The Power of Presence: Lessons from the Long Miles
- ranwayslo
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
In 2012, I set out on a journey that most thought was impossible. At over 600 pounds, the idea of completing an Ironman was beyond improbable—it was laughable. But for me, it wasn’t about the finish line; it was about reclaiming my life, one grueling mile at a time.
From 2012 to 2019, I logged hundreds of lonely miles swimming anywhere I could find enough water, running in the dead heat of West Texas, and cycling into headwinds that seemed determined to break me. Many people were eager to celebrate when I crossed finish lines, but only a few showed up when there was no crowd, no medal, just the grind of the journey.
Jasha Cultreri, Cameron Stotts, Audrie Jones, Richard Dickson—among others—weren’t just supporters; they were present. They ran beside me, paced my swims, rode alongside me on training rides, and stood by me in moments of doubt. They didn’t need recognition. They simply understood that real support isn’t about being there for the victory—it’s about showing up in the struggle.
Servant leadership isn’t about the spotlight. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up when no one is watching, when there’s no guaranteed success, simply because someone else needs you there. My journey to Ironman 2019 didn’t end the way I hoped—a mechanical failure on the bike and dehydration put me over the time limit. But the real victory wasn’t in the finish line; it was in the miles that came before it and the people who chose to walk, run, and ride them with me.
If leadership is about anything, it’s that—choosing to show up, not just when it’s convenient, but when it matters most. Who are you showing up for today?
Who has shown up for you in the hard, unseen miles of your journey—and how can you be that person for someone else?
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