Meet Ultra Runner Adam Kimble's A-Team
By Adam Kimble
This is the third of four chapters we're publishing about Adam Kimble's successful run across the U.S. this year. We published the first chapter on August 16 and the second on August 30.
Adam was joined during his 60-day run by his wife and six close friends who dropped everything for two months to give him logistical, day-to-day and emotional support to help make his journey a success.
Adam with team members and their trusted homes / RVs for two months. From left to right: Adam Nubern, Karen Kimble, Adam Kimble, Josh Mohr and Clayton Dorge.
KAREN KIMBLE
- Day job: Self-proclaimed "wifeager" and Bearded Sole brand manager.
- Relationship to Adam: Wife, best friend and crew captain.
Quote about working with Adam on the journey:
“Going into it, I knew what it would be like to work with Adam. We’ve been together since we were 16, and I have crewed him on ultras in the past. I knew he would be resilient and keep pressing on as long as his body allowed. Not only did he do just that, but he also fought through some really tough moments both physically and mentally. It was amazing for me to witness this strength and determination.”
What you learned on your own personal journey:
“I learned that I am mentally and emotionally tougher than I thought! Now, that doesn’t mean I didn’t have moments on the journey where I wanted to just stop everything and cry, or whisper in Adam’s ear ‘let’s just go home,’ but I found a strength I didn’t know existed until I had to deal with Adam’s physical and emotional pain, along with the other stressors that exist when attempting something of this magnitude. I will forever be grateful to our crew for supporting me, being patient with me, and helping me navigate Adam’s run across the U.S.!”
Team member Josh Mohr taping Adam for his next run.
JOSH MOHR
- Day job: Site operations senior specialist at Red Frog Events.
- Relationship to Adam and Karen: Friend and former co-worker of Adam.
Quote about working with Adam on the journey:
"When thinking of Adam's character, two virtues come to mind: perseverance and patience. These were present nearly every waking moment of the TransCon. As a crew member, it was an amazing sight to see. Collectively as a crew it was our job to provide the environment to help encourage those virtues to come out – even when the obstacles ahead thought otherwise."
What you learned on your own personal journey:
"Working with the crew and Adam was an amazing opportunity to selflessly give my time, emotions, and overall attention to a cause far greater than myself. I quickly learned how integral each and every crew member was and how each of us played a vital role in keeping the ‘machine’ running. While each day posed an incredible range of challenges, it was exciting to see how quickly everyone was able to ‘man their stations’ when an obstacle arose. I truly believe that working with such an amazing team was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I will never forget."
Adam doing some physical therapy with his team. From left to right: Karen Kimble, Charlie Kaye, Josh Mohr, Clayton Dorge and Adam Kimble
CLAYTON DORGE
- Day job: Traveling internationally (currently in S.E. Asia).
- Relationship to Adam and Karen: Friend and former co-worker of Adam.
Quote about working with Adam on the journey:
“Working with Adam as part of the TransCon crew was both a humbling and inspirational experience. We were able to witness the grit and courage Adam brought to each day. Encountering the many obstacles that peppered his journey, I was frequently reminded of the strong faith he applied and conveyed to every task at hand.”
What you learned on your own personal journey:
“I was blessed to learn a lot on this journey. It was especially amazing to see what the power of a focused team and a strong support network of friends can accomplish. It was staggering to see how great the sum of everyone's small efforts constantly repeated every day. Every crew member's selflessness was a strong motivator and reminder of what we wanted to accomplish. We all did a great job of remaining flexible to the challenges and approaching each situation with fresh ideas.”
Josh Mohr spoon feeding Adam a strawberry milkshake. #Thelife.
ADAM NUBERN
- Day job: Owner of Nuventure CPA.
- Relationship to Adam and Karen: Friend they met on Instagram.
Quote about working with Adam on the journey:
"I have a man crush on Adam Kimble. Why, you ask? Adam is the most selfless dude I've ever met. I fangirl out on selflessness, because it is not crazy common in our culture of independence and dominance. While running across the country, Adam would constantly concern himself with the wellbeing of his crew and supporters. There were countless times that he would have a huge smile and ask a supporter about themselves and go above and beyond to try and encourage them in their own achievements."
What you learned on your own personal journey:
"My biggest personal lesson of TransCon was that being part of a team with a common goal truly can move mountains. When all of your teammates are willing to be selfless and achieve something that is greater than anyone involved, magic and miracles slap you in the face. A small, comical example...In no way would I ever envision me waking up from 3 a.m. – 5 a.m. everyday for two months, but I did it. The only reason I did it is because the team was doing it. I didn't want to be the one bad apple."
Adam taking his hemoglobin and pulse-rate readings with Ember.
LINDSEY NUBERN
- Day job: Author.
- Relationship to Adam and Karen: Friend they met on Instagram.
Quote about working with Adam on the journey:
“Adam continually amazed me during the journey. Nothing went as planned: the route, his health, the pain, and his expectations of himself. He expected himself to run most of the country; instead he walked most of the way in tremendous amounts of pain. He expected to be in pain towards the end of the trip, but he got injured on the third day with 57 more days to go.
“When our expectations aren't met, it's hard. We have to deal with the frustration, the disappointment, and feelings of what the heck is going on? Throughout the entire journey, Adam never took any frustration of the situation out on the team. He was always calm, thankful for whatever we could help him with, and worked through his emotions privately and with Karen. Adam exceeded my expectations of the journey. I expected meltdowns, tears, and difficult moments with emotions flying. That never happened. The way he handled himself through the pain and the frustrating moments shows his amazing character.”
What you learned on your own personal journey:
“I've learned when you set big, seemingly impossible goals you have to break the big goal down into tiny goals and take them on hour by hour. When you focus on accomplishing each tiny goal, they build and build, and you make progress! When you finish each goal, celebrate! From tiny progress building and building – anything is possible!”
CHARLIE KAYE
- Day job: Owner of Charlie K Media.
- Relationship to Adam and Karen: Friend of a friend, and now a friend!
Quote about working with Adam on the journey:
"As the film crew, working alongside Adam was fairly easy. It was trying to talk the crew into taking 15 minutes for a silly video shoot that was hard." :)
What you learned on your own personal journey:
"I learned that my purpose on the TransCon was way more than picking up a camera and pressing record. It was about caring for and serving the needs of my friends, whatever those needed ended up being."
PAUL SHAW BAILEY
- Day job: Videographer and photographer.
- Relationship to Adam and Karen: Friend of a friend, and now a friend!
Quote about working with Adam on the journey:
“There was always a level of positivity in Adam that astonished me. Even in the midst of persistent pain, suffering and a grueling task ahead, Adam somehow managed to remain the most optimistic individual in all circumstances. Even when there were moments of doubt, Adam seemed to always push forward. I’ve never seen someone with that much self-motivation and discipline. Absolutely inspiring."
What I learned personally on this journey:
“Getting to trek with the team through this journey taught me so much about taking in moments for what they are. Embracing the unpredictable, regardless what each day brings; being flexible; and pushing forward. Take in the beauty of where you are, not just where you’re trying to go.