I experience the same thing, Jessi. I learn things, think that I've absorbed them, and then experience challenges again that remind me I need to learn them anew. It's a process, isn't it? 😃
Absolutely love this - thanks for sharing, Terrell! Reminds me of a quote in one of my all-time favourite films (Before Sunrise), "The answer lies in the attempt."
Bravo on capturing the feel & lessons of the trail and your story! For more inspiration and good memoir writing, I recommend Scott & Jenny Jurek’s book “North” about their AT odyssey. (Scott is a legendary ultrarunner confronting middle age and his athletic decline.)
It seems to me the lesson learned is to know your limits. You were fortunate on the AT to have the bail out opportunities you used to get off the trail when hurting. Our hikes in the Olympics and Cascades rarely offer a way out so you’ve got to be certain you can finish what you started, and that means knowing your limits.
Accepting and being transparent about my limits is definitely something I was wrestling with in writing this piece. It's all too easy to glorify the pain and paint a picture of invincibility, which can end up being dangerous. At the same time, I am so incredibly grateful for the physical therapist who challenged my perceived limits and got me back to running pain-free and safe.
I have to agree with you. I've in Washington for at least 15 years--maybe more. It doesn't matter what trail you are on. You'd better know your limits! Unforgiving territory. :)
I love this story. The path is the point. It always was. And yet I will always need to learn that again.
I experience the same thing, Jessi. I learn things, think that I've absorbed them, and then experience challenges again that remind me I need to learn them anew. It's a process, isn't it? 😃
So much to learn...Thanks for sharing. Loved it.
Your courage to keep trying is inspiring! That’s a strength too.
Thank you, Jill!
Absolutely love this - thanks for sharing, Terrell! Reminds me of a quote in one of my all-time favourite films (Before Sunrise), "The answer lies in the attempt."
Pooja, I love that!
Just like in life, it's not the finish line, but the experiences on the way that make up the story.
Bravo on capturing the feel & lessons of the trail and your story! For more inspiration and good memoir writing, I recommend Scott & Jenny Jurek’s book “North” about their AT odyssey. (Scott is a legendary ultrarunner confronting middle age and his athletic decline.)
Thanks for the memoir recommendation! How anyone manages to run the AT is beyond what I can fathom. Amazing.
Wow!!! Just Wow!!!
Such a great read! So inspirational! Thanks for sharing!
THAT. WAS. FANTASTIC. Thank you for sharing.
It seems to me the lesson learned is to know your limits. You were fortunate on the AT to have the bail out opportunities you used to get off the trail when hurting. Our hikes in the Olympics and Cascades rarely offer a way out so you’ve got to be certain you can finish what you started, and that means knowing your limits.
Accepting and being transparent about my limits is definitely something I was wrestling with in writing this piece. It's all too easy to glorify the pain and paint a picture of invincibility, which can end up being dangerous. At the same time, I am so incredibly grateful for the physical therapist who challenged my perceived limits and got me back to running pain-free and safe.
I have to agree with you. I've in Washington for at least 15 years--maybe more. It doesn't matter what trail you are on. You'd better know your limits! Unforgiving territory. :)
Wow, what a story and beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. 😀
awesome story, thanks for sharing! 🏃🏻♂️
I would emerge a purer version of myself, free of identities I’d outgrown, like depressed, straight, and injured.
Sweet🫶
Thanks ! Be the Ball!!!🏃🏾