I love the discussion on resilience. As an ultrarunner, I often grapple with this question, especially during longer ultras. For example, did I show resilience two weeks ago when I finished the Leona Divide 50 miler after I fumbled my nutrition, puked at mile 40, tried to quit at mile 45, but dragged myself to the finish anyway? Or, did I actually fail and reveal poor character because I was supposed to run the 100k? Having done these long enough, I've experienced that two things can be true at the same time. And that's what I find most fascinating. I think resilience -- and one's true character -- reveals itself over the long haul. Similar to how Gaucher has faced her diagnosis and just completed her longest run in 3 years. Hats off to her!
Well, climbing the 3 miles up to the turnoff, I got to enjoy a gorgeous sunset on the PCT that I would've otherwise missed had I quit. So, that will be forever etched in my mind. Mentally, I felt a mix of frustration and regret -- and a tinge of embarrassment. But also a lot of gratitude that we get to do these really hard things. I ran the final two-and-a-half miles very hard, which felt as if I were releasing a lot of the negativity that had been building up all afternoon. Gosh, after re-reading this comment, I really shouldn't be doing these things anymore. They're not good for you! lol.
Thanks for this, Terrell. I can so relate to Kara’s difficulty in coming back from something dramatic as she has! Since 2021 I’ve gone through a stroke, a broken femur and now recovering from cancer and my first thought after hearing these diagnoses was to the doctor, “Am or when and I going to run again?!” By the grace of God I have slowly managed to get back up and continue my running journeys!🏃♀️❤️
I am 5 months into cancer recovery and ran my first half marathon with Rock & Roll half in Washington DC in March. It was really, really hard but I completed it one minute under the 4 hour cutoff, with severe leg cramps and low potassium! I was so happy I to finish! Since then, I’ve run a ten mile race and two more half marathons and cut lots of time off. I am not a competitive runner. I’m just a 72 year old, who loves to run! Just completed the Flying Pig Half in Cincinnati this past weekend with a 3:03 finish (still cramping from low potassium) and now my next goal race is to get under 3:00! I am truly blessed beyond measure that I can still get out there and do it!!
FYI-Kara was our guest speaker at the Covenant Marathons in Knoxville last month!
You’ve made amazing progress in just a few months! I’m seriously in awe — and glad to hear your recovery is going well. Now let’s work on carrying some bananas with us on those longer runs! 🍌
Oh my goodness, Betesu! You have been through all the things!! Wow, wow, wow — thank you for sharing your story, and just for being here. How are you feeling after all of that, by the way?
Thanks for asking! It went really well. I felt good, and I hit my pace hopes. And I didn’t trip—always a win! I was super tired through yesterday, though, and took today off. I’m proud of myself for not being an idiot :-)
If you want to read a very compelling few paragraphs on character building, google "The Kawaga Ideal" which all campers had to memorize when they went to Camp Kawaga in Wisconsin. I was fortunate enough to have 3 wonderful summers there...
I will definitely have to check that out, Clark! (Can I find it for purchase online?) Also — I know (a little) of what you’re going through with your friends who are dealing with Parkinson’s; my dad has had a lot of health challenges these past couple of years, and my father-in-law was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia almost two years ago also, so seeing all of that take place has given me a lot of reasons for pause and reflection lately. It’s A LOT, as you no doubt know. My heart goes out to you and your friends and the family members who are helping them through this ❤️
I am truly sorry for your family's health challenges. Fortunately for your father and father-in-law they have a Son who has a big heart and will figure out how to support both with love and compassion.
The "Kawaga Ideal" is freely available on line. I can still recite most of it. I think you will find it familiar yet unique. Quite worthy... oh, if we could all just raise our sons and daughters in such a compelling way... ♥️
Thanks Terrell for the great Garfield quote this morning. Unfortunately I have a few dear friends where Parkinson's is becoming an all consuming daily challenge on so many fronts and yet they are able to draw on a reservoir of courage and determination to remain the same dear friends they were in healthier times. If we are the sum of our closest friends, I hope I will remain my joyful self whatever life may throw my way. The Garfield quote is a compelling reminder to parents to raise their children in a way that they help build a reservoir of courage and
Totally agree on Candice Milliard! Absolutely love all her books - hope she has another one in the oven. Garfield could possibly have survived if the doctors hadn't been so bent on using archaic techniques!
She’s the BEST, isn’t she? I just love her work, and recently finished ‘Destiny.’ Did you see the Netflix series based on it? (And yes, Garfield totally could have survived!)
I love the discussion on resilience. As an ultrarunner, I often grapple with this question, especially during longer ultras. For example, did I show resilience two weeks ago when I finished the Leona Divide 50 miler after I fumbled my nutrition, puked at mile 40, tried to quit at mile 45, but dragged myself to the finish anyway? Or, did I actually fail and reveal poor character because I was supposed to run the 100k? Having done these long enough, I've experienced that two things can be true at the same time. And that's what I find most fascinating. I think resilience -- and one's true character -- reveals itself over the long haul. Similar to how Gaucher has faced her diagnosis and just completed her longest run in 3 years. Hats off to her!
Totally! And you’re running at a level I can only imagine, John — what were those last five miles like?
