Some years ago, when I had my first fibular stress fracture, I wasn't sure why I should bother continuing to run, though I had been running for many years and through many injuries. But this one was really, really hard. I decided to try again, and on a whim I messaged you through your website about how your recovery from your stress fractures was an inspiration to me. And you emailed me back! You were a famous person on magazine covers, and I was a slow recreational runner who contacted you out of nowhere, but you were kind and supportive and I was amazed.
I printed out your email and taped it up over the bike trainer that I was using to rehab. And I got back to running. I've had two more stress fractures since that first one, but I still come back to running. I'm never going to be fast, but I'm persistent.
Sponsors or not, you are still one of my idols. Not because you win, but because you care, because you're a beautiful writer, and because you keep doing it for the joy of it.
Urgh, this makes me so mad! The invisibility of the ‘ageing’ athlete; no longer ‘worthy’ of sponsors, magazine covers, freebies etc. You, Amelia Boone, are legitimately the athlete we all need to see; talented, determined, strong, honest, vulnerable, smart, passionate, resilient, and above all else, relatable. And that laugh of yours! Gold! You would be my first choice of athlete to sponsor if I owned a company in the outdoor sports realm (we actually do, but it’s pre-manufacturing phase atm). Amelia, I hope one day you come to NZ, or we cross paths somewhere else in the world, running with smiles for miles (or kms). You are a bloody GEM!!
Once again I can relate to your writing. We are constantly changing, finding new interests, hobbies and goals to pursue. Experiences and goals that once drove us to be the best we could be no longer even resonate or stir interest. It’s wonderful to grow in experience and wisdom. Lately with all the media attention on Caitlin Clark I’ve thought ugh why didn’t I play basketball or try to in college, why was I so afraid to look athletic, and be different. Anyway it’s really ok life is a journey and we change and it feels doable all theses changes, actually I LOVE IT!!! xo Dawn 61 from Broomfield ( even older woman like me can learn from you and your wisdom )
Maybe life is a series of peaks, and once you've had your peak performance as an athlete, the next peak is teaching, or in advocacy, or some other thing. We contain multitudes.
I'm also of the mind that being a "professional" ____ is external validation and can be rewarding in some respects, but it also means that someone thinks they can make money off of you. Most artists don't make money until others think they can make money (venues, record labels, studios, etc.) from your skill. Same for athletes. You don't get endorsement deals /sponsors unless someone thinks that putting your face/body/name on their product will make them money. There's no shame in being an artist with a day job, and there's no shame in being an athlete with one. Also doesn't make you not a real pro if you still prefer to keep the consistency of the day job. Most authors have day jobs. Still professional writers.
For me being a regular person that runs and had an injury- it’s interesting to read about a professionals experience- it feels down to earth. so thank you.
One of the beautiful things about sport (especially, I think, individual sport), is that we're free to discover new layers of meaning and motivation for ourselves as we go. It's kind of like the range of emotions we might experience on a long run, but extended over a lifetime... From "I am so strong," to "Why am I doing this?" and all points between. Just move through it with an open heart and mind, and keep sharing the journey. Other athletes need it. Thank you!
I can relate to this in so many ways (minus the beef jerky commercial! lol). It's nice to know I'm not alone in processing a shifting relationship with running--brought on by age, yes, but also a general sentiment: I've tried so hard at this for so long that maybe it's time for something new? The pull to feel "relevant" is so strong, especially if you've shared your running life online, but I think there's something to be said for being relevant to ourselves...in whatever form that might take.
oh so much this! "Relevancy", especially in our social media age, is this inescapable goal, it seems (I'm guilty of it myself). I don't want it to affect me as much as it does, but it certainly weighs on my mind...
Love the humour coming through but honestly was hoping the footnotes would include a linkage to the beef jerky advert ! Keep your writings coming as you never know who you help. I am coming up to 60 and accepting it’s time to let my business go as I have lost the desire of previous years. Your words encourage me to keep pushing until my last day in the office. I hope you helping an oldie doesn’t offend 😳
I’m no where near your class but I define myself and am defined by others as being ‘the runner’. But I long to be an anonymous runner so I can enjoy myself more - the stress and pressure of being the runner is almost paralysing - but here we are. Nearly 47 and feeling the effects of every event, knowing I’m clinging on to what people think is impressive by my fingernails!
As a long time recovering ED it makes it all the more difficult because perfection is *everything*!
I need to find something a bit easier to be defined by because my poor body just can’t take it! 😂😂. Or maybe just stop competing. But then who am I? I’m pretty sure I’m not that good at anything else!
