Runversation: Take on tragedies, turn into an ultrarunner

The Rocky series of movies aren’t about boxing but a collection of all virtues of human life that depict a layman’s journey to achieve greatness. This is well-explained in the legendary dialogue: “Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it... Life’s not about how hard of a hit you can give. It’s about how many you can take, and still keep moving forward”.

Ancient cultures understood the dark night of the soul as a time of transformation. A time when personal strength is tested and the knowledge you’ve gained over the first half of your life is drawn up from the depths of your being and utilised. The tiniest fraction of self-belief can propel you to heights unknown, so believe in yourself despite anything around you.

Colleen Lightbody is a renowned expert on Neuroscience and the workings of the brain. She’s a well-respected speaker, coach, trainer, mentor and a TEDx speaker. It hasn’t been an easy path for her to attain this personal mastery. From being overweight, pregnancy and later to a series of tragic life incidents that required tremendous resilience to overcome and march towards personal glory and success. Colleen says, “Adversities in life are inevitable, accept that. Then know that you only have control over one thing. And that is your response to that adversity. Learn and grow or break.” When life knocks you down, there are only two choices: Get up and move on or stay in that dark pit and live the rest of your life with resentment and regret. The latter will take you nowhere and things will probably get worse with time. So the best option we have is to pick up the broken pieces and start moving forward again. In our darkest hours, a great light awakens inside. Give yourself permission to create all sorts of awesomeness in your life. Allow yourself to want something better. Realise you are worthy and deserving of whatever you feel inspired to want.

Colleen started her running journey by walking around her suburbs. “I registered for a 5k run, that was daunting! Then I entered a 10km race, that was terrifying. Then a 21km. The ultimate in challenges, of course that led to a 42km.” After the age of 42, she challenged herself further. She went on to finish 3 full Ironmans, over 20 half ironmans, 20+ ultras and 30+ marathons. Colleen says, “Prioritise self. And honour self. Then make choices from there.”

Are you having a rough time? You can overcome it. Go, start being the awesome powerful creator you are.

(The writer can be reached at gs.sudhakarrao@gmail. com)