Blood, sweat, and tears – 22 EPAM Hungary employees took up the challenge and competed in the first Spartan Race event on April 26th, 2014 in Hungary, Epleny
With so much going on in the headlines these days it’s understandable that an epic battle that occurred in Epleny, Hungary did not make the headline news. The battle-name draws its history from one of the most elite forces ever formed- Spartan warriors. This is where EPAM fought with the elements both internal and external, along with over 1,600 other brave souls who wanted to push their limits, learn about themselves and share a common goal with a continuous growing community.
The challenge was to move as fast as possible over 7.4 kilometers, gain over 400 meters of elevation, negotiate at a minimum 15 obstacles ranging from: rope climbing, fording bodies of water, and jumping through fire to name but a few. The results - the EPAM team “Mothakes” finished 23rd out of 111 teams, and reflected the commitment of each member of the team.
Commitment
The race itself was simply the measuring stick. The actually hard work was put in 10 weeks in advance that consisted of a complex and progressive workout routine that pushed the team members into new areas of fitness. The only way forward – hard work. And after countless hours of performing Olympic lifts, interval sprints, metabolic conditioning, even triathlons as training platforms the team showed that hard work, commitment, laughing, and the willingness to have some fun pays out big.
The event was a rallying point for many individuals to come together for one goal. It is a lesson that resonates through business. Belief in a vision, shared goals, teamwork will move mountains. Individuals were held accountable and pushed to attend training. But not by teammates but by themselves. Why? This was not about one person, it was about the team, and a team who was willing to get out of their comfort zone, try something new and challenging and change their perspective on life
“What have I got myself into?”
A few days before the race, an email was circulated by Spartan Race. In it was the message: this will be the toughest thing you have ever done. Concern, panic, confusion pumped through the team. “What have I got myself into?” With uncertainty, the team marched off to war. As 250 people stood at the start line in a drizzle with fog rolling over the mountain top you could see the nervous energy of everyone. Not knowing what lied ahead everyone waited for the start signal, then like true Spartan Warriors leapt into battle. It was a time for action, no more thinking, just doing.
Conclusion
As we held our retrospective last evening sipping cold beverages and remembered that day we laughed at the mud, the crawling under the barbwire, the continuous elevation climb, then only to run back down to only do it again. The best part though was to sit back and look at everyone and see more self-confidence, pride, and desire to take on the next challenge. The biggest fear among all the members as of today- “How do we keep the team together?” Those words rang deep. Total commitment to the man and woman standing to the left and right. It is an ethos instilled in them and one they will strive to keep intact.
I would have never imagined a simple challenge presented to a company would become so big and that something as simple as a 7.34 kilometer race, some mud, water, and laughter would change the teams’ fundamental way of looking at life.
Next stop Spartan Super the big brother of the battle in Epleny, Hungary in Slovakia July 5th.
