Right now, I am sitting in my bed with my MacBook Pro propped up on a pillow. The reason is that I can’t walk…yet. I ran 50 miles through the night Saturday and finished just as the sun was rising on Sunday morning. It was to raise money for cancer research for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Along the way I learned a lot! Here I am going to share with you 5 Lessons I will never forget.
5 Lessons I Will Never Forget From Running 50 Miles
(in no particular order)
Lesson #1: Life does not always go as planned.
So here I was after 10 weeks of training with no injuries, cruising along with confidence coursing through my veins. Then on mile 15 something happened…it was not good. My left knee suddenly screamed in pain. With each stride it became more and more intense. As I continued the pain became so great that I had to stop, put my hands on my knees and convince myself it wasn’t serious.
The pain was searing much like a jagged steak knife and I felt like I was going to vomit. At one point, I threw up in my mouth and just swallowed it, laughed a little and kept running.
Life does not always go as planned but that does not mean it’s the end. It just means you have to modify your plan and find another way. Whatever your goal is you must BE SO DETERMINED THAT THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION EXCEPT VICTORY.
Lesson #2: Seek the Wisdom of the Masters
When I set the goal of running 50 miles in front of 300 people at the BB3 Rapid Fire Seminar, I knew that I needed help. At that point, I had not run anything close to 50 miles. In fact, I hadn’t run more than 5 miles in years. Any time I have a goal I always hire a coach and not just any coach I find someone who lives it and is highly successful at coaching others. The man I hired is Stu Mittleman. Just to give you a few of his accomplishments. He is in the World Ultra Marathon Hall of Fame. He has run 1,000 miles in 11 days and he has run from San Diego to New York City. On his way to New York he was scheduled to appear on the Today Show. The problem was he was running so fast he was too early. The producers asked him to slow down, he said “I will just take the long way.”
If it were not for Stu’s coaching I would not have been successful. His wisdom and experience propelled me from novice to advanced in weeks rather than years. The lesson here is don’t let your ego get in your way. If you read a few books or have been training for years that does not mean you know it all. I have coaches all year round depending on my goal. It makes a massive difference and its a great way to get to your goal faster without making as many mistakes.
Lesson #3: Pain is an Opportunity to Become More or Less
Many times throughout my training for the event I endured pain. I would run between 1 and 4 hours per day often times I had worked all day and last thing that I wanted to do was go run at 9pm for 2 hours then wake up at 5am. That was a mental pain that I had to overcome. Just committing to putting my shoes on and starting took care of that.
Physical pain was at its greatest during the 50 mile run. I honestly can’t say I have ever felt that intense level of pain for such a prolonged period of time. There was one particular moment when a thought came into my head “what if I can’t do it?” I was on mile 18 and I could not bend my knee more than a few inches. Any weight on my leg sent a sharp shooting pain through my entire body. Even in this state, I looked around at my friends, at the cancer survivors and I knew I would find a way…even if I had to crawl I was going to finish.
It is in moments of great pain, of great challenge, of the greatest adversity that we have an opportunity to become more. These are the moments when our character is forged into something to be proud of. This is where you go from living like a lamb to living like a LION.
It is also in these moments if we choose the easy way out that we become less. We grow mentally and physically weak. We lose confidence in ourselves and our abilities. We retreat to our comfort zone where our dreams slowly die. Never give in to the pain. Embrace its gift.
Lesson #4: Live Your Own Legend
Everyone I have ever met loves movies. They love to see how ordinary people overcome immense adversity, betrayal, and even death and become extraordinary as a result. Even the people who simply act the roles are idolized as if they really did it. Mel Gibson was never Braveheart, Tom Cruise was never really a spy, Russell Crowe was not really a Gladiator and Angelina Jolie never ran around as Lara Croft except in movie land. They are all awesome but they simply acted like they were doing these things. You can live it.
Each of us is extraordinary. Don’t let life live you. Go live life. Let’s face it. Sometimes life is going to kick your ass but that doesn’t mean you can’t kick its ass. When things are going good we tend to wait for something bad to happen. Rather than wait for your demise, go out and do something EPIC! Do something legendary. You have it in you. For me, I ran 50 miles for a good cause to challenge myself, to condition my mind to endure adversity and see what I’m made of. For you it will be completely different. It’s for you to decide.
Lesson #5: Make a Difference in the Lives of Others & It will Make a Difference in Yours.
