Fleet Feet Chicago’s Post

What can Sunday’s V8 supercars race teach us about business ownership? 🏁🚗 👀TLDR: You CAN finish the race and do a great job with your car (business) slapped together… but it’s a hell of a lot harder to lead the pack & win the race. When race 12 started on Sunday in Darwin, everyone was in position—cars & drivers ready to go out and do their people proud. Early on in the race (literally lap 1) a crash resulted in a substantial amount of damage to car 888. The crash is beside the point, but the damage is what I wanted to focus in on! Although not my team of choice 😉, it was great news that the damage was mostly external, so the pit crew STICKY TAPED the panels back together and sent the car back out to finish the race.. The car was capable, but my gosh it looked slapped-together. Murray remained an awesome capable driver, but his car was holding him back. In the end he finished the race & took out the last position. It reminded me of the trap we can fall into as business owners! While our service can be exceptional, the vehicle we deliver it in needs to be performing at its best too! So often we slap things together at the last minute, or do a half-arsed job to get something out into the world… and overtime everything starts to look a bit modpodged together. These inconsistencies start to make us look sub-par, and stop us from winning. Improving the visuals of your business doesn’t have to mean throwing it all in the bin to start again… but slapping things together as you need them without consistency might just be the thing holding your business back from leading the pack. What areas of your business are slapped together and slowing you down? How can I help?

I have run Hood To Coast 7 times, most of those on one of Integra’s corporate teams. If you’re not familiar with the race it is a 12 person relay starting at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood and ending in Seaside, OR some 195-200+ miles away, depending on the route which can vary slightly year to year. My favorite leg was leg 1 - running straight down the mountain. Not only because it was fun to kick off the race at the starting line, and you were the first one done in the relay cracking into a beverage and relaxing while 11 of your teammates still had miles to go, but also because it was the only way I was going to average under a 10-minute mile. Integra was a sponsor of the run for several years and we always had a few different teams of runners (and walkers for Portland to Coast). James Nieuwstraten was the main point of contact for coordinating all of the work that went into the running teams, which was no small feat. There are a LOT of logistics that go into a race like this: coordinating runners, managing substitutes, renting vans, finding drivers (if you’re lucky), securing accommodations in Seaside, coordinating snacks/water - on top of finding time for your own training runs and, you know, your day job. As the number of teams that the company had in the race grew, Jim asked if I would be willing to captain one of the “fun” running teams and I readily agreed. I learned so much from that experience, both from Jim, and from the other members on my team. While spending 25+ hours in a van with up to 6 other people (again if you were lucky enough to have a dedicated driver), sleeping for four hours in a damp field, and running 4-7 miles three times (at least once in the middle of the night) may not SOUND like a fun learning experience, it really is. Thank you Jim for all the work you did to support Integra’s Hood to Coast adventures. I know I’m not alone in treasuring those memories. #Gratitude#Networking#90DayChallenge

What #identity do you most associate yourself with? For 30 years I have been a mother first but my sons are both adults now. I was a management consultant and executive coach for 15 years but is that what I am known for now/want to be in the future? Do I feel like a biker/RTW traveller yet….? In short, no. I have had a bike license for 9 months, owned my own bike for about 9 weeks and ridden a sum total of about 1000 miles, most of those in the last 10 days. I am definitely getting more comfortable and at home on my motorbike( 🏍️ Han), we’ve spent a lot of time together this week. I am taking corners with more confidence and nearer the speed limits than I was a week ago; in fact I would go so far as to say I now get excited when I see an S-bend rather than total trepidation! I still feel a rush of adrenaline when I see gravel, or a pot hole or any other potential hazard but I am not in an almost constant state of panic. I still struggle to make tight turns especially at slow speeds and certain junctions still make me nervous (tight rights for example, especially as my tank bag seems to have decided to slip to the right as one of the attachment hooks has broken - definitely need to replace the tank bag for something smaller once my panniers are on). So what will it take to make me feel like a biker…? Time. Practice. Experience. To decide that is what I am and want to be. Watch this space… #ppk2k #motorbike #rtwadventure #bikergirl #biker

