Doing Hard Things Together
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of doing hard things alongside other people. Why is that so powerful? There’s a long list of reasons, but three in particular have had a big impact on me:
Increased Accountability
Stronger Bonds
Shared Accomplishment
Let’s dive in by looking at a classic example: the “Band of Brothers.” These were the paratroopers of Easy Company (2nd Battalion, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division) in World War II. They endured brutal training, fought through historic battles like the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge, and emerged with a bond so profound that their camaraderie became legendary.
I’ve never experienced anything remotely like war, and I’d never compare my own challenges to theirs. But what resonates most in their story is how going through difficulty—together—created a sense of unity, a deep commitment to watch out for one another. The late-night vigilance and shared hardship made them feel a responsibility to each other’s welfare in a way that no easy task could.
That sense of unity reminds me of an experience called Team Tim. It’s nowhere near a battlefront, but it taught me a similar lesson about the power of tackling something tough together. Team Tim was created in honor of Tim Murphy, who passed away from cancer in 2020. At first, the goal was simple: run a half marathon to support the Murphy family and keep Tim’s spirit alive.
Fast-forward to 2025. Dozens of us now travel and this year, we run the Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon in Vegas, each of us motivated by a personal connection to someone fighting cancer. Most of us aren’t “runners” in the traditional sense; we’re everyday people who rarely log miles during the week. But we show up anyway because we believe in something bigger: we believe in Tim, in our loved ones, and in ourselves.
And guess what happens when you do something this tough with a group?
During the race, if anyone struggles, someone else is right there, cheering them on. Accountability isn’t just a buzzword here, it’s real life. We text each other about training, swap running tips, and keep tabs on who’s lacing up their shoes. There’s a subtle pressure that says, “Hey, we’re in this together. Don’t let the team down.”
It’s amazing how close you can become when you share something that hurts a little. Team Tim runners often start off as strangers, but by race day, we’re encouraging each other like lifelong friends. We’re bonded by the shared load of training, the raw nerves of the starting line, and the relief at the finish. Sometimes, it’s just a simple “You’ve got this” when someone’s hitting the wall that reminds you that you’re not alone—and that can change everything.
Crossing the finish line in a half marathon is sweet, but crossing it with people who’ve been side-by-side in the trenches of training is even sweeter. That shared accomplishment is powerful. When we finally reach the end—huffing, puffing, and maybe shedding a tear—there’s a collective euphoria. We did it. All of us did it. And that moment is about more than a race medal; it’s about believing you can tackle whatever life throws at you next.
When I ran my first Team Tim half marathon, I wasn’t a serious runner. I might’ve gone for jogs here and there, but I wasn’t logging seven-mile runs on a Tuesday. What I discovered, though, was a community that believed in itself—and in me—enough to say: “Come on, you’ve got this.” That belief is contagious.
Over time, I realized the half marathon was just one piece of a bigger picture. We’re running for people who are fighting the toughest battles of their lives, people like Tim, or someone else’s mom or dad. The half marathon becomes a symbol. It’s proof that you can do hard things, and when you do them for a purpose beyond yourself, it magnifies every step.
We all face challenges, some we choose, some we don’t. But I’ve learned that when you decide to tackle those challenges with a team, three things happen: you hold each other accountable, you bond more deeply, and you walk away feeling a genuine sense of shared accomplishment.
Whether it’s the epic perseverance of the “Band of Brothers” or a running group raising awareness for cancer, the principle remains the same: hard things done together create unbreakable connections. It’s a bit of magic I wish everyone could experience.
So, consider finding your own version of Team Tim or join us in Mesa Arizona in 2026. Seek out something that pushes your limits and share the load with people who care. Maybe it’s a fitness challenge, a tough project at work, or volunteering for a cause you all believe in. No matter what, let it remind you: you’re not alone in the struggle.
So lace up, rally your tribe, and keep getting after it. We’re all in this together, and we’re a lot stronger for it.