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Allyson Curlin, a director of nursing at Baptist Memphis, recently completed a unique team building opportunity with seven nurse managers on her team—participating in the Memphis Runners Track Club Women Run/Walk Memphis training program and 5K.
She and seven nurse managers on her team ‒ Jackie Barton, 4 West nurse manager; Maranda Douglas, 2 South nurse manager; Amanda Walters, 4 North nurse manager; Susan Arwood, 3 South nurse manager; Jacqueline Staples, 5 North nurse manager; Toya Pittman, 2 East nurse manager; and Karli Caruso, 3 North nurse manager ‒ met at Shelby Farms every Monday to run together.
Each week in their direct report meetings, they discussed how running a race is similar to leadership. Most of all, they learned that taking care of themselves is key to being an effective leader.
After completing the training, they ran a 5K and called themselves “Leaders on the Run.” The group was even featured in the September issue of RoadRunner magazine.
Collectively, the group lost 32 pounds, and it was Toya, Maranda, Susan, and Amanda’s first ever 5K. It also was the first time Jackie ever ran a 5K without stopping to walk. Karli placed second overall in the race and first in her age group.
Several mangers wore their fitness devices to earn HumanaVitality points while they trained, and they submitted their weekly training runs and the 5K for additional points. By the end of the training, Karli achieved Gold status, Jackie achieved Silver status, and the rest of the group achieved Bronze status.
“We have gained endurance to finish the race and lead our teams through some of the toughest times in health care,” Allyson said. “The support of our team is key to the race tomorrow and race we will continue on Monday. We are Leaders on the Run.”