So, today to de-stress we went bicycling. I had 1 main goal - to drive safely and to be back home safely. Which meant to focus on the road, other cyclists, cars. My other goal was to count how many yellow cars I noticed (that was a game that my daughter proposed some time ago, then she dropped out of it but I continue to play it, to her ‚happiness’ 🤪). While focusing on goal 1, I tried my best to achieve my goal 2. But if course goal 1 had priority. Safety first, right? So what I noticed: * we usually have more goals, but one of them is the most important and takes most of our focus - Q: do you, Dear Reader, know what you should focus on as a priority? * while focusing on goal 1, we sometimes switch our focus on goal 2 - but it doesn’t have the same priority. Unless we switch priorities; * this gets me to the point that multitasking isn’t the best option to achieve what we want to achieve - while we do few things at a time, it is more important to focus on one first and then switch; * sometimes we achieve some of goal 2 by chance - like I sometimes noticed yellow cars by accident, because I looked in certain direction. Simple bicycle ride and it got me so much thinking hahaha #coaching #focus #priorities #goals #growth #wellbeing #mentalhealth

As a passionate bike rider, I'm thrilled to share Experience of getting trained to handle obstacles while riding! Training isn't just about mastering the throttle or perfecting those tight turns; it's about honing the skills necessary to conquer challenges safely and confidently on the road. From navigating unexpected road hazards to maintaining control in adverse weather conditions, every rider knows that the journey comes with its share of obstacles. That's why investing in training is crucial. But training isn't just about skill-building; it's about fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and safety consciousness. So, to all fellow riders out there, I encourage you to prioritize training as an essential part of your riding journey. Together, let's conquer the challenges of the road with confidence and skill! #BikeRiding #ObstacleHandling #Training #RoadSafety #RiderSkills #ContinuousImprovement #StaySafe #RidingCommunity #saddlersbulwark

Get the f*%k off your comfort zone!! Did you ever: -         stuck from time to time and feels like Quicksand -         explore unpaved roads? -         handle uncertain environments? -         had to react on unexpected obstacles were fast reaction is a must? -         had to 100% concentrate on whats going on in front of you? -         trust your abilities? -         used a path for the first time? -         been explorative? -         drop or fail and do it again, and again, and…? Do you still think I’m talking about Offroad Adventure Motocycling? All the points listed above are valid for leadership within engineering environment too. We living in a damn fast world e.g.VUCA, Digitalization which doesn’t need any further explanation. You need to adapt very fast or be out…like to be offroad. I’m used drive offroad which is legally possible around Berlin (and in the North Germany) from time to time to get the head free from all topics. Right after I feel really relaxed even if I’m totally exhausted. I see a bunch of similarities as leader in here too. You have to handle often uncertain situations or facing obstacles which you didn’t recognized before. But even than you have to drive forward, as leader you’re the head for your Team, even if you know it will be hard a rough tough environment. All eyes are on you and if you drop you’re bike, which happens much more often than you think, you have to take this a chance to learn from it and grow even further. Next situation runs better for sure. If I’m on an topic, I’m 100% focused on this to drive it and get it done whatever it takes. This generally reflects a lot of my personal values. And tell you what, if you do it in a Team it makes much more fun, valid for both for it! That’s why I passionate about both. This is what drives me… Ready for driving offroad? 😎

"Empowering Zit Car Rental with seamless employee transport management – optimized routes, real-time tracking, and stress-free commutes at your fingertips." #TransportManagement #EmployeeTransport #CarRentalSolutions #ZitCarRental #EfficientCommutes #FleetManagement #SeamlessTransport