Well, climbing the 3 miles up to the turnoff, I got to enjoy a gorgeous sunset on the PCT that I would've otherwise missed had I quit. So, that will be forever etched in my mind. Mentally, I felt a mix of frustration and regret -- and a tinge of embarrassment. But also a lot of gratitude that we get to do these really hard things. I ran the final two-and-a-half miles very hard, which felt as if I were releasing a lot of the negativity that had been building up all afternoon. Gosh, after re-reading this comment, I really shouldn't be doing these things anymore. They're not good for you! lol.
Thanks for this, Terrell. I can so relate to Kara’s difficulty in coming back from something dramatic as she has! Since 2021 I’ve gone through a stroke, a broken femur and now recovering from cancer and my first thought after hearing these diagnoses was to the doctor, “Am or when and I going to run again?!” By the grace of God I have slowly managed to get back up and continue my running journeys!🏃♀️❤️
I am 5 months into cancer recovery and ran my first half marathon with Rock & Roll half in Washington DC in March. It was really, really hard but I completed it one minute under the 4 hour cutoff, with severe leg cramps and low potassium! I was so happy I to finish! Since then, I’ve run a ten mile race and two more half marathons and cut lots of time off. I am not a competitive runner. I’m just a 72 year old, who loves to run! Just completed the Flying Pig Half in Cincinnati this past weekend with a 3:03 finish (still cramping from low potassium) and now my next goal race is to get under 3:00! I am truly blessed beyond measure that I can still get out there and do it!!
FYI-Kara was our guest speaker at the Covenant Marathons in Knoxville last month!
You’ve made amazing progress in just a few months! I’m seriously in awe — and glad to hear your recovery is going well. Now let’s work on carrying some bananas with us on those longer runs! 🍌
My doctor has me on time-released potassium! Radiation caused all this but that’s okay. No more cancer!
I do enjoy your articles!
Thank you so much, Betesu! You’re so kind to say that 🙏
Oh my goodness, Betesu! You have been through all the things!! Wow, wow, wow — thank you for sharing your story, and just for being here. How are you feeling after all of that, by the way?
That Garfield quote is pure gold.
Thank you for this. I learned things I didn’t know about Goucher. And I’m inspired to keep spotting more role models like her.
Thanks so much, Henriette! 🙏 How did your big long run go this past weekend?
Thanks for asking! It went really well. I felt good, and I hit my pace hopes. And I didn’t trip—always a win! I was super tired through yesterday, though, and took today off. I’m proud of myself for not being an idiot :-)
Always a plus! 🤣 In all seriousness, I’m in awe — that’s the real deal!
Great stories of perseverance in overcoming the adversity that can happen in any life.
If you want to read a very compelling few paragraphs on character building, google "The Kawaga Ideal" which all campers had to memorize when they went to Camp Kawaga in Wisconsin. I was fortunate enough to have 3 wonderful summers there...
I will definitely have to check that out, Clark! (Can I find it for purchase online?) Also — I know (a little) of what you’re going through with your friends who are dealing with Parkinson’s; my dad has had a lot of health challenges these past couple of years, and my father-in-law was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia almost two years ago also, so seeing all of that take place has given me a lot of reasons for pause and reflection lately. It’s A LOT, as you no doubt know. My heart goes out to you and your friends and the family members who are helping them through this ❤️
I am truly sorry for your family's health challenges. Fortunately for your father and father-in-law they have a Son who has a big heart and will figure out how to support both with love and compassion.
The "Kawaga Ideal" is freely available on line. I can still recite most of it. I think you will find it familiar yet unique. Quite worthy... oh, if we could all just raise our sons and daughters in such a compelling way... ♥️
...and resilience so it is available throughout their lives.
Thanks Terrell for the great Garfield quote this morning. Unfortunately I have a few dear friends where Parkinson's is becoming an all consuming daily challenge on so many fronts and yet they are able to draw on a reservoir of courage and determination to remain the same dear friends they were in healthier times. If we are the sum of our closest friends, I hope I will remain my joyful self whatever life may throw my way. The Garfield quote is a compelling reminder to parents to raise their children in a way that they help build a reservoir of courage and
Totally agree on Candice Milliard! Absolutely love all her books - hope she has another one in the oven. Garfield could possibly have survived if the doctors hadn't been so bent on using archaic techniques!
She’s the BEST, isn’t she? I just love her work, and recently finished ‘Destiny.’ Did you see the Netflix series based on it? (And yes, Garfield totally could have survived!)
Haven't seen the Netflix series - worth watching?
Oh definitely. Michael Shannon is great as Garfield, and really the whole cast is fantastic.
I am reticent to view a movie after I've read the book (especially an excellent one) as so many don not follow the book very well.
I have read all 4 of her books - the River of the Gods was difficult (I did not care for Speke or Burton) , but still a fascinating history.
I have River of the Gods on my bookshelf, but haven’t read it yet — I was soooo entranced by The River of Doubt, it’s hard to follow that one up!
I will be interested to see your comments on it.
When our son was about five, he said 'I'm just gonna keep on keeping on ... whatever that means.'
Which made us laugh so hard its one of our favorite sayings now :)
LOL! I love that, Cathie! 🤣
Thanks for sharing - I had no idea
Yep! It’s been a long road back for her — I’m still in awe.