As usual thanks for your honesty and your relatability. With similar backgrounds (apart from the elite athlete bit!) I feel like you are often saying what is in my heart and mind. Keep writing as you are an inspiration! ❤️
Hi, illuminating and honest as ever. Again part of your disclosure gas resonated with me. I turn fifty later this week and as a celebration and gift to myself I planned to run an ultra through the mountains of North Wales. Alas a torn anterior tibialis has somewhat delayed this. Such a milestone has stimulated an internal discourse of reflection that has given rise to feelings that need addressing. As for an interest in you and relevance. It is not the podiums and titles that do it for me. It is your mindset and the sharing of that keeps you on a pedestal. For this you will forever remain and inspiration and therefore my PC screensaver (and background) which allows me to share your greatness with those who ask, "who's that?", my response being, she's an inspiration. Thank you again for sharing and continuing to inspire.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Happy Birthday and I'm so sorry to hear about your delayed adventure - I know you'll get to it (when the body is ready!)
I first discovered you when you were on the cover of Runner's World magazine, and I was in awe of your full-time career alongside of your athletic journey and accolades. That's what started me listening to your stories. Then, when you began to open up about your personal life, that's what has made me stay and truly, deeply listen. You've inspired me to not only keep lacing up my running shoes but to also be more open and vulnerable... to share my personal stories with those around me, which has helped me, both mentally and physically. So, I greatly appreciate you being so open and continuing to share your stories and bringing inspiration to all of us that are following along! ❤️
I just love reading your story, your experience and your take on it. It feels raw and true. You do give less and less fucks about all of it as you get wiser and oh yeah older. But you do get more and more grateful for every time you get to do the things that bring you joy.
You’re an excellent writer. Thank you for sharing your ever evolving story with us with such honesty and power. I’m an environmental engineer who works with a lot of lawyers and generally find many of them to be great writers, able to get to the point without rushing past it. It’s inspiring to an amateur runner, writer, and reluctant engineer. Didn’t get my license until 44 so yeah, past my prime too, with no intention of slowing down. If you’re up for it, I’m sure many folks would love to read about why you were drawn to law school before your prime.
Some years ago, when I had my first fibular stress fracture, I wasn't sure why I should bother continuing to run, though I had been running for many years and through many injuries. But this one was really, really hard. I decided to try again, and on a whim I messaged you through your website about how your recovery from your stress fractures was an inspiration to me. And you emailed me back! You were a famous person on magazine covers, and I was a slow recreational runner who contacted you out of nowhere, but you were kind and supportive and I was amazed.
I printed out your email and taped it up over the bike trainer that I was using to rehab. And I got back to running. I've had two more stress fractures since that first one, but I still come back to running. I'm never going to be fast, but I'm persistent.
Sponsors or not, you are still one of my idols. Not because you win, but because you care, because you're a beautiful writer, and because you keep doing it for the joy of it.
This means the world to me - thank you for sharing that! 🩵🩵
Urgh, this makes me so mad! The invisibility of the ‘ageing’ athlete; no longer ‘worthy’ of sponsors, magazine covers, freebies etc. You, Amelia Boone, are legitimately the athlete we all need to see; talented, determined, strong, honest, vulnerable, smart, passionate, resilient, and above all else, relatable. And that laugh of yours! Gold! You would be my first choice of athlete to sponsor if I owned a company in the outdoor sports realm (we actually do, but it’s pre-manufacturing phase atm). Amelia, I hope one day you come to NZ, or we cross paths somewhere else in the world, running with smiles for miles (or kms). You are a bloody GEM!!
Aw thank you Rachel this means so much! I would loooooove to come down there - one day hopefully soon!
Once again I can relate to your writing. We are constantly changing, finding new interests, hobbies and goals to pursue. Experiences and goals that once drove us to be the best we could be no longer even resonate or stir interest. It’s wonderful to grow in experience and wisdom. Lately with all the media attention on Caitlin Clark I’ve thought ugh why didn’t I play basketball or try to in college, why was I so afraid to look athletic, and be different. Anyway it’s really ok life is a journey and we change and it feels doable all theses changes, actually I LOVE IT!!! xo Dawn 61 from Broomfield ( even older woman like me can learn from you and your wisdom )
Thank you so much Dawn! Appreciate you reading ❤️
Maybe life is a series of peaks, and once you've had your peak performance as an athlete, the next peak is teaching, or in advocacy, or some other thing. We contain multitudes.
I'm also of the mind that being a "professional" ____ is external validation and can be rewarding in some respects, but it also means that someone thinks they can make money off of you. Most artists don't make money until others think they can make money (venues, record labels, studios, etc.) from your skill. Same for athletes. You don't get endorsement deals /sponsors unless someone thinks that putting your face/body/name on their product will make them money. There's no shame in being an artist with a day job, and there's no shame in being an athlete with one. Also doesn't make you not a real pro if you still prefer to keep the consistency of the day job. Most authors have day jobs. Still professional writers.
