Where True Strength Begins: After the Break

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Hey there, my friends!

Check this quote out:

I don’t remember where I found it, but it spoke to me so I saved it in my notes.

This speaks to the very core of ultrarunning, where we find out what we’re truly made of, not just in the easy miles or even in the early struggles, but in the moments when we’ve hit our limit—when it feels like we’ve got nothing left to give.

Have you been there? I can honestly say I’ve been there in every Ultra I’ve run.

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The Real Test of Strength

In ultrarunning, it’s not uncommon to feel broken. (Did I just hear an “amen”?) Whether it’s from a relentless uphill climb, a scorching sun, or the nagging voice in your head telling you to stop, there will be moments that make you question why you’re out there. (i.e. This is STUPID!”) But here’s where the magic happens:

• It’s not the absence of pain or struggle that defines strength. It’s how you pick yourself up and keep moving forward, even when every part of you is screaming to stop.
• It’s not about staying unbroken; it’s about finding the strength to move despite the cracks. We learn to run with our discomfort, to embrace it, and in doing so, we transform it into something empowering.

What This Means on the Trail

Think about the last time you felt like you couldn’t go on. Put yourself back in that moment with me. Maybe it was the middle of the night, and the trail ahead seemed endless. “Where is that aid station????” Or maybe it was mile 70 of a 100-miler, and your legs felt like they were made of lead. What did you do?

• You took another step. Then another….then another.
• You reached for some fuel, stretched your aching muscles, and kept going.
• You found a rhythm, however slow, and continued to move forward.

This is what it means to be strong. It’s finding that next step when you feel like you’ve given everything you have to give. It’s learning that you can take more, even after you thought you were done.

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Take This with You on Your Next Run

So, the next time you’re out there on the trail and you hit a low point, remember this:

• You are stronger than you think, not because you don’t break, but because you have the courage to keep going after you do.
• Pain and setbacks are part of the journey, but they don’t define the outcome—your determination does.
• Every step you take when you’re hurting, when you’re tired, when you’re broken, is a testament to your strength.

Final Thoughts

Ultrarunning teaches us that we are capable of far more than we believe. It’s not just about endurance; it’s about resilience. The ability to rise again after every fall, to push forward despite every obstacle, that’s where real strength lies.

So, lace up your shoes, and head out there. Embrace the tough moments, because they’re the ones that will show you just how strong you truly are.

See you on the trails!

On the journey,

David

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P.S. If you’ve recently had a breakthrough moment on a tough run, I’d love to hear about it. Drop a reply, and let’s celebrate those victories, big or small!