There is a great song that is called “You Get What You Give” by the Free Radicals. I think it is on everyone of my playlists on my Ipod. It reminds me of the simple fact that life is not about getting things but by giving and helping others…by serving rather demanding do we truly receive.
I have run into many people who believe they are entitled to more money, more fame, more happiness. Yet they complain, bitch, moan and criticize others about how its not fair that this person has this and they only have that. This is destructive thinking. They are focused only upon themselves. While they are dedicating their energy to bringing others down, they fail to realize the people they complain about are successful because they focus on serving others and making a difference.
TEAM BB3 Ran over 150 miles as a team and raised almost $30,000 to help fight cancer. You are all AMAZING!
When I was running I was touched by how many people came out to support me. Many of my friends who are clients of ours came out and stayed the entire night. I did not run a single lap alone. There was always a group of extraordinary souls around me. What I learned was that the love and support of your friends and family is the most powerful fuel of all. And the way to fill your tank with that fuel is only by loving and supporting others and serving to the best of your ability.
Bonus Lesson: Mile 51
After I completed 50 miles and after many hugs, much gratitude and congratulations, I did an extra mile. Why? Because “always go the extra mile” is a saying that has stood the test of time and I could think of no better way to live it than to do it.
When you show the world your best, you bring out the best in the world.
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Great post, hope the knee heals fast!
Thanks Michael!!! I will be back stronger and better than ever…ready for the next challenge. ONWARD!
I am so lucky to have you as a friend. You are a true inspiration. So much for all of us to learn from your experience. Your commitment, dedication, humility, strength, and huge heart is beyond words. What an accomplishment. So proud of you and what you have done for the ACS and what we all learned from it.
Thank you Michelle, You are one of my greatest friends and I can’t thank you enough for your support. You are AWESOME! 🙂
You are awesome. You hit upon everyone of the training principles we try to reinforce during a training season at Team in Training. You said it so much more concise. Thanks for your wisdom & the support of a great cause. It’s because of your attitude & your staffs that keep me returning to BB3. see you soon. Get well & walk man walk.
Alison, you are my inspiration! I actually thought of how you had your knee transplant and are now back at it! I love how you are RELENTLESS!!! 🙂
I’ve read this post several times. Each time I am dazed by your determination to succeed, just as each time I talk to you, I come away with a sense that “to not succeed” isn’t a part of your make-up. As tho “to not succeed” = a swarm of mosquitoes and you are not touched by them. Your body is impervious to mosquitoes. They light upon your skin but they take nothing away from you and leave no remnant of their passing as pain & fear would scar another. It’s just not an issue. Failure isn’t an option, isn’t in your vocabulary, isn’t in your make-up.
Well, shoot! If you can do it, so can I! HAH!
(but i’m not interested in running 51 miles lol)
Sylvia, I love your comment! Lol! Just know that you can run 51 miles too if you wanted to. It is mostly about wanting it bad enough and having iron discipline and absolute faith. Faith wipes away Fear.
Simply amazing, Billy. You inspire everyone. When I returned to town early in the AM and heard the ruckus, it was epic. I knew you had just done what you set out to do. Congrats!
Thanks Tim! I really appreciate the kind words and I’m glad we didn’t wake you up! 🙂
Billy – thank you; for your dedication, for your inpsiration, for your acomplishment, for your example, for what you’ve done for ACS and people effected by cancer. It is an honor to bear witness to this amazing exhibit of the beauty and ability of the human spirit. If good wishes can speed your recovery, and I think they can, you’re knee will be 100% and your reserves will be overflowing in no time flat!
Thanks Roxy! 🙂 Good wishes are working…I can stand and I just did 150 push-ups 🙂
Inspiration overload…. cancer has another enemy….thanks
Thank you Ed!
5 lessons we should all live by and learn from! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!! Just coming back from Lynn Cancer Center for my routine checkup , I read this, and WOW, it will be a reminder for me to never quit, but preserver and run the race of life! Well done Billy!! Thank you!
Thank you Linda, You are an inspiration to say the least 🙂
Congrats Billy. That story is unbelievable! You are amazing.
Thanks Phil! I appreciate that brother! 🙂
So proud of you Billy, very much touched for your accomplishment. I feel blessed to be part of your live.
ItÂ’s all about GIVING and SERVING Â…Â…and you always do!!!
Be well soon 🙂
Thank You Diana! You are awesome! 🙂
What you were able to accomplish at RFL of Weston is nothing less than extraordinary. I never once doubted you’d be able to finish. Running with you and my brother is an experience I’ll cherish forever. I am proud to know you and call you a friend. I’m sure there are a bunch of lions somewhere saying “Live Like a Billy.”
