Episode #035
Sendy Mom Allison Stratton @milesinmountains on training for ultra marathons, being resilient, and accomplishing goals
When I asked Allison Stratton if I could interview her, I knew she was a trail runner and had experienced some real physical trials in some of her races, but I had no idea I would come away with life-lessons that could teach others how to get through so many difficult things in life. Here are some of the lessons I learned from Allison.
Five Powerful Strategies to Overcome Hard Things:
1. Have someone you trust pace you.
Whether you’re on mile 70 of a mountain race or in the middle of a heavy season of life, you need someone who will walk beside you, talk you through the pain, and remind you of who you are.
A pacer gives stability, perspective, and belief when yours starts to fade.
2. Singing
We’re talking about distraction here. Sometimes we just need to be distracted. Singing and music is a powerful way to take your mind off of painful things happening in your life. There are other ways to distract yourself from momentary pain or to put things into perspective. Use entertainment, relaxation, and connection to power through the tough stuff.
3. Make new friends through the suffering.
Hardship creates camaraderie fast.
People who suffer together bond deeply, and those friendships become part of the miracle.
Whether it’s running, parenting, grief, or a tough project—you don’t have to do any of it alone.
4. Understand that you will hurt—and be okay pushing through.
Pain isn’t a sign that you’re failing. It’s part of the journey.
In both life and ultra running, accepting that discomfort will come allows you to move through it instead of being surprised or discouraged by it.
5. Have a goal.
Your goal might be finishing, hitting a certain time, or simply proving to yourself that you can keep going.
A clear goal becomes your anchor when everything else feels shaky. It gives your suffering meaning.
Hard things refine us. They strip away what doesn’t matter and highlight what does—family, friendship, community, identity, and resilience. Allison’s story reminds us that even in the ICU, even at mile 99, even in the hardest parenting moments, there are tiny miracles waiting to be seen.
Miracles happen when you go through hard things. If you’re not being challenged by life, find something to challenge you. That’s when the miracles will happen. And joy comes when you notice the small miracles every day. They are there. You just have to look for them!
Mentioned in the Show:
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
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