Amelia. I hear the frustration and pain and questioning in this post. My running goals took a huge turn in 2020 when I moved cross-country and the pandemic made it difficult to find a new running community or to chase the trail running goals I’d been chasing for years. By the time group runs and races were back, my priorities had changed. I still feel a sense of loss about my “former” running life and community (especially this week as friends get ready to run the Superior 100 , the Big Dance of Minnesota trail running) — but running still has taken me to fascinating places here in Seattle (I ran every single street in the city over 4 years!) and keeps me strong to hike and backpack hundreds of miles a year with my kids and leading a Scout troop.
It’s not where I expected to be, but what in life goes as expected? There are so many ways to move in the outdoors, so many ways to chase waterfalls and sunrises and companionship and the whole-body buzz of a full day of activity.
As you begin to seek a new way to still be yourself, I hope you know that you are still YOU, Amelia Boone, strong beyond words, unstoppable, funny, smart, and absolutely enough, always, just as you are.
I feel this so much. It's been a rough couple of years struggling with my body to try to get a comeback together and nothing really cooperating. From broken ribs to strange knee injuries, to the hustle and bustle of life as a podcaster/race director/lawyer it just seems like the universe wants me to have a different relationship with running and I can't seem to give in.
I try to remind myself that although I am the person that can't run more than a few days without a setback, and that I'm in constant pain, I am also the person that did all those things, and may do all those things again. We are not our last accomplishment/failure or our next. We are the collection of all that we have done and said and been. That helps me.
For what it's worth, most of my inspiration and appreciation of you exists outside of fitness. You're positive example, your advocacy, your love of dogs and your enduring positive spirit. Never pause those things.
I don’t know much … but the older I get (62 this year) the more I realize that life isn’t as complicated as I often make it. My daily goal is to make sure that these things are present for me at all times: loving what I do and who I’m with, living in as much joy as possible, having fun in whatever I do, and keeping me as mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy as possible. In the end, everything else is simply things we are here to learn in this physically body on this earthly plane. I love hearing about your journey in the raw and vulnerable way that you express it. You are brave. You are bold. And above all, you are worthy. Keep doing you. It’s all good 🙏❤️
I really feel for you and can relate when you write, "Running and race goals give me purpose and I find joy in the process of achieving them. The thought of not having one to focus my efforts leaves me feeling a bit untethered." But I encourage you to get off the cycle of training and just run for running, at least for now--or not run; it's OK to do something else. Keep in mind you're only 40. Life is long with many chapters. I'm 55 and had some of my best mountain/ultra/trail experiences in the past five years. It'll be there for you when you come back!
Amelia - back yourself as always. Don’t have to win at life just live it. You spread joy wherever you go so I hope you get to absorb some of that for yourself x
Please remember we run to be healthy, not tear our bodies down. You are a wonderful person and you should be so proud of that. Look at the beauty around you and appreciate that. Each day is a gift and we must try to make the best of it. Keep writing. I really enjoy your notes.
Thank you for this piece. It has me examining some of my own choices. I like to say that life is an exercise in learning how to let go. Only in letting go do I feel like we gravitate to the thing that’s the best fit for us. It sounds like you’re processing all this in your own similar way. I hope it leads you to a happy place.
Thank you for your honesty. And it’s where you’re at, and you’re handling it with grace and grit and realism. You have lots of things to look forward to, but perhaps they’ll look a bit different than you planned. I’m 57 and I’m working my way up to a 40-mile ultra this year. So far my trajectory was road marathons starting at 40-y/o and then my first 50k trail run at 55. Do I walk/power hike? Heck yeah. I’m a turtle. But I’m happy. Keep moving forward and that’s all we can do. ❤️
Hi Amelia, I’m not an athlete but I enjoy doing things with my body - hiking, long walks, some jogging / biking. I also became a nurse as a second career - a very physical career. Last year I had a devastating series of health issues that have yet to be resolved. While some were clear - kidney stone, ovarian cysts, my third concussion - most were not. I thankfully found a great rheumatologist after months of not being helped much by doctors. It’s still a long and weird and difficult road. I’ve had to give up many things that I loved or at least put them on pause. Including my nursing career. There are many emotional ups and downs accompanying this. I think some of it may be long covid (and I wonder if the same may be true for you). Some medications have helped. PT has helped sometimes. Some things haven’t helped! Regardless, things are gradually improving and I’ve also found beautiful ways to be happy and engaged - concert-going (sometimes in the ADA section), sitting outside, shorter walks / easier exercise, TV shows, friends, etc. All this is to say that I can imagine some of what you’re going through. But most of all that I see you and appreciate you sharing this in what must be a super confusing time. Sending hugs and appreciation for you and your joyful spirit!!
