I always believe the trail teaches us to keep moving forward, even when we can’t see the summit. I’m sad that you & your family are facing this challenge, but I hope you feel your entire ultra community beside you. Wishing you strength for treatment, gentle recovery days, and many more miles when you’re ready.
Thanks. And I actually do feel the community. I guess I should have expected that, but it is still reassuring. Keep posting those great photos on your Strava, by the way — I love seeing them.
Damn, bad news but great writing. I’m so sorry you’re taking this detour but with your attitude and treatment, you’ll be back! I hope you’ll keep writing about the process and your inner state. I’ll be following and rooting for you.
Ok, wow Jeff! I was just thinking of you as Manitou’s weekend approaches. I was going to leave you a message on Strava and then happened upon your post.
This is definitely a change of direction. As always however, your attitude on this new life challenge sounds like the conquering will you consistently maintain. Gratitude goes a long way and I don’t think you could have explained it more eloquently or gracefully as you did. I know you will continue to do the things necessary to battle the bear and find meaning in the process. Praying peace over you.
Thanks Mary. I'd surely have chosen a different change of direction, but we don't always get to choose. As for Manitou's... of our original group of 5, there was a lot of attrition, and Tom was the only one to make it to the starting line. But he represented us well, with another finish.
I feel that your experience on the trail (and especially Manitou's Revenge) will serve you well on the journey. You have looked at this new challenge (or an old challenge re-invented) clearly, honestly, with a sense of what can be done and how to be strong. I am have a very good friend (and writing mentor) who has been fighting (and winning so far) prostate cancer. Keep dodging those rocks on the trail Jeff.
Thank you Jenn. I hope your friend is hanging in there — it seems like there are probably a lot of us out on some version or another of this journey. We all just have to keep moving forward.
My best thoughts and soul reaching prayers to you my friend. I enjoy following along with your writings and on Strava. The trail has entrenched a clear life picture for you , as it does each of us in our own way. I believe this will help keep you strong, focused on the trail to come and bring you out the other side ready to run that next trail! God bless you Jeff, I’ll carry your thought this weekend and moving forward knowing you’ll be back out on it soon.
While I am sad for you due to your diagnosis, I love this writing and your attitude as you face this head on. Being a cancer survivor, myself, as well as treating numerous cancer patients, attitude and support are key as you move forward through your journey. You may have many who want ( already have)to give you advice on how to deal with this (some evidence based and some not so much). This comes from people who care but feel helpless in dealing with this. This is your unique journey as no cancer journey is the same due to the uniqueness of our bodies and how it reacts to various aspects of the diagnosis and treatment. You have given yourself the best chance through your vigilance of surveillance and training. You also have an amazing support system in your family and friends. Best wishes for you in your continuing journey for best outcomes.
Debbie — thanks for the insight and advice. It's certainly a challenge, taking in the facts and all the options and advice and well wishes and all of it, while staying grounded in my own situation and making competent decisions. It does help knowing others have made the same passage — thanks.
Good luck wrestling Jeff Calvert, Bear...he has a way of assessing, analyzing, strategizing, and executing that has a surprising effectiveness against seemingly stronger opponents. Just saying.
The challenges we choose in life – and it is always we who choose them, no exceptions... there are no victims – are pathways that serve to nurture our soul's growth. Don't look at a terrible disease diagnosis as a problem to fix, especially conventionally, but as a message to decode. If you wanted it easy you wouldn't be a Hardrock man, a Manitou's man. You like it hard. Bring it on. So this latest health challenge is consistent with your character. No surprise. I have no profound counsel to share – but a plentitude of experience. The path you chose in managing this makes all the difference. I am looking in the mirror as I reach out to you. I have a brother who went the orthodox route for the same diagnosis.. chemically, radiologically, and finally surgically... and after a couple years of suffering and inconvenience he continues his castrated life with a psa of 0. And I lost a sister to cancer treatment a month ago... not to the disease, but to the treatment. I've had high psa and symptoms for longer than you have known me, with a psa of 40 most recently posted to my record. It doesn't even make the top two of my greatest health challenges. I like it hard. Bring it on. No diagnosis for me. No biopsy. No formal treatment. Absolutely no identification with a named problem. Just raised eyebrows. It is a matter of balance, like technical running... dancing with the rocks... every step measured... stoicly focused on every single food or drink I put in my mouth, every remedial measure I take to restore balance. It is my race and I hand the reins over to no one else to run it for me. The stumbles and the completion are ALL UP TO ME. That is the challenge I ENJOY. A warrior enjoys the fight. The Army in you and the Marine in me will not back down. No compromise on stretching the soul's adventure. I've come a long way... refined many lessons learned... still in control... following my own path... as myriads of contemporaries have fallen by the wayside. Someday we should lift a pint of POM together and distract our swollen prostates with new stories and renewed laughter. Visit valasta.net, listen to every podcast by Samuel Shepherd / ValAsta on YT, DO IT and NEVER LOOK BACK.