LOL! “Live Like a BillY” that’s funny Ross! I can’t thank you and your brother enough for running with me. You two had to have run 20 miles (without training for it) that is inspiring to me. Thanks brother! You are a great friend!
Your inner strength and powerful mind is like no one else’s I have ever met! I learn so much from you every time a take the time to stop what I am doing to read your blogs. This blog has definitely change the way I train and better myself to a healthier and leaner life. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary lessons learned! Congratulations from me to you is not even enough for what you have done to help so many others.
Thank you for being the gift you are to so many! Your fan for life!
Claudia, Thank you soooo much for the kind words. I really appreciate it. You have achieved a lot this year and the best is yet to come… 🙂
Absolutely Amazing Billy! Not only is this an awesome post but the fact that you didn’t give in after tweaking your knee on mile 15! I’m Speechless…really! Your the BEST!
Thank you Ken! You are AWESOME!
Great stuff Billy (as usual)! Something tells me you knew these lessons well before your run, you’re a smart man. My wife and I appreciate your efforts in raising awareness and research funds to fight cancer. As a spouse of cancer survivor, I can tell you this disease effects the person and everyone that supports them. We actively support the ACS here in NJ, and God-willing maybe someday in the Florida too. Our very best to you and your team. Thank you so much.
Thank you Tyrone! You are a warrior brother and you do a lot of good in the world, I admire that about you. 🙂
Billy, your post brought me tears of joy. In all my years of working out,, I have never come across a trainer as passionate,dedicated and knowledgable as you! I feel blessed to be under your guidance! You truly are an inspiration! Congratulations!!!
Thank you Jenni! It is an honor to be at your service. 🙂
Billy- I watched you and all the runners throughout the night and knew that you were in pain, but had no idea to the extent. You proved, along with the others, that anything is possible with determination and courage. SO happy that you had this incredible accomplishment at the Relay this year! Can’t wait to see how you will top it next year!!!:)
Thank you Beth 🙂 Next year…I’m already thinking of the next challenge.
Billy, thank you for the best post ever and rasing money for such a great cause. I cannot tell you how many times I woke up through out the night, looked at the clock and said a prayer for strength and endurance. John, Matthew and I had the honor of giving you an encouraging hug at mile 13 and we knew by your strengh and attitude, nothing would stop you short of the goal….you not only hit the goal but you surpassed it, BB3 style….you are beyong amazing!!!!
In a world full of people afraid to set goals, afraid to take the blind step of faith, you have proven that any goal can be reached if you work harder than you ever have and believe. Thank you for being such a wonderful inspriation to all of us BB3 students. We are in awe of you each and every day. May you one day look around and really see all the people you have inspired to be the best they can be….thank you!!!!
Can hardly wait for your next goal……
Thank you so much Ann…and for your entire family for their support. It was great seeing you all there. It energized me to continue. As for the next goal…Its already in the works. Hahahahaha(SPARTAN LAUGH)
Reading about your journey is extremely inspiring and cements my belief that one can truly achieve great things if the belief is there. Go Billy!
Anabel…you know it! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!! 🙂
When I arrived at Cypress Bay’s track Saturday nite- the light’s were out, the music was somber, the place was filled- and I was completely blown away. I thought that would be the most moving portion of the event. Well, boy was I proven wrong. It was the site of YOU running that track, never stopping, unable to walk at times, and the thumbs up you gave to the BB3 tent each and every time you passed. It was an honor to see it, share it, experience it, and feel it!! And then getting to share that victory lap with you when the sun reemerged and you hit that 200th LAP!! Once again, you are a true hero and Stu and I are honored to know you and have you in our lives.
“But when the night is falling
And you cannot find the light
If you feel your dream is dying
Hold tight
You’ve got the music in you
Don’t let go
You’ve got the music in you
One dance left
This world is gonna pull through
Don’t give up
You’ve got a reason to live
Can’t forget you only get what you give”
Thank you Tammy! and to Stu for being there for me and being part of the BB3 Family. love you guys! 🙂
Billy, i am not easily inspired or impressed but you have managed to do both for me. What an amazing thing you did not only for cancer but for all who know you and for those who wish they could know and learn from you. As i have told you before i am so proud to be part of the BB3 family!!! YOU HAVE THE HEART AND SOUL OF A LION!!!
Thank you Susan! 🙂 It is an honor to have you as part of our BB3 Family! 🙂 You are the best!