Thank you for your help and raw honesty. I hope that you will continue writing! It is impactful and much needed. I am experiencing a similar introspection period after a leg ave ankle fracture that changed my course. Although I am not an athlete at your level, the feelings are the same. ❤️
So brave. Our bodies are so very amazing and resilient. It’s often easy to lose sight of all the things that are working well in our bodies and to be grateful for it. Your thoughts are raw and real. Time is on your side, there is not an Olympic cycle to train for or your career at risk. Enjoy getting healthily and invest your time in other pursuits. Read..😊 Thank you for writing.
I've gone through many Cycles in my life. I was a runner for 30 years and had to stop because of back problems. It was my major hoping skill. I had a fast-paced job and was a single parent. I retired at the age of 53, moved out west and realized my life was a whirlwind. I looked around and didn't even know who I was anymore. I didn't know what to do on a daily basis sometimes even an hourly basis. I listen to a podcast about a woman who attended a silent retreat to help her sustain a trek across Antarctica. I thought what the hell so I attended a silent retreat, a couple of them. At the end of the retreat they asked me what I learned and I said I learned I need to practice the art of stopping. And I did that, every day I practice the art of stopping. I refuse to rush I refuse to have too many goals at one time. And, I've learned by slowing down that I enjoy having a few small goals at a time. I've become more aware of that feeling that sneak in telling me okay what's next what's next what's next! I am 61 years old and my life is so peaceful and it's better than ever. I also read a really good book along the way called women rowing North. It was so relatable! Nothing steals my peace anymore. I wish you peace, I know you will find it.
Thanks for sharing Amelia. I have watched your roller coaster snce the early glory days of WTM. I also find myself in a similar point in racing life, not as much injury wise or eating disorder but I can relate. My racing is/was never as prolific as yours though but it was my own goals and glories. Your positivity and hope bring comfort. Hope you continue to thrive.
Sending good thoughts. I have POTS (which is very similar to long COVID), chronic pain and am in recovery and it's so so tough to have to pause or change the physical activities that being you joy. I hope you're able to navigate this in a way that's most helpful for you ❤️
Amelia. I hear the frustration and pain and questioning in this post. My running goals took a huge turn in 2020 when I moved cross-country and the pandemic made it difficult to find a new running community or to chase the trail running goals I’d been chasing for years. By the time group runs and races were back, my priorities had changed. I still feel a sense of loss about my “former” running life and community (especially this week as friends get ready to run the Superior 100 , the Big Dance of Minnesota trail running) — but running still has taken me to fascinating places here in Seattle (I ran every single street in the city over 4 years!) and keeps me strong to hike and backpack hundreds of miles a year with my kids and leading a Scout troop.
It’s not where I expected to be, but what in life goes as expected? There are so many ways to move in the outdoors, so many ways to chase waterfalls and sunrises and companionship and the whole-body buzz of a full day of activity.
As you begin to seek a new way to still be yourself, I hope you know that you are still YOU, Amelia Boone, strong beyond words, unstoppable, funny, smart, and absolutely enough, always, just as you are.
I really appreciate you sharing this, Robyn!!
I feel this so much. It's been a rough couple of years struggling with my body to try to get a comeback together and nothing really cooperating. From broken ribs to strange knee injuries, to the hustle and bustle of life as a podcaster/race director/lawyer it just seems like the universe wants me to have a different relationship with running and I can't seem to give in.
I try to remind myself that although I am the person that can't run more than a few days without a setback, and that I'm in constant pain, I am also the person that did all those things, and may do all those things again. We are not our last accomplishment/failure or our next. We are the collection of all that we have done and said and been. That helps me.
For what it's worth, most of my inspiration and appreciation of you exists outside of fitness. You're positive example, your advocacy, your love of dogs and your enduring positive spirit. Never pause those things.
Thank you Scott - this means a lot to me.
I don’t know much … but the older I get (62 this year) the more I realize that life isn’t as complicated as I often make it. My daily goal is to make sure that these things are present for me at all times: loving what I do and who I’m with, living in as much joy as possible, having fun in whatever I do, and keeping me as mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy as possible. In the end, everything else is simply things we are here to learn in this physically body on this earthly plane. I love hearing about your journey in the raw and vulnerable way that you express it. You are brave. You are bold. And above all, you are worthy. Keep doing you. It’s all good 🙏❤️
I really feel for you and can relate when you write, "Running and race goals give me purpose and I find joy in the process of achieving them. The thought of not having one to focus my efforts leaves me feeling a bit untethered." But I encourage you to get off the cycle of training and just run for running, at least for now--or not run; it's OK to do something else. Keep in mind you're only 40. Life is long with many chapters. I'm 55 and had some of my best mountain/ultra/trail experiences in the past five years. It'll be there for you when you come back!
