Who You Surround Yourself With Matters
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You Weren’t Meant to Run Alone Hey Reader, This past weekend, something special happened at the Prairie Spirit 100. I was out there testing out my knee and pushing through another 100-mile race. I'll probably speak to that more in a future podcast. I had some observations as I watched others around me. Sure, there were some strong runners. Some big, crazy, buckle-worthy efforts. Records broken. And plenty of grit on display. But what stood out most to me wasn’t just the fast miles logged—it was the support. A group of Kansas ultrarunners—proudly known as the Buckle Heads—showed up for each other in a way that reminded me why I love this sport. They weren’t just out there for themselves. They were pacing, crewing, waiting at aid stations, and cheering each other on in the middle of the night. They didn’t just celebrate their own finishes—they celebrated each other’s. That kind of community is rare in society today. But it's such a great part of our sport....and it's powerful. It reminded me of something I’ve seen time and time again in ultrarunning and life: Your "Crew" Can Make or Break the RaceBy "crew" I don't mean your "race crew". I'm talking about the people you hang with. I'm talking about your homies! In ultrarunning, we know that the hardest miles usually come in the dark. When your legs are toast. When you start questioning why you’re even out there. When your mind whispers, “Just quit.” And that’s when your crew matters most. In life, it’s no different.
The voices around you make all the difference. Are they reminding you of who you are—or who you used to be? Wisdom from ScriptureThe Bible speaks directly to this truth:
You become like the people you spend the most time with. That can be encouraging… or a wake-up call. The Buckle Heads Got It RightWhat I saw this weekend wasn’t just a group of runners—it was a crew of encouragers, challengers, and uplifters. They weren’t perfect, but they were present. They brought snacks, smiles, and strength when someone else needed it most.
"You’re not alone. We’ve got you. And you can finish."
That’s what we all need, right?
This Week, Take a Look at Your Circle...your "Crew"Ask yourself:
Because the truth is: you weren’t meant to run alone. We were made for community. This week, run with people who lift you up—and be someone who lifts others....on the trail and in life. On the journey, David |
Run the Riot
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