I love the idea of multitudes and it’s so true!
For me being a regular person that runs and had an injury- it’s interesting to read about a professionals experience- it feels down to earth. so thank you.
All the same struggle! Thanks for reading
One of the beautiful things about sport (especially, I think, individual sport), is that we're free to discover new layers of meaning and motivation for ourselves as we go. It's kind of like the range of emotions we might experience on a long run, but extended over a lifetime... From "I am so strong," to "Why am I doing this?" and all points between. Just move through it with an open heart and mind, and keep sharing the journey. Other athletes need it. Thank you!
I love this, thank you!
You are still inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
I can relate to this in so many ways (minus the beef jerky commercial! lol). It's nice to know I'm not alone in processing a shifting relationship with running--brought on by age, yes, but also a general sentiment: I've tried so hard at this for so long that maybe it's time for something new? The pull to feel "relevant" is so strong, especially if you've shared your running life online, but I think there's something to be said for being relevant to ourselves...in whatever form that might take.
oh so much this! "Relevancy", especially in our social media age, is this inescapable goal, it seems (I'm guilty of it myself). I don't want it to affect me as much as it does, but it certainly weighs on my mind...
Sounds like you've figured it out and know what you need and want out of this and that's what matters.
"you just gotta keep livin"
Love the humour coming through but honestly was hoping the footnotes would include a linkage to the beef jerky advert ! Keep your writings coming as you never know who you help. I am coming up to 60 and accepting it’s time to let my business go as I have lost the desire of previous years. Your words encourage me to keep pushing until my last day in the office. I hope you helping an oldie doesn’t offend 😳
hahaha sadly they took it down!! I wish I had the link still.
Such a relevant piece and so very well written.
I’m no where near your class but I define myself and am defined by others as being ‘the runner’. But I long to be an anonymous runner so I can enjoy myself more - the stress and pressure of being the runner is almost paralysing - but here we are. Nearly 47 and feeling the effects of every event, knowing I’m clinging on to what people think is impressive by my fingernails!
As a long time recovering ED it makes it all the more difficult because perfection is *everything*!
I need to find something a bit easier to be defined by because my poor body just can’t take it! 😂😂. Or maybe just stop competing. But then who am I? I’m pretty sure I’m not that good at anything else!
As usual thanks for your honesty and your relatability. With similar backgrounds (apart from the elite athlete bit!) I feel like you are often saying what is in my heart and mind. Keep writing as you are an inspiration! ❤️
ah I feel all of this!
Hi, illuminating and honest as ever. Again part of your disclosure gas resonated with me. I turn fifty later this week and as a celebration and gift to myself I planned to run an ultra through the mountains of North Wales. Alas a torn anterior tibialis has somewhat delayed this. Such a milestone has stimulated an internal discourse of reflection that has given rise to feelings that need addressing. As for an interest in you and relevance. It is not the podiums and titles that do it for me. It is your mindset and the sharing of that keeps you on a pedestal. For this you will forever remain and inspiration and therefore my PC screensaver (and background) which allows me to share your greatness with those who ask, "who's that?", my response being, she's an inspiration. Thank you again for sharing and continuing to inspire.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Happy Birthday and I'm so sorry to hear about your delayed adventure - I know you'll get to it (when the body is ready!)
I first discovered you when you were on the cover of Runner's World magazine, and I was in awe of your full-time career alongside of your athletic journey and accolades. That's what started me listening to your stories. Then, when you began to open up about your personal life, that's what has made me stay and truly, deeply listen. You've inspired me to not only keep lacing up my running shoes but to also be more open and vulnerable... to share my personal stories with those around me, which has helped me, both mentally and physically. So, I greatly appreciate you being so open and continuing to share your stories and bringing inspiration to all of us that are following along! ❤️
thank you Tiffany - this really means a lot to me. Appreciate it so much <3
I just love reading your story, your experience and your take on it. It feels raw and true. You do give less and less fucks about all of it as you get wiser and oh yeah older. But you do get more and more grateful for every time you get to do the things that bring you joy.
Thank you D!!! ❤️❤️
You’re an excellent writer. Thank you for sharing your ever evolving story with us with such honesty and power. I’m an environmental engineer who works with a lot of lawyers and generally find many of them to be great writers, able to get to the point without rushing past it. It’s inspiring to an amateur runner, writer, and reluctant engineer. Didn’t get my license until 44 so yeah, past my prime too, with no intention of slowing down. If you’re up for it, I’m sure many folks would love to read about why you were drawn to law school before your prime.
Yessssss!