What can a six-hour trail-running relay teach us about agile teams?

A New, Exciting, and Very Different Experience.

Just under a month ago, I received an invitation from my sister-in-law — a marathon runner, adventurer, and great source of encouragement — to join an all-women relay team of six for a trail-running event: the GBC Trail Run.

At first, I wondered whether this type of race would align with my goals and with the training I have been doing to improve as a runner.

I was quickly convinced, however, that it would be a light, fun experience with no pressure. Well… at least that was the initial idea, because who said this group of women would not be competitive?

I thought: why not?

I adjusted my training plan, started physiotherapy to minimize some knee pain, and joined a group of women who saw this opportunity as an excellent challenge.

As I learned more about how the race worked, I could not help thinking about agile teams.

It would be a six-hour competition — completely time-boxed. Each lap would cover 3.69 kilometers, with 119 meters of elevation gain, uneven terrain, and sections through wet areas.

Based on our estimates and individual paces, we knew that each team member could complete at least two laps. Our team delivery capacity was relatively well established. Between laps, we would still have time to catch our breath and relax.

In the days leading up to the race, we shared training updates, encouraged one another, and self-organized. We arranged transportation to the venue, which was outside the city, agreed on the food and drinks each person would bring, and prepared a sun umbrella, chairs, and other items needed for our setup.

As in any project, however, the plan needed to be adapted.

The weather forecast indicated stable conditions before and after the race, but there was a chance of rain during the six-hour event. And, as Murphy’s Law seems to enjoy taking part in the most interesting projects, the rain did indeed arrive.

We reached the venue as the day was beginning to break. The ground was already quite muddy from the rain and strong winds the previous day — once again, events that had not been anticipated.

Throughout the six hours, we experienced rain, cold, heat, and sunshine.

The course was already technically challenging because of the terrain, the elevation changes, and the crossing of shallow sections of river. With the rain, it became even more uneven, muddy, and slippery.

But by then, we were fully immersed in the experience.

Let’s do this, whatever it takes!

At the venue, we organized the running order. While one team member was completing her lap, the next was already getting ready. The others talked, laughed, ate, hydrated, took photos, and positioned themselves to welcome and encourage those starting or finishing the course.

Communication was constant.

At the end of each lap, we shared updates on the most difficult sections, trail conditions, and areas requiring additional attention.

It was almost like a quick retrospective followed by immediate adaptation.

On the second lap, each of us improved her individual time.

We consolidated our shared objective: to ensure that every team member completed at least two laps and that one of us completed a 13th lap.

At the same time, each person carried her own individual challenges: overcoming the obstacles along the course, avoiding injury, managing fatigue, and delivering the best possible performance within her own physical and emotional conditions.

Until then, the main focus had been having fun.

But little by little, the possibility of reaching the podium began to emerge.

We celebrated every completed lap. We cheered for one another. We were thrilled when we realized that completing the 13th lap would be possible.

We finished the race happy, light-hearted, and deeply satisfied.

And to make the experience even more special, we achieved third place among the women’s teams of six!

Each of us left feeling even more motivated to persevere and continue improving as runners. We were also grateful that everything had gone well, without injuries, and that we had shared six hours of effort, dedication, sweat, focus, and a great deal of joy.

This experience reminded me that strong teams are not built only from individually competent people.

They become stronger when there is:

— a shared objective;

— clarity about each person’s contribution;

— collaboration;

— continuous communication;

— the ability to adapt;

— mutual trust;

— and a willingness to celebrate every small achievement along the way.

Thank you to all the women who were part of our team for the positive energy, the companionship, and so many meaningful moments.

We did an amazing job!

My thanks also go to Consciência for sponsoring our participation and to the GBC Trail Run organizers for creating such a challenging and memorable experience.

Congratulations to all the athletes who took on this challenge!

#Teamwork #Agility #AgileTeams #SelfOrganization #ContinuousImprovement #Leadership #Collaboration #TrailRunning #WomenWhoRun #PersonalDevelopment #Resilience #SportsAndLeadership