I don’t know why this continues to surprise me, but every time I read your stories I start off feeling a little skeptical (“I’m not a runner, so probably I won’t “get” this story...”), but every time you hook me at the very beginning and I read through to the very end. It’s about running on the surface, but really about life in general. With this story I couldn’t help but think about analogies to childbirth. This is how I felt with my 36 hour labor! :-)
Great story. I can't identify with a race that long but yet I completely understand. Congrats on everything and hope recovery goes OK. Awesome final picture, too.
Once again, you've made me cry. For those of us in this group that run the long races, we could feel your emotional roller coaster. And we're all SO PROUD of you. You went and did the damn thing. Congratulations.
This is so epic. If you’re anything like me, the thought of running any long distance ever again makes you feel like puking right now, but I’m sure you’ll be out there again sometime in the not too distant future.
Absolute beast of a race, and you finished it running with your son next to you. If that’s not what running’s about, I don’t know what is.
During one of my ultras, I listened to a podcast interview with a Buddhist who referenced the story of Buddha sitting down to tea with Mara. “I see you Mara, now let’s have tea.” It is the best encapsulation of “embracing the suck” I’ve found and my own personal mantra when all I want to do is stop running and binge eat McDonalds.
Amazing stuff, Paul. What an accomplishment. I was running alongside you in solidarity during that brutal run of northeastern heat we had earlier this week. Granted, I was doing about 10% of the distance you ran, but it was still really hot!
Very Jerry! Glad Hunter's words echoed through your mind; I find their music pops into my mind whenever I'm at a strange point in my life. What a long, strange trip that run must have been..
Awesome!!!! And, when I was feeling not great on my own run on Sunday, I thought, " Paul is running a 50K today so surely I can get through this." Thanks for the motivation and for sharing!
I don’t know why this continues to surprise me, but every time I read your stories I start off feeling a little skeptical (“I’m not a runner, so probably I won’t “get” this story...”), but every time you hook me at the very beginning and I read through to the very end. It’s about running on the surface, but really about life in general. With this story I couldn’t help but think about analogies to childbirth. This is how I felt with my 36 hour labor! :-)
Great story. I can't identify with a race that long but yet I completely understand. Congrats on everything and hope recovery goes OK. Awesome final picture, too.
Once again, you've made me cry. For those of us in this group that run the long races, we could feel your emotional roller coaster. And we're all SO PROUD of you. You went and did the damn thing. Congratulations.
This is so epic. If you’re anything like me, the thought of running any long distance ever again makes you feel like puking right now, but I’m sure you’ll be out there again sometime in the not too distant future.
Absolute beast of a race, and you finished it running with your son next to you. If that’s not what running’s about, I don’t know what is.
During one of my ultras, I listened to a podcast interview with a Buddhist who referenced the story of Buddha sitting down to tea with Mara. “I see you Mara, now let’s have tea.” It is the best encapsulation of “embracing the suck” I’ve found and my own personal mantra when all I want to do is stop running and binge eat McDonalds.
Check it out if you’re interested: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-true-refuge/201508/inviting-mara-tea?amp
Not sure what's wrong with me, but this actually makes me want to run this race more.
Hoping the recovery goes well
Amazing stuff, Paul. What an accomplishment. I was running alongside you in solidarity during that brutal run of northeastern heat we had earlier this week. Granted, I was doing about 10% of the distance you ran, but it was still really hot!
Very Jerry! Glad Hunter's words echoed through your mind; I find their music pops into my mind whenever I'm at a strange point in my life. What a long, strange trip that run must have been..
⚡️
I have seen the pic. I'm glad it was you and not me. You're a monster.
I live about 20 miles from Stowe, and I can tell you that Sunday was HOT! And UNREAL humidity.
Great work getting this done Paul!
Truly amazing - had chills and tears while reading this.
Thank you for sharing your story! Letting us in on your process and especially your struggle during the race is truly valuable to us all.
Happy recovery!
Awesome!!!! And, when I was feeling not great on my own run on Sunday, I thought, " Paul is running a 50K today so surely I can get through this." Thanks for the motivation and for sharing!