Last week, I flew to Montana to crew for my son in his first 100-mile race, the Copper Kings 100. Honestly, when he signed up, I wasn’t thrilled. Running 100 miles didn’t seem healthy, especially for a tall, lean “stick” of a guy with no extra weight to lose. But when he said, “I need a crew,” we were all in.
In the days before the race, I prepared mentally for my role. My job was to be there for him and support him.
The race was a roller coaster. He had been sick for a few days before the race and still wasn’t feeling quite right at the start. By mile 25, he couldn’t keep food down, which was worrying because nutrition is critical in a race like this. By mile 50, he was considering dropping out. His legs felt okay, but he wasn’t enjoying the run and still couldn’t eat.
We sat with him for two hours in the car. Checking in with him, how he was feeling, figuring out what he needed, and trying to get him to eat something, anything. Hash browns were the food of choice, if you must know. Looking back, I’m proud that I was able to simply be there for him, supporting him without questioning his choices.
While we sat there, it started raining. Not exactly inviting weather to head back out. But eventually, after eating some he rallied and decided to continue.
By mile 75, after a long, steep climb, he came running into the aid station smiling and full of energy. We couldn’t believe the transformation.
He finished all 100 miles in 32 hours. During those 32 hours, while he didn’t sleep at all, we hardly slept either, supporting him at all hours of the day and night.
I’m incredibly proud of Arden for sticking with it. There would have been nothing wrong with stopping at mile 50. Instead, he listened to his body, gave himself the time he needed, adapted to what the moment required, and ultimately achieved a goal he had worked so hard for.
What did I take away as a leader?
First, once a decision is made, whether you fully agreed with it or not, your job is to help make it successful. There is a time to debate a decision. Once it’s made, leadership means committing to it.
Second, support roles matter. We often celebrate the person crossing the finish line, but there is usually a team behind them making that success possible. Before the race, I saw a cute women’s race shirt and thought, “I’m not running. I don’t deserve that.” By the end of the race, we all agreed the crew had earned it too.
Leadership isn’t always about being the one in the spotlight. More often, it’s about championing someone else’s journey and recognizing that your behind-the-scenes contribution can be just as important.
And yes, I still hope he doesn’t decide to run another 100-miler. But if he does, I’ll be there to support him.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and aid station crews. The event was exceptionally well run, and throughout the race we always felt the runners were safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. They were an incredible example of what great teamwork looks like.
In the photo: a smiling Arden at the finish line with one very proud mom.
