5 Things I Learned From Trail Running

I just wrapped up the Madrisa 24 trail run this weekend and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of excitement, perseverance, a lot of sweat and just a touch of déjà vu. 

This marked my third time hitting those trails and as I pushed through every step, it made me think of the parallels between long-distance trail running and the journey of stroke recovery that many of us are on.

Vibing: 

On Saturday, five minutes before the start, my heart was thumping (through my chest) and I got that butterfly feeling that you often get when you’re going to jump into newness. I was in the zone, but easily could have lost it. The starting vibes are a strange mix of uncertainty and courage – the promise of a new adventure. 

Not unlike our own starting points in recovery, your success or failure is all down to you and how you muddle through. 

Flying, Climbing & Coordinating: 

There was a decent amount of climbing and an even greater amount of unpredictability on the run. If you would have seen inside my mind as I crossed the second suspension bridge (reciting the mantra “big, fat, fluffy cat” given to me by my youngest) you would have seen a masterclass in multitasking. 

Don’t look down!

Keep steady!

Hang on to the handrails!

Keep moving forward!

In trail running, I've come to realize that unpredictability is a beast of its own.

Turns out, surviving a stroke can feel oddly similar – balancing therapy, life's challenges, and your dignity all at once. 

Calling on the Village:

At a certain tricky part during the race, we were running on a path with roots, rocks and a cliff to our right. It took all of my concentration to put one foot in front of the other. Someone came up behind me, as I was running slowly, and before I could get stressed out to let her pass, she said in a very calm voice, “just trust your feet”. 

I wanted to hug that lady with her pink walking sticks. Knowing you’re not alone in the journey makes all the difference.

Falling Down:

I had almost made it to the 24K mark, but on the last bit, right before the trail ended and we were running to the finish mark, I fell. It was slippery, my legs were wobbly and I just lost control. It was difficult to get up. Through my tears, I had one goal – “I’m not going to end here!” 

Falling down doesn't define you – it's your refusal to stay down that matters.

Celebrating:

When we got to the finish line, it was half an hour later than my expected finish time and 15 minutes later than my husband's predicted finish timing. 

But you know what?? I still made it! And that my friends, was a cause for a huge celebration! 

Recovery is a long haul - and what you see on your journey is breathtaking. 

As I crossed the finish line for the third time at the Madrisa Trail Run, I couldn't help but make parallels between running and surviving a stroke. It's like life's little cosmic joke, reminding us that sometimes the most unexpected teachers are the ones covered in mud and sweat or the total from-out-of-the-blue wallops such as a stroke. 

Keep on vibing, flying, calling, falling and celebrating! One step, one laugh and one unexpected opportunity at a time.