What I learned about leadership at the Krispy Kreme Challenge

There were several words that came to my mind as I participated in the 8th Annual Krispy Kreme Challengethis past weekend in Raleigh, NC. Words like “crazy”, “insane”, “what am I doing here” and “I’m going to eat what” were among the many.

If you don’t know what the Krispy Kreme Challenge is, it’s a race that includes the following:

• Step 1: Run 2.5 miles
• Step 2: Eat 12 glazed donuts/2400 calories (by the way, these were not your “Hot Donuts Now” version of the donuts)
• Step 3: Run 2.5 mile back

Now, I once had a personal goal to eat a “fat bomb” (chocolate covered, vanilla cream filled Krispy Kreme donut) at every Krispy Kreme in America (actually made to over 70), but this experience tops that goal by a landslide.

I actually ran five miles and ate the dozen donuts. It was definitely a unique experience, and yes I held them all down, but not really something I want to do on an annual basis. It was a lot of fun to run it with my good friend Chad “Chad-a-lac” Austin and to witness the costume creativity, but not sure I want to ever consume 12 donuts in one sitting again.

So, what did I learn about leadership from this experience?

I’m not sure I learned anything specific about leadership. I was reminded that sometimes we have to leave a little room for spontaneity in our lives and take some risks. I did not plan to eat all 12, but in the midst of competition and adrenaline, I chose to take he plunge and go all the way.

I’m sure there were other things I learned participating in this event, but right now my body is still trying to figure out what to do with the 2400 calories consumed in about 15 minutes.