Spectacular Doesn’t Happen Last Minute
John Kiser finished 2nd overall in 2012.
I remember the very first race I ever directed, Earth Day Trail Race at Veteran Acres. I was buzzing with excitement to invite people onto the trails I loved. Trail running was still a newer sport back then, with not a lot of participants, but I felt deeply passionate about it. Running trails brought me so much joy, it felt like I was dancing through the forest. And I wanted every person who showed up to feel that same spark, that same welcome, that same “I belong here” feeling.
Even back then, I had a clear vision for what I wanted race day to be.
The first year race start line
I wanted fun race shirts, and personal awards that meant something. I wanted the swag organized in a clean, thoughtful way.
I had been to races where shirts were piled in broken-down cardboard boxes… and handed out wrinkled like they’d been pulled straight from the dirty laundry hamper. But I was creating a party on the trails, and I wanted each racer to feel special. Handing them their race swag wasn’t just a check-in step, it was part of the experience, and it deserved to be done with care.
Painting the finish line banner with families in the community.
So I planned it that way.
In my mind, the details mattered. Each shirt would be neatly rolled and tied with organic twine, ready to hand to runners with pride. The community-painted medals would be packed and presented with care, showcasing the local artist behind them. And the finish line would feel warm and full, with my husband working the grill and serving homemade soup.
And yes, I made my famous taco soup… salty, cozy, and exactly what you want after a run.
Then came race week… and the part no one sees on Facebook.
My husband cooking at finish line.
Things always take longer than you think they will.
The night before the race, I found myself still sitting on the floor of my living room, surrounded by shirts, rolling them one by one, tying twine around each one like I was wrapping presents at midnight. I didn’t give up on the experience I wanted to create… but I definitely lost some sleep making it happen.
And honestly? That moment taught me something important.
Not because I failed.
But because I learned.
It taught me that when you want something to be special, you can’t only rely on passion. You also need preparation. You need time. You need space to do things with intention, not panic.
Since then, with Ornery Mule Racing, I have literally done every job there is. Every behind-the-scenes role. Every last-minute scramble. Every “how are we going to pull this off?” moment.
And those experiences have taught me one of the biggest lessons I still carry today:
If I want something to be spectacular, give it the time it deserves.
Because nothing great comes from last-minute effort without thoughtfulness. Not the kind of greatness that feels smooth, welcoming, and meaningful. Not the kind that leaves people feeling cared for.
So here’s the reminder I want to share with you today:
If you have a goal, a dream, a project, a race, a life change… give yourself the time to do it well.
Not perfectly.
Just thoughtfully.
Give yourself time to plan.
Time to prepare.
Time to follow through.
Time to rest.
Time to execute.
Because you deserve more than stress and scrambling. You deserve success that feels steady. You deserve results that come from showing up early enough to do it right.
The best things we build, we build with intention.
And sometimes the most powerful form of self-respect is simply this:
Give yourself enough time to succeed.
Reader Task-
Get yourself a journal. It can be a notebook, calendar, anything to write love notes to yourself.
Your Glam & Grit Trailhead Task:
Pick one thing you want to feel proud of this month (a goal, a habit, an adventure, a fresh start).
Now ask yourself:
What would it look like to do this with intention instead of last-minute stress?
What is one small step I can take today to prepare?
What time do I need to protect this week so I can show up feeling ready?
✅ Then do one 10-minute “future me” task today.
(Prep your gear, plan your meals, schedule your walk, sign up for the class, send the message, make the list.)
Invite to Glam & Grit Trailhead
If you’re craving a space that helps you stay consistent, feel supported, and grow into the version of you that shows up with confidence (even when life is busy)… Glam & Grit Trailhead is for you.
It’s where we blend self-care + strength, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Come join us inside the Trailhead and give your goals the time, tools, and community they deserve.
This photo is of Sloan Wagner that was first overall female at the age of 12. One of my favorite finish line photos taken by Tami Suwanski in 2025. I am very lucky to be surrounded by a lot of amazing & talented women in this sport.
