The story goes that in the early days of the Marines they were poorly equipped with Army hand-me-downs. “Improvise, adapt & overcome” became an unofficial motto of the Marine Corps that fostered a can-do culture even when resources were scarce or inadequate. I was never a marine but find the expression a helpful reminder to get creative when faced with unexpected obstacles. That’s how I ended up marshalling a 5K last weekend.

Every August since the 1990s Family Services has held the Kinzua Classic, a bicycle race in the scenic wooded area between Warren, Bradford, and Kane. Except this year. A frigid winter had left roadways in need of repairs so the event was cancelled with the safety of cyclists in mind. Safety is always the right call, but I was left with a challenge as Family Services depends on income from the event towards its charitable counseling and substance abuse services. It was time to improvise, adapt & overcome.

Improvise: I would have never organized a new event this late in the program year under normal circumstances. But I had to come up with something that could happen in 4 – 6 weeks with resources I had on hand. I knew how to organize a road race, my volunteers knew what to do, and gear was already on-hand such as walkie talkies, safety vests, etc. But what kind of race if not bicycles? On a hunch I circled the Warren State Hospital complex where Family Services is located-3.1 miles. So a 5K it was to be! Conewango Township Supervisors, PennDOT, and the Warren State Hospital were very understanding about the quick turnaround time required regarding the necessary permissions.

Adapt: There are differences between a bike race and a 5K. Jessica Arnold of the Northern Allegheny Outdoor Women’s Association and Chuck Gray of the Running Revolution were generous in sharing their knowledge and experience of footraces. Dale Bliss of 92 Gold/Kinzua Country and Bob Patchen of the Times Observer helped me brainstorm ways of promoting a new event. The North Warren Volunteer Fire Department assisted with safety in the residential and business area, which was heavier trafficked than the Allegheny National Forest! My volunteers kept an open mind about changes and a positive attitude about doing things differently. Gary Lester of Leadership Warren quite literally adapted our bike race signage to read “5K ahead.” The ability to adapt extended to our sponsors as well. Every single one of them was willing to transition to the 5K: Kwik Fill/Red Apple, Northwest Savings Bank, Medicor Associates, West Penn Oil, Whirley Drinkworks, PGE, Blair, CTI Physical Therapy, Shults of Warren, Kersey and Associates, Crossett, Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Wegmans, Thorne’s BiLo, and Walmart.

Overcome: Cancelling a major event could have been a critical blow to a small non-profit like Family Services, but a community of supporters willing to improvise and adapt resulted in a pleasant morning for runners and walkers that helped us raise funds towards our counseling and substance abuse services. The Kwik Fill Fall Family Five was fun, safe, and well organized. We learned some things along the way that will improve it when we do it again next year.

You don’t have to be a Marine or a race marshall to adopt this motto. If you’re facing an obstacle in your life remember to “improvise, adapt, and overcome.” Don’t get stuck thinking about what you can’t change and get moving on what you can change. Utilize your prior experiences and resources and ask your support system for help. Celebrate overcoming that obstacle and meeting your goal! It works.

Ian Eastman, M.A., promotes the well-being of families at Family Services of Warren County, a charitable agency that provides counseling, substance abuse services, and support groups. “Like” Family Services on Facebook and invite your friends and family to do the same.