15. David and Ryan Toone – Ultra Marathon Runners – Part 1

In the early 2000’s David Toone had been volunteering at an aide station on the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run. This race has long been considered the toughest ultra on the planet. After helping other Ultra trail runners on the race, Dave was determined to finish one for himself. This chain of events turned on a “family magnet” as Dave would say. that would last a decade and beyond. His son Ryan was there every step of the way on the journey.  Who knew that this “magnet’ of “The Wasatch” would not only give his family unquestionable success through balance, but would also be an allegory to others on how to find balance in their own lives.  
This story is all about balance.  It is a balancing act between family legacy and relationships, man’s tether to work, and man’s need to accomplish great things, or to just “die with the music still in them”. At Steelyard, one of our main focuses for balance is the “Learn it, Live it, Lead it model.  If anyone spends too much time learning and not living, or living and not leading, or leading and not teaching, then they are out of balance. This story was a perfect example of a balance between all three. The stories about the pacers, pit crews, aid stations, and lending of the 10 year ring are all very powerful. If you are looking to “Forge Success Through Balance” in your life, this story from David and Ryan Toone, Father and Son, will change your life forever. If Dave were talking to you directly, he would ask what your family magnet is. What is the magnet that will pull your family together?