“Don’t let the fear of failing keep you from trying. If you do fail, use what you learned to do better next time.”
Those were the words the announcer shouted over the microphone as we stood at the starting line of the Spartan Race in Asheville, North Carolina. He was trying to prepare us for the challenges that lay ahead.
At the time, I didn’t realize those words would become much more than a pre-race pep talk. As I faced each obstacle, they became the reminder I repeated to myself over and over again.
My sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and my two teenagers were there with me, which made the experience even more meaningful. It was never about finishing the fastest or being the best- it was about challenging ourselves and seeing what we were each capable of.
This race consisted of a 5K sprint and 20 obstacles. There were times I felt like my lungs had no oxygen left because I was so out of breath. Every hill seemed steeper than the last, and every obstacle demanded a little more than I thought I had left to give. There were many times I didn’t think I was strong enough, but I had to try-even if I failed.
One of the hardest obstacles that we faced was carrying the Atlas Stone. After trying and failing several times, I was about to accept I couldn’t do it and move on until another racer, after completing the obstacle herself, she stayed there to encourage me. She guided me with every step until I completed the obstacle. She helped me believe I could accomplish something I had already convinced myself I couldn’t do.
That moment reminded me that we all face challenges in life that feel impossible at times. Sometimes we need to lean on others for guidance and encouragement. And sometimes, because we have overcome our own challenges, we have the opportunity to be that person who helps someone else keep going.
As we all crossed the finish line together, I realized the most rewarding part wasn’t just making it to the end – It was seeing my family push through challenges, encourage each other, and discover we were capable of more than we ever thought possible.
The Spartan Race taught me that failure is not the opposite of success – it is often part of the journey. Every attempt, every setback, and every challenge give us an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger. More than anything, I hope my kids saw that strength isn’t about never struggling; it’s about continuing to try when things get hard.
The words shouted at the starting line have stayed with me long after the race was over: don’t let the fear of failing keep you from trying. Because sometimes, the greatest accomplishments come from simply having the courage to take that first step.
