A call for (more!) of your stories
Remember earlier this year, when you got the chance to meet Sam? And Edith? And Elaheh? And Colleen, and Minh, and Ken? (There have been many others, of course, and I’ve loved each and every one of their stories too.)
As I’ve written this newsletter for a little over a decade now, I feel like I’ve really become friends with so many of you. I love hearing what you share in the comments, and love hearing from you in replies back to my emails. It’s what makes doing this worthwhile.
Especially, I’ve loved the stories you’ve shared this year — like Corrina’s, and Alex’s, and Debby’s — about how you came to running, what it has meant to you, and how it’s helped you grow and develop into the person you are today.
This may be my favorite thing I’ve done with the newsletter in all the years I’ve written it, to be honest!
So that’s a long way of saying, I’d love to hear your story too — especially if you haven’t participated yet, but have wanted to.
You may think you don’t have anything unique to say, or special to share. My story, you say to yourself, is just too ordinary to bother with.
Set those doubts aside. I really, honestly believe, deep down in my soul, that everyone’s story is extraordinary — even if they don’t think so.
Interested? I’d love to hear yours.
All you need to do is reach out to me, either in the comments below or in a reply back to this email — after that, we can schedule a time to talk, or I can send you a list of questions and you can write me back your answers.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Your friend,
— Terrell
Hi Terrell, I would love to share my story. I’ve been a runner for 25+ years and it’s a big part of my identity, spiritual journey and life as an athlete. I was the kid picked last in gym class and becoming a marathoner 4x over as an adult has been transformative. Thank you for featuring stories!
Hey Terrell, I am new to your substack. Running has been a big outlet for me since I was a teenager.
When I was a teen, I was arrested and sent to prison. I ended up at a facility run and operated by the Army National Guard. We did PT every morning, of which the mile run was my favorite.
Long story short, there was a nationwide competition amongst ROTC programs. One of the guards petitioned the warden to take a few of us to this competition, myself included for the track events. The warden went for it and I went on to train in the 800 meter, mile, and two mile events. At the competition, I podiumed at the mile and two mile events.
Since then, I have continued to run as a major outlet in my life. I now run mountain ultras and am attempting to run with the elites. Not sure I will ever be that good, but that is how much I love running.
Thanks for the opportunity to share. Below is a link to my latest substack story, which is about my journey to run with the elites. Feel free to check it out. No pressure to do so though.
https://open.substack.com/pub/mikemabe/p/failure-personified?r=1xp9kc&utm_medium=ios