Lately, it’s been easy to get stuck in the negative. Having my job eliminated just over a month ago left me feeling uncertain and more than a little off-balance. But I’ve realized that focusing on what I have accomplished and the values I carry forward is one way to find steadiness again. So today, I want to share something that reminded me of what I’m capable of and how far I’ve come, both in miles and in mindset.
This year, I completed not one but two major Disney race weekends. First, the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World. Four days of running: a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon. Three weeks later, I flew across the country to finish the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge at Disneyland, which included a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon.
If you know me, the term “endurance athlete” might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But these races weren’t just about fitness. They were about rediscovering perseverance, grit, and creativity — values that have always guided me in my personal life and especially in my Learning and Development career.
Two Races, One Journey
Each early morning start, each mile logged before the sun came up, reminded me of the times I’ve stepped into the unknown professionally. That blend of nervous energy and determination felt just like those early days in L&D, where I wasn’t always sure of the path but knew I had to keep moving forward.
Perseverance When It Counts
There were moments during both race weekends when I wanted to stop. My legs ached, my motivation dipped, and the finish lines felt so far away. But I kept going. Just like we do in our work when things get tough. In L&D, we deal with shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and trying to make learning meaningful in the face of real challenges. It’s perseverance that keeps us showing up and trying again.
Grit That Gets You There
Grit kept me pushing through those miles, especially when my body was telling me to quit. And it’s grit that’s kept me moving in my career, too. Whether I was leading a new initiative, managing a complex rollout, or simply navigating tough seasons, I’ve always relied on that inner fire to keep going.
Creativity When You Need It Most
You wouldn’t think creativity has much to do with long-distance running. But let me tell you, during mile 22 of the marathon, right around when you enter Blizzard Beach (any Disney Marathoner will KNOW what this means), or when you feel your legs giving out just before the finish line and you get that extra boost from the health staff, you have to dig deep and get creative just to stay focused and moving forward. That same creativity is what makes me love L&D. Designing engaging learning experiences, coming up with new ways to connect with people, telling stories that stick is what keeps it meaningful.
More Than Just a Finish Line
Crossing the last finish line at Disneyland was overwhelming. I felt pride, exhaustion, and a real sense of joy. And I thought this is how it feels when something you’ve worked hard for finally comes together. In L&D, we don’t always get a literal medal or a cheering crowd, but the feeling is the same when a program makes an impact or when someone grows because of something you helped build.
Moving Forward With Purpose
These races reminded me who I am. Even during a time when things feel uncertain, I know I can do hard things. I know I can adapt, show up, and keep going. Perseverance, grit, and creativity aren’t just things I talk about. They’re values I live. Whether I’m designing a new learning experience, mentoring others, or running toward my next goal, I carry them with me.
So here’s to the long runs, the early mornings, the creative pivots, and the unexpected turns. Here’s to choosing joy, moving forward, and believing that even when the path changes, we’re still headed toward something good.
We are all capable of more than we think. And we don’t have to do it all at once. Just one mile, one step, one idea at a time.
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