet harder into the cushions of your running shoes, it will cause problems in your feet, knees, and other joints. 

It’s not bad to give barefoot running a try. One will have to spend a long time getting used to having soil on their feet while running. Your feet may also feel weak when you start running barefoot. It may even take you weeks before you master a new stride.

Image source: marathon-training-tips.com

If you hurt your feet after a lap or two, try resting before running again. It’s best to find a relaxed foot strike that will not stress your feet and joints.

Read more articles on running when you visit this Steven Rindner blog.