Billy, watching you fight through the night was an amazing and humbling experience. I have never been a runner, even when younger and fit it was not my exercize of choice, and so runners fascinate me. I was nearby when you doubled over on the track and all I could think was “he can’t quit, it will hurt him more to quit”. Much later on I was amazed to see you sprinting with the other runners down the long side. Because of you out on the track, I stayed up and walked 10 miles. I believe and try to live what you’ve said about being in service to others – making a difference – which is why I Relay instead of just being pissed that I got cancer 7 years ago (and am thankfully healthy now). Now I’m going to look for those “epic” opportunities too – not sure what yet, but I’ll find them. Thank you Billy. Heal fast!
Thank you Linda…your words touched my heart. I really appreciate you taking the time to share that. The fact that you stayed up and walked 10 miles is EPIC! and that fact that you conquered cancer is not just epic but AMAZING! Thank you for being an inspiration. 🙂
After reading your post, I truly am left speechless. Words cannot express the enormity of your courage and commitment nor the depth of your heart and soul. Your journey is a true inspiration to anyone who doubts what the mind can allow the body to accomplish. That last mile that you did, after reaching your goal of 50 miles, is the ultimate expression of a positive mindset. From now on, when I reach a goal, I’m going to remember that extra mile of yours, set a new goal, and keep marching forward. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you Lisa 🙂
Billy – I am HONORED that you chose our Relay to accomplish this! WOW! It is truly an honor to have met you! F A N T A S T I C! God Bless you for your dedication and your efforts in the FIGHT AGAINST CANCER!!!! Just awesome. 🙂
Thank YOU Joy for your tireless efforts to make the Relay a success 🙂
I was excited to learn about your 50 mile run at the Network Conference. The fact that you made it for one additional mile shows incredible character. I’ll be sharing your story for many years to come. Thanks for the inspiration Billy!
Thank you Mandy! It was great meeting you at the conference! 🙂
So glad we got to see you as you started toward your goal!!! You looked like you were on fire ready to bring it and you sure did… The extra mile. Amazing. You truly are a great inspiration to darin and I. Big HUG from us and little M 🙂
Thanks so much for your support Jess. Love you Darin and little M 🙂
PAIN IS TEMPORARY, PRIDE IS FOREVER. NICELY DONE DUDE. ALWAYS LIVE BY EXAMPLE. HEAL WELL.
CARLOS LEVY
Thanks Doc!!! Coming from you that is a great compliment! I know you have your IRONMAN coming up. As soon as I can walk, I owe you a visit. 🙂 thanks brother!
hoo hoo hoooooo!!! This part sent chills down my back…We retreat to our comfort zone where our dreams slowly die. Never give in to the pain. Embrace its gift. Awesome stuff!!
lol! Thanks Tony! 🙂
Billy,
I simply don’t have words to adequately express how much I respect and admire you, your mindset, your determination, your motivation, your success…and most of all, the gift you possess to truly inspire us all. I believe you are just about the strongest person I have ever known! What a gift it is for me to hear your words and see your amazing achievements. I am so very sorry that we weren’t there…I think you know how much I adore you and support all that you have done…and the many things you will continue to do. I hate that you are in pain but so proud of you…you did it!!!!
Awww…. Thank you Kim! I know if you were around you would have been there and I know you were there in Spirit! You are awesome and amazing! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your lessons! You are an inspiration to all, not just because of this relay, but all your daily relays. You are the real deal, always leading by example, always sharing your strength, love, passion and compassion with everyone you come across. I feel extremely blessed to call you friend!
Thank you soooo much Gina. I am also blessed to call you my friend 🙂
billy, thank you for your belief in the good, for your courage, for your committment, for your passion and for your service to humanity. i was most touched in the above email by ‘go the extra mile’. if those 50 miles and team’s 150 miles didn’t burn off your ego to being touched by the humility of our connectedness and the love that is always present to be felt, i imagine that 51st lap must of. all my love to you and the people you inspire to be in service. i am with you.
committed to making the world a peaceful place with cooperation, fun and passion for life in abundance.
tania
Thank you Tania…you will be most impressed by Alex Sethi who just before coming to BB3 never ran more than a few miles. His goal was 10 miles and he ended up running 27!!! He stayed the whole night too. Good man!
We heard the screaming and cheering at our house throughout the night. Amazing show of spirit and strength. Superbly accomplished. I have learned and accomplished so much from you and your trainers. Thank you for bringing it to all of us!