Good to hear from you Larry — I miss our runs, and maybe we'll have a chance to get in some more yet. I appreciate your perspective on this and would have expected nothing less (and I'm sorry to hear about your siblings). If anyone can properly dance with these rocks, it's you, and I wish you a good dance. You're right, I do have some "bring it on" in me, so we'll see how this all goes. I'd be pleased to raise a pint with you — thanks.
Wow Jeff what a great attitude. I hope for the best for you, keep us updated on your progress. Do the things you need to do, and know we are your "Crew". Tell us what you need done, and we'll do our best to accomplish it. Peace brother.
Jeff, coincidentally I'm reading this in Phoenicia, here to support Manitou's at one of the aid stations, and just like you i'm facing a challenge, although mine is a comparatively trivial one -- flat tire. And no jack or socket wrench. Still, the Stoic disciplines we learn in ultra running kick in -- diagnose the problem, develop an action plan, ask for help. Old man problems -- bladder, knees, back, plus all the other hassles of life -- keep coming until they eventually overwhelm. All we have to do is keep dealing with them as best we can. Good luck to you as you wrestle with this bear. It's ok to punch it in the nose and poke it in the eye. If I'm nearby I'll grab its tail and kick it in the butt
Thanks. I hope you worked it out with the tire and had a good weekend at Manitou's. I read (and loved) Chasing The Grid earlier this year, back when I was in a post-Hardrock slump and looking for my next thing. I'm just a little too far away for a Catskills based challenge, so I was thinking of inventing something similar here in my own mountains. But as I was puttering around trying to come up with something, life popped up this current adventure for me. I do still intend to figure out some worthy new challenge (of my own choosing) though — thanks for the inspiration.
I always believe the trail teaches us to keep moving forward, even when we can’t see the summit. I’m sad that you & your family are facing this challenge, but I hope you feel your entire ultra community beside you. Wishing you strength for treatment, gentle recovery days, and many more miles when you’re ready.
Thanks. And I actually do feel the community. I guess I should have expected that, but it is still reassuring. Keep posting those great photos on your Strava, by the way — I love seeing them.
Damn, bad news but great writing. I’m so sorry you’re taking this detour but with your attitude and treatment, you’ll be back! I hope you’ll keep writing about the process and your inner state. I’ll be following and rooting for you.
Thanks Sarah.
Ok, wow Jeff! I was just thinking of you as Manitou’s weekend approaches. I was going to leave you a message on Strava and then happened upon your post.
This is definitely a change of direction. As always however, your attitude on this new life challenge sounds like the conquering will you consistently maintain. Gratitude goes a long way and I don’t think you could have explained it more eloquently or gracefully as you did. I know you will continue to do the things necessary to battle the bear and find meaning in the process. Praying peace over you.
Thanks Mary. I'd surely have chosen a different change of direction, but we don't always get to choose. As for Manitou's... of our original group of 5, there was a lot of attrition, and Tom was the only one to make it to the starting line. But he represented us well, with another finish.
I feel that your experience on the trail (and especially Manitou's Revenge) will serve you well on the journey. You have looked at this new challenge (or an old challenge re-invented) clearly, honestly, with a sense of what can be done and how to be strong. I am have a very good friend (and writing mentor) who has been fighting (and winning so far) prostate cancer. Keep dodging those rocks on the trail Jeff.
Thank you Jenn. I hope your friend is hanging in there — it seems like there are probably a lot of us out on some version or another of this journey. We all just have to keep moving forward.
My best thoughts and soul reaching prayers to you my friend. I enjoy following along with your writings and on Strava. The trail has entrenched a clear life picture for you , as it does each of us in our own way. I believe this will help keep you strong, focused on the trail to come and bring you out the other side ready to run that next trail! God bless you Jeff, I’ll carry your thought this weekend and moving forward knowing you’ll be back out on it soon.
Thanks Shawn, I appreciate it.
