Leadership in the Grand Canyon
Running up the canyon after 40 miles
Integrity, humility, empathy, vision, communication, collaboration, motivation - these terms capture qualities that we know are needed in a great leader. There is one quality though- perhaps the most important - that we tend to forget.
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A week ago, I had the unforgettable pleasure of running the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim trail in the Grand Canyon. Beginning from the South Rim, it’s around 45 miles, starting with a steep 6 mile descent down to the river in the dark, then a 10 mile gradual incline through the canyon floor to the other side, then a steep 6 mile climb up to the North Rim. Then back. It took around 14 hours, and included almost other-worldly views, trails along the river and along precipices, and some very tired legs. This was my first visit to the Grand Canyon. I knew it would be awesome, but it was more awesome than I could ever have imagined. A truly indescribable place.
I was fortunate to be running with one of the kindest men I have ever met. A man who could have run at twice my pace at any moment, but never did.
Instead, Ryan encouraged me and every one else on the trail at every opportunity. He showed all the qualities of a great leader. He was humble, patient, motivating, and a true pleasure to be with, all day. He helped to make 45 miles of pain enjoyable and rewarding. He kept me rolling and made me want to go faster, always letting me lead so that he didn’t leave me behind.
On the final climb though, after 40 miles, Ryan couldn’t contain himself any longer. His physical energy and excitement had to come out. He wanted to run up the last 6 miles, but he didn’t want to leave me behind. So he came up with a game. He would sprint (yes sprint!) up the near vertical slopes, until his heart rate rocketed and he had to stop. Then he would wait for me to shuffle up the slope to join him, shouting words of encouragement until I arrived. Then he would sprint upward again.
I couldn’t help it. I started to run while he was waiting for me. I had expected to walk or shuffle this entire part of the trip, one tired leg in front of the other. But Ryan’s boundless enthusiasm and joy of life was so infectious that I was able to run up slopes that I normally could not run up at mile 1.
I had to run too.
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Joy. The missing ingredient that led me up the Canyon at a pace and intensity that was far beyond what I thought I was capable of.