Thank you for believing us Jo! and Thank you for your positivity and support! You’re Awesome!!!
Billy, I have heard so much about you over the last year, and now I know why!! What an inspiration you are! I understand the enormity of pain and the ability of overcoming it, albeit mental OR physical.
I have had the privilege to sit through a seminar with Stu Mittleman (and his wife) and know the honor it must have been to train with him. Over the last ten years battling injuries, I have managed to also accomplish personal goals, such as walking over hot coals (7 times) with Tony Robbins, climbing up telephone poles and taking a giant leap off, breaking boards with fears written all over them, and eating fire (that was just pure fun!) What I have yet to accomplish personally is running a marathon. It would be an absolute honor to run by your side next year, along with your team, to help raise funds for this very special and important cause!!
My children know me as the crazy Mom who was once a chubby girl who couldn’t even do one sit up for the fitness tests in PE. I would love to show them (and have them join in) on the beautiful act of taking one step at a time, as the beginnings to all things “Epic!”
I hope that you are icing and taking care of yourself for the next few days. We all have to realize that a little self-comfort can go a long way.
Thank you for sharing your experience on what sounded like a very spiritual journey through a physical accomplishment. You have touched the hearts of many!
May you heal quickly from the love that is being sent your way…
XO,
A Momma “Lioness”
I haven’t met you yet Debbie but I like you already. Sounds like we share many experiences in common. I too have walked on fire many times and even built the fire. Breaking boards is part of our Breakthrough process that we use in our seminars! Thank you so much for the kind words. I would be honored to run with you next year. I am still deciding exactly what the goal is but I am fairly certain it will be EPIC! 🙂
Billy, You are gifted leader and you do so by BOLD example. In facing your pain, rising above and becoming more, you push others to strive for their personal best. Thank you! … I’m gonna show you How Great I AM … HA-OUU! HA-OUU! HA-OUU! 🙂
Thank you Chrisie! not just for your words but for your actions…being there all night, running 13 miles and helping me I could not walk. I am forever grateful 🙂 HA-OUU!!! (SPARTAN YELL!)
BB3 – I had no doubt that you would run the 50 miles and it doesn’t surprise me in the least that you went the extra mile. Why? Well, because I know you all too well. WeÂ’ve been friends for a very very long time—well before this whole gym venture—and you never cease to inspire me because of the person that you are. I donÂ’t always tell you simply because you inspire me so darn much! If I told you every time people would think we were a couple (even more than they already do! lol). You have this natural ability to communicate and inspire others, which is one of your incredible gifts—thank goodness for us all. I couldnÂ’t imagine you not in my life brother.
Thanks G-Force! that means a lot brother… If I am in half your shape when I am your age I will be happy. You are a true inspiration.
Billy , your story is awesome and truly inspirational ! Thanks for all to do to inspire and motivate others around you to make a positive difference in the world.:)
Thank You Michael! I really appreciate that brother 🙂
Thank you, Billy, for your strength and your dedication to self and to Relay for Life/Weston. I did not make it to Relay this year for many reasons. The day before Relay, as it turned out, (NOT one of my reasons, just a coincidence), I received another in a long line of not-so-great CAT scan results. I have been wallowing in self doubt and pity for this past week. I have already endured six cancers in the past three and one half years. I needed a good swift kick in the butt. Your Blog is beyond inspirational and uplifting. THANK YOU!!
AMAZING to have witnessed this first hand! what a truly inspirational experience! kudos to you and your team!
What can I say that hasn’t already been said here.
You are an amazing guy Billy… keep changing lives!!!
Ryan
Way to go Billy You’ve come a long way since the pony tail (remember Phils seminar 11 years ago)….You are a LION, a WARRIOR….Your words have an significant positive affect on many….
I like the way you roll my brother or should I say run lol….I hope that your knee is doing better…
Billy, I knew you radiated authentic excellence from the second I met you over a year ago when JB introduced a few of us to you at your gym. However, I sit here in ultimate awe at your drive and accomplishment. Congratulations!! Way to use your talents to inspire and help the world. You rock!!!
Leslie
Billy,
your words are truly inspiring. I woke up at 7 am and haven’t burned a single calory, procastinating at what time I should go mountain biking or exercising, saying to myself my “how much” left knee hurts and so on. After reading about our amazing run I gave myself 5 minutes to get dressed and hit the gym, and that is where I am going now !!!!!!
Good luck in your next life adventure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Billy Beck is so awesome!!!!