Devon, I'm so grateful to be your athlete, and your friend. I'm even more grateful to be part of this experience of yours. I'm no PT and I'm also not a sport psych, so I'm glad to be able to contribute in other ways (namely driving and gaslighting 😏). One thing for sure is that I got to witness one of the greatest come backs. This write-up encapsulates all of it. I love what Rachel quoted above. That "everything I need I have right now". There's no better way to stay present and focused. Lastly, you'll always be lovable unconditionally.
What a great and timely write-up, and indeed, the story you, and your crew, wrote together. First of all, you are NOT "the only person that believes that I am unloveable". Sadly. But truth. Secondly, to Rachel's "Let's practice problem-solving" - brilliant, just as her "Why not me, what if everything goes right" in her Cocodona recap. And lastly, thank you for a few great thoughts that lead to your comeback and mind-flip: "I finally made the decision that just because the feeling “I need to quit” existed didn’t mean that objectively I did. I could continue to move forward alongside the thought, with the thought. In fact, I realized that the point wasn’t to get rid of the thought of wanting to quit, the point is to just keep moving in spite of it. " THIS is what I must tell myself very, very soon.
“But I also realize that it means that I have held myself back from going on all in. I have protected the future at all costs. But at what point am I going to let the future arrive?”
So many life lessons in here. I am grateful you took the time to share this incredible recap! Congrats!
I absolutely loved this! I read Rachel's perspective on crewing you through this amazing achievement, but to get to read what you were thinking and feeling, and how you managed to resist that urge to give up when every part of you was telling you that you should, is a real inspiration.
And what an amazing crew!
Best of luck for all the other races you have planned for this year, I can't wait to read those stories as well.
This is such a wonderful piece to find when opening Substack for the first time in a long time. Huge congrats, and what an inspiring experience. Thank you for sharing, for your vulnerability, and especially for your strength. Freaking amazing.
Incredible experience and I am grateful you shared this recap, there is so much wisdom here. And you started a new story for yourself 🩵Way to be, way to go!
Devon F****ing YANKO! So amazing, and agree with the comments that there is a lot of wisdom in this essay. Thank you for sharing all that you share! Such an inspiration! CONGRATULATIONS!
This is a beautiful recap of your race. I really enjoy your writing ability! I can relate to things you said about thoughts, feelings, past experiences, etc. I'm not a ultra runner (but a huge fan of the sport). I plan on referring to this article many times in the future as I make efforts to increase health & fitness levels and get this old body back to regular running, hiking & hopefully trail running. Thank you and huge congrats on the race!
Devon, I'm so grateful to be your athlete, and your friend. I'm even more grateful to be part of this experience of yours. I'm no PT and I'm also not a sport psych, so I'm glad to be able to contribute in other ways (namely driving and gaslighting 😏). One thing for sure is that I got to witness one of the greatest come backs. This write-up encapsulates all of it. I love what Rachel quoted above. That "everything I need I have right now". There's no better way to stay present and focused. Lastly, you'll always be lovable unconditionally.
“..because I wanted to write new stories, because I no longer need next time-everything I need I have right now.”
Dude. I am so proud of you. This is everything. You did it!!!!!!! SO MUCH wisdom in this write up. It’ll stick with me for a long time.
What a great and timely write-up, and indeed, the story you, and your crew, wrote together. First of all, you are NOT "the only person that believes that I am unloveable". Sadly. But truth. Secondly, to Rachel's "Let's practice problem-solving" - brilliant, just as her "Why not me, what if everything goes right" in her Cocodona recap. And lastly, thank you for a few great thoughts that lead to your comeback and mind-flip: "I finally made the decision that just because the feeling “I need to quit” existed didn’t mean that objectively I did. I could continue to move forward alongside the thought, with the thought. In fact, I realized that the point wasn’t to get rid of the thought of wanting to quit, the point is to just keep moving in spite of it. " THIS is what I must tell myself very, very soon.
I love so much about this story—and this comment:
“But I also realize that it means that I have held myself back from going on all in. I have protected the future at all costs. But at what point am I going to let the future arrive?”
So many life lessons in here. I am grateful you took the time to share this incredible recap! Congrats!
You had me in tears this morning. What an incredible race and incredible journey you took out there. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I absolutely loved this! I read Rachel's perspective on crewing you through this amazing achievement, but to get to read what you were thinking and feeling, and how you managed to resist that urge to give up when every part of you was telling you that you should, is a real inspiration.
And what an amazing crew!
Best of luck for all the other races you have planned for this year, I can't wait to read those stories as well.
This is such a wonderful piece to find when opening Substack for the first time in a long time. Huge congrats, and what an inspiring experience. Thank you for sharing, for your vulnerability, and especially for your strength. Freaking amazing.
BIG Devon fan. Congratulations! Loved reading this.
Incredible experience and I am grateful you shared this recap, there is so much wisdom here. And you started a new story for yourself 🩵Way to be, way to go!
Love the story and the powerful Hemingway quote, thank you for sharing and inspiring! 🙏🏽🙌🏾
Devon F****ing YANKO! So amazing, and agree with the comments that there is a lot of wisdom in this essay. Thank you for sharing all that you share! Such an inspiration! CONGRATULATIONS!
This is a beautiful recap of your race. I really enjoy your writing ability! I can relate to things you said about thoughts, feelings, past experiences, etc. I'm not a ultra runner (but a huge fan of the sport). I plan on referring to this article many times in the future as I make efforts to increase health & fitness levels and get this old body back to regular running, hiking & hopefully trail running. Thank you and huge congrats on the race!