What #identity do you most associate yourself with? For 30 years I have been a mother first but my sons are both adults now. I was a management consultant and executive coach for 15 years but is that what I am known for now/want to be in the future? Do I feel like a biker/RTW traveller yet….? In short, no. I had a bike license for 9 months, owned my own bike for about 9 weeks and ridden a sum total of about 1000 miles, most of those in the last 10 days. I am definitely getting more comfortable and at home on my motorbike( 🏍️ Han), we’ve spent a lot of time together this week. I am taking corners with more confidence and nearer the speed limits than I was a week ago; in fact I would go so far as to say I now get excited when I see an S-bend rather than total trepidation! I still feel a rush of adrenaline when I see gravel, or a pot hole or any other potential hazard but I am not in an almost constant state of panic. I still struggle to make tight turns especially at slow speeds and certain junctions still make me nervous (tight rights for example, especially as my tank bag seems to have decided to slip to the right as one of the attachment hooks has broken - definitely need to replace the tank bag for something smaller once my panniers are on). So what will it take to make me feel like a biker…? Time. Practice. Experience. To decide that is what I am and want to be. Watch this space… #ppk2k #motorbike #rtwadventure #bikergirl #biker

The tense rider and sitting trot A common question I get asked is about how to learn the sitting trot. Riders tell me that they're alright for a few strides and then seem to lose it. I think the problem stems from a lack of relaxation, on both the horse and the rider. The horse: Once the horse understands 'give to the bit', softness in the bridle and travel in frame, he can then elevate his shoulders and round his back. This will make the trot much more comfortable to sit, when the horse is using its back properly. Next, there is the question of speed. As riders, we are often told to keep the young horse in a 'good working trot'. The problem is that is very energy expensive for the horse to do and your horse will likely not want to continue that pace for any length of time. Making the pace difficult for the horse, before relaxation, softness and frame are established as automatic responses, will keep the horse's attention focused on that, the pace. The horse will not be able to relax and thus will not be able to use its back properly to make a comfortable ride for you. We know the horse can trot, we see him in the paddock with a terrific working trot - so let's teach one thing at a time and start with relaxation then move on to give to the bit. Your horse will thank you for it. Once those things are established as automatic, meaning when you pick up the reins to go the horse is relaxed, in frame, soft in the bridle and waiting for your next cue, then you can 'make it pretty' and pick up speed within gait. The rider: Your job will be much easier once you've got the horse to relax because it will be more comfortable however you can also add transitions to help you. Do you find that your sitting trot is great for a 1/4 of a circle and then you start to bounce? This is often the case because we get tense, tense the muscles in our thighs and this throws us out of the saddle. It's important that we relax too so don't ask so much of yourself - just decide to ride a short sitting trot and then a lovely transition back to walk. Start with a 1/4 circle and then work your way up. Remember, it's really important to cue the horse back to walk and up to trot again and it makes a wonderful exercise to really improve your transitions if you do so. You must decide exactly where you are going to make the transition and do it there. Let's say you planned to go from trot to walk at A. You might use your verbal 'walk' cue 2m before A and then put your weight slightly back 1m before A and put pressure on the reins at A. As soon as the horse walks, release the pressure (or perhaps you've been practising this and your horse walked when he heard the verbal cue, go you!!). Keep it simple, keep it fun and build on that. Dr Kate Fenner - equine scientist, researcher and horse trainer: https://lnkd.in/evRP-Swq

Prioritise safety with Gro Club!🚲🚦🪖 💁♀️Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting, we've got your back. Let's pedal towards safety and fun! Follow these essential tips📝 for a secure and enjoyable ride with your kids. Ensure they wear helmets, protective gear, and reflective clothing for visibility, especially during night rides. Teach them traffic rules to instil responsibility and independence. Regularly check and maintain their bicycles for optimal performance. Gro Club not only offers bicycles on a subscription basis for growing kids but also for adults, with free service, doorstep repair, and a lifetime warranty on faulty mechanical parts. Ride safe, save on bicycle costs, and make every cycling experience memorable with Gro Club! 📎 To read more, checkout the comment section for the blog link 📎 #circulareconomy #sustainability #sustainablefuture