Every year in Utah, a group of elite runners from all over the world descend upon Snowbird, a community that sits at just over 8000 feet, outside of Salt Lake City. Their intention is to engage in an excruciating 50K run (31+ miles) that has a total elevation gain of 11,400 feet throughout the course. This run is known to be the most difficult 50K run in the United States. My family and I will be present at this year’s Speed Goat run to support my sister-in-law, a mother of two, who intends to complete the challenge. While she has spent years distance running and months training for this unique challenge, she cannot fully know what difficulties await her until she puts the first foot forward in the race. Though she may not know what the weather will hold, the level of rugged terrain, or what physiological complications she may face, one thing is certain; the only way to complete the race is by putting one foot in front of the other, toward her intended goal.
This story well illustrates the challenges every future and current retiree faces. Quite often, people fail to plan for retirement because the challenge seems insurmountable. Who could fathom putting away enough money to provide a reasonable income stream for 30+ years? Beyond that, very few people feel exactly as they anticipated when the day does come for retirement. While my sister-in-law may have visualized race day, or even simulated some of the experience in her other runs, nothing can provide her with the visceral feelings until she steps into the vulnerability of being on the path. This is the primary challenge of retirement, staying the course.
Retiring successfully requires clear communication of goals, thoughtful and diligent preparation, and building a solid support team, but perhaps most importantly it requires summoning the courage to put one foot in front of the other toward your goal. There will be times when the weather is fierce, the terrain gets rugged, and you feel weary or afraid. During those times, I encourage you to call us. We are available to you and your loved ones in the preparation, the starting line, and at every checkpoint of your retirement race.
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