This past weekend I ran 80.38 miles up and down the same set of stairs (the Rocky steps) in 24 hours while gaining almost 14,000 feet of elevation all without any sleep. For those that have been following along, this is the second year in a row that I’ve done this (last year I completed 74.4 miles).
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The reason – to support local families (through the Legacy of Hope) who are facing the hunger and homelessness because of cancer. There was a lot of pain this year but no matter how much I was hurting on the steps, I couldn’t help but feel privileged to continue doing hard things for those who don’t have a choice. The experience was yet again, an epic chance to push limits of what I thought was possible alongside of some incredible humans doing the same. To top it all off, this took place on Michaela’s (my wife’s) birthday and she was so gracious to not only allow me to participate on her special day but to sacrifice in order to support me through it – she is THE BEST and I can’t emphasize enough how nothing that I do is possible without her (I love you).
There’s no real purpose to writing this blog other than a bit of introspection and documentation for me to look back on down the road. One thing that I would like to highlight is that looking back on the experience, I almost can’t believe how far I went and how hard I pushed. It feels important to express this because in different states of mind and different circumstances, we believe that different things are possible. When I was in the thick of climbing the stairs, in the middle of the night and in pain, I knew that I could keep going and that I had no choice but to carry on. However, sitting here at home, in the comfort that it provides, it feels near impossible to repeat that performance.
Our environment and circumstances shape our expectations. When we’re in the right environment (with the right people) and doing things in meaningful circumstances (for good reasons), we can tap into something extra that isn’t found in times of comfort and convenience.
With that being said, none of this was about me.
This experience and this life is so much more than any one of us as individuals. If there’s one thing that I’ll take away from this year’s experience is that life feels good when we arms and doing hard things with good people to support other people (even if it hurts). I still have a lot of reflecting to do (and need to figure out how to continue the run streak) but would love to leave you with this simple thought for now…
There are so many people who don’t have the chance to do hard things because they are no longer here to experience this life. If you’re having a tough week, take a deep breath and remember that time is precious and life is a gift. The option to choose our hard is an immense privilege and the truth is that there is no strength without struggle. If you’re interested in hearing more thoughts on this weekend, here’s a short podcast episode recap…
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Now, I’m going to ice the foot and leave you with a quote!
“The great art of life is sensation, to feel that we exist, even in pain”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do hard things.
Joe Rinaldi
IG: @joearinaldi
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