There are goals, and then there are BHAGS!

For this month's coach's corner I'd like to share a story about setting goals. But not just any goal, a BHAG, or Big Hairy Audacious Goal (an expression invented by Jim Collins in his excellent business book "Built to Last"). 

Our own BRS facilitator, business coach and uber-athlete, Urs Koenig, has set a BHAG for himself for 2005: Competing solo in the Race Across America (RAAM) 

Arguably the most difficult endurance race in the world, the Race Across America (RAAM) is a 3000-mile, continuous bicycle race from San Diego, California to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Individual riders are given just twelve days to complete the race, and with fewer than half of first-timers making it to the finish line, it is unquestionably the ultimate ultra-endurance racing challenge. 

Why Is Urs Doing It?

"A fellow coach once wrote that coaches are in the BHAG business," said Urs. "We support, stretch and challenge our clients to reach their BHAGs. Now it is time to challenge myself to achieve the seemingly impossible. So no more coaching, consulting and advising others to reach their BHAGs: it's time to put my head on the line."

"While competing in RAAM will most certainly impact my outlook on what is humanly possible, I am taking the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others: I am racing to raise money and awareness for Seattle-based Cancer Lifeline. Cancer Lifeline's mission is to optimize the quality of life for those coping with cancer. As a board member of Cancer Lifeline, I have been inspired, touched, and energized by the commitment these people have to their clients and their mission." 

Seattle's NBC affiliate King5 TV has agreed to help spread the word by covering the race and interviewing Urs as he prepares for the race.

Urs and His Multinational Crew

From even before the race starts on June 19th, Urs will be supported by a crew of eight highly dedicated volunteers from four countries. According to Urs, "I am extremely proud of my truly multinational crew: We have members from Australia, the UK, the U.S.A. and Switzerland. Among others we have a massage therapist, a chiropractor, and a bike mechanic. This crew is giving up almost 3 weeks of their vacation time to help me get to the finish line before the July 1st deadline."

What It’ll Take

The RAAM leaves the West Coast from the harbor-front starting line in San Diego and travels 3,047 miles over 14 states, 4 time zones, and 109,000 feet of altitude gain before finishing on Atlantic City’s historic Boardwalk. The RAAM will take Urs over mountains, across deserts and through every kind of geographical challenge this large and diverse country has to offer.

Urs is training between 12 and 60 hours per week, organizing and managing the crew, and trying to stay on top of all the logistical challenges (getting 9 people, 2 vehicles, 3 bikes, tons of gear across a continent…you get the picture…)

He Needs Your Help

Urs needs you to support his bid to race across America, by making a contribution to Cancer Lifeline. Cancer Lifeline serves more than 10,000 cancer patients annually, and every contribution means more patients and their families are relieved of some of the burden of coping with cancer. You can contribute online quickly and safely - https://secure.xo.com/cancerlifeline.org/onlineform.shtml

Be sure to mention "Urs Races Across America" under 'my gift is for the occasion of'.

For more information about Urs Koenig, you can visit www.redpointcoaching.com or email urs@redpointcoaching.com.