Run
/rʌn/
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noun: run;
An opportunity or attempt to achieve something.
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for
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adv: for;
Because of this; for this reason.
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Resilience
/rɪˈzɪlɪəns/
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noun: resilience;
Strength of character, strength, toughness, hardiness; adaptability, buoyancy, flexibility, ability to bounce back
In May this year I had the privilege of being part of the first Bali Hope Ultra, an 84km overnight Ultra-Marathon that saw us run from Lovina on the north of Bali, crossing through the island heart, navigating mountainous ranges to finish on a tranquil beach on the southern coast.
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While taking part in this Adventure I meet a number of inspirational thought leaders, innovators, sportsmen and women, entrepreneurs and a fellow veteran who were all actively creating positive impacts all over the world and empowering entire communities!
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After our week together we departed Bali with amazing memories, new connections and lifelong friendships that were forged through trials of hardship and camaraderie. It was this unique exposure to a shared adversity that created a common bond among our small band of Endurance Athletes that left me truly inspired and fulfilled.
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I'd experienced similar transformations before during my time in the military in training and on deployment. I experienced first hand the same key operational aspects of the military culture; camaraderie, intensity, elitism, and distinctiveness replicated during other Ultra-Endurance events in which I participated and which, like the military were driven by the processes of training and a shared fate.
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I was inspired not only by the level of dedication and sacrifice that the Athletes and Support staff displayed but to their single minded focus and drive to accomplish their goal of completing the Bali Hope Ultra and making a lasting impact on the Children of Bali.
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During this journey, not one Participant failed to complete the grueling 84km course which was achieved only through a collaborative team effort.
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For some, the Bali Hope Ultra was a baptism of fire, for others it reinforced the notion that there is comfort in being uncomfortable. Ultimately, it proved that there can only be progress if we are willing to focus on a goal and leverage the support of those who are on the same journey as we are and share the same values and principles as us.
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~ Wayne
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It was after leaving the Bali Hope Ultra that I was left wondering just how I could continue this journey of growth, maintain the strength and support of the community and share with other veterans how they to could find Hope. Healing and Purpose in their own lives.
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I understood that the military trained us to be resilient, we were instilled with shared values forged through trials of hardship and through rigid military culture we were given structure that was predictable, hierarchical and certain.
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During the course of Military Service, from basic training on; Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen are exposed to various adverse conditions and experiences that promote cohesion as a unit, instil positive attitudes and builds confidence in Self, Comrades and the Command Structure. It is this supportive and cohesive unit structure that gives a sense of connection, belonging and purpose which ultimately provides the ability to improvise, adapt and overcome difficult situations.
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Common purpose, unquestioned camaraderie and loyalty are the cornerstone of confidence and for Veterans, these are difficult qualities to find in others when no longer in uniform.
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There is a common saying; "you are the sum of the 5 people who you associate with the most", and as Brooker T. Washington said "Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company"!
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A question I'd ask, is what if this means that you have to take an active role and seek out people who meet this criteria?
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I discovered through accident that the Ultra Running Community had the very values that I was looking for.
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During a time when I found it difficult in dealing with myself, I believed that others shouldn't have to put up with me either, so I started running.
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What I found was that the solitary nature or endurance running allowed me to process my thoughts and I would come back from a run feeling refreshed and renewed.
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I eventually realised that there were others who sought the connection, camaraderie and loyalty that can only be forged through long periods of enduring shared adversity.
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Even though endurance running is viewed as an individual sport each competitor is there for the same reason, there is a shared mission can only be achieved with the support of others and it can only be understood by someone who has been there.
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~ Wayne
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