Thank you Sarah, really appreciate it 🩵🩵
Amelia - back yourself as always. Don’t have to win at life just live it. You spread joy wherever you go so I hope you get to absorb some of that for yourself x
Thank you!!
Please remember we run to be healthy, not tear our bodies down. You are a wonderful person and you should be so proud of that. Look at the beauty around you and appreciate that. Each day is a gift and we must try to make the best of it. Keep writing. I really enjoy your notes.
Thank you for this piece. It has me examining some of my own choices. I like to say that life is an exercise in learning how to let go. Only in letting go do I feel like we gravitate to the thing that’s the best fit for us. It sounds like you’re processing all this in your own similar way. I hope it leads you to a happy place.
Thank you for your honesty. And it’s where you’re at, and you’re handling it with grace and grit and realism. You have lots of things to look forward to, but perhaps they’ll look a bit different than you planned. I’m 57 and I’m working my way up to a 40-mile ultra this year. So far my trajectory was road marathons starting at 40-y/o and then my first 50k trail run at 55. Do I walk/power hike? Heck yeah. I’m a turtle. But I’m happy. Keep moving forward and that’s all we can do. ❤️
go you!!!!
Hi Amelia, I’m not an athlete but I enjoy doing things with my body - hiking, long walks, some jogging / biking. I also became a nurse as a second career - a very physical career. Last year I had a devastating series of health issues that have yet to be resolved. While some were clear - kidney stone, ovarian cysts, my third concussion - most were not. I thankfully found a great rheumatologist after months of not being helped much by doctors. It’s still a long and weird and difficult road. I’ve had to give up many things that I loved or at least put them on pause. Including my nursing career. There are many emotional ups and downs accompanying this. I think some of it may be long covid (and I wonder if the same may be true for you). Some medications have helped. PT has helped sometimes. Some things haven’t helped! Regardless, things are gradually improving and I’ve also found beautiful ways to be happy and engaged - concert-going (sometimes in the ADA section), sitting outside, shorter walks / easier exercise, TV shows, friends, etc. All this is to say that I can imagine some of what you’re going through. But most of all that I see you and appreciate you sharing this in what must be a super confusing time. Sending hugs and appreciation for you and your joyful spirit!!
Thank you for your help and raw honesty. I hope that you will continue writing! It is impactful and much needed. I am experiencing a similar introspection period after a leg ave ankle fracture that changed my course. Although I am not an athlete at your level, the feelings are the same. ❤️
Your journey continues to inspire me! It’s not just your challenging climbs but also how you handle the intimidating descents.
So brave. Our bodies are so very amazing and resilient. It’s often easy to lose sight of all the things that are working well in our bodies and to be grateful for it. Your thoughts are raw and real. Time is on your side, there is not an Olympic cycle to train for or your career at risk. Enjoy getting healthily and invest your time in other pursuits. Read..😊 Thank you for writing.
I've gone through many Cycles in my life. I was a runner for 30 years and had to stop because of back problems. It was my major hoping skill. I had a fast-paced job and was a single parent. I retired at the age of 53, moved out west and realized my life was a whirlwind. I looked around and didn't even know who I was anymore. I didn't know what to do on a daily basis sometimes even an hourly basis. I listen to a podcast about a woman who attended a silent retreat to help her sustain a trek across Antarctica. I thought what the hell so I attended a silent retreat, a couple of them. At the end of the retreat they asked me what I learned and I said I learned I need to practice the art of stopping. And I did that, every day I practice the art of stopping. I refuse to rush I refuse to have too many goals at one time. And, I've learned by slowing down that I enjoy having a few small goals at a time. I've become more aware of that feeling that sneak in telling me okay what's next what's next what's next! I am 61 years old and my life is so peaceful and it's better than ever. I also read a really good book along the way called women rowing North. It was so relatable! Nothing steals my peace anymore. I wish you peace, I know you will find it.
I really appreciate you sharing this and I love to hear it n
Faith in the process....it's a simple concept....it's not easy....but always worth it!
🙏🙏
Thanks for sharing Amelia. I have watched your roller coaster snce the early glory days of WTM. I also find myself in a similar point in racing life, not as much injury wise or eating disorder but I can relate. My racing is/was never as prolific as yours though but it was my own goals and glories. Your positivity and hope bring comfort. Hope you continue to thrive.
Stay positive
Sending good thoughts. I have POTS (which is very similar to long COVID), chronic pain and am in recovery and it's so so tough to have to pause or change the physical activities that being you joy. I hope you're able to navigate this in a way that's most helpful for you ❤️