While I am sad for you due to your diagnosis, I love this writing and your attitude as you face this head on. Being a cancer survivor, myself, as well as treating numerous cancer patients, attitude and support are key as you move forward through your journey. You may have many who want ( already have)to give you advice on how to deal with this (some evidence based and some not so much). This comes from people who care but feel helpless in dealing with this. This is your unique journey as no cancer journey is the same due to the uniqueness of our bodies and how it reacts to various aspects of the diagnosis and treatment. You have given yourself the best chance through your vigilance of surveillance and training. You also have an amazing support system in your family and friends. Best wishes for you in your continuing journey for best outcomes.
Debbie — thanks for the insight and advice. It's certainly a challenge, taking in the facts and all the options and advice and well wishes and all of it, while staying grounded in my own situation and making competent decisions. It does help knowing others have made the same passage — thanks.
Your body might be rebelling, but your perspective, grounded by all those miles, is so healthy. Keep writing through it. We got you.
Thanks, Mike — I appreciate it.
Good luck wrestling Jeff Calvert, Bear...he has a way of assessing, analyzing, strategizing, and executing that has a surprising effectiveness against seemingly stronger opponents. Just saying.
Ha! Now you have me thinking of wildlife jujitsu.
The challenges we choose in life – and it is always we who choose them, no exceptions... there are no victims – are pathways that serve to nurture our soul's growth. Don't look at a terrible disease diagnosis as a problem to fix, especially conventionally, but as a message to decode. If you wanted it easy you wouldn't be a Hardrock man, a Manitou's man. You like it hard. Bring it on. So this latest health challenge is consistent with your character. No surprise. I have no profound counsel to share – but a plentitude of experience. The path you chose in managing this makes all the difference. I am looking in the mirror as I reach out to you. I have a brother who went the orthodox route for the same diagnosis.. chemically, radiologically, and finally surgically... and after a couple years of suffering and inconvenience he continues his castrated life with a psa of 0. And I lost a sister to cancer treatment a month ago... not to the disease, but to the treatment. I've had high psa and symptoms for longer than you have known me, with a psa of 40 most recently posted to my record. It doesn't even make the top two of my greatest health challenges. I like it hard. Bring it on. No diagnosis for me. No biopsy. No formal treatment. Absolutely no identification with a named problem. Just raised eyebrows. It is a matter of balance, like technical running... dancing with the rocks... every step measured... stoicly focused on every single food or drink I put in my mouth, every remedial measure I take to restore balance. It is my race and I hand the reins over to no one else to run it for me. The stumbles and the completion are ALL UP TO ME. That is the challenge I ENJOY. A warrior enjoys the fight. The Army in you and the Marine in me will not back down. No compromise on stretching the soul's adventure. I've come a long way... refined many lessons learned... still in control... following my own path... as myriads of contemporaries have fallen by the wayside. Someday we should lift a pint of POM together and distract our swollen prostates with new stories and renewed laughter. Visit valasta.net, listen to every podcast by Samuel Shepherd / ValAsta on YT, DO IT and NEVER LOOK BACK.
Good to hear from you Larry — I miss our runs, and maybe we'll have a chance to get in some more yet. I appreciate your perspective on this and would have expected nothing less (and I'm sorry to hear about your siblings). If anyone can properly dance with these rocks, it's you, and I wish you a good dance. You're right, I do have some "bring it on" in me, so we'll see how this all goes. I'd be pleased to raise a pint with you — thanks.
Jeff, I'm so sad to read about the challenge you're facing. Thank you for sharing and writing here. Keeping you in my prayers.
Thank you, Julie.
Wow Jeff what a great attitude. I hope for the best for you, keep us updated on your progress. Do the things you need to do, and know we are your "Crew". Tell us what you need done, and we'll do our best to accomplish it. Peace brother.
Sometimes a good crew can make all the difference. Thanks, Marty.
Jeff, coincidentally I'm reading this in Phoenicia, here to support Manitou's at one of the aid stations, and just like you i'm facing a challenge, although mine is a comparatively trivial one -- flat tire. And no jack or socket wrench. Still, the Stoic disciplines we learn in ultra running kick in -- diagnose the problem, develop an action plan, ask for help. Old man problems -- bladder, knees, back, plus all the other hassles of life -- keep coming until they eventually overwhelm. All we have to do is keep dealing with them as best we can. Good luck to you as you wrestle with this bear. It's ok to punch it in the nose and poke it in the eye. If I'm nearby I'll grab its tail and kick it in the butt
Thanks. I hope you worked it out with the tire and had a good weekend at Manitou's. I read (and loved) Chasing The Grid earlier this year, back when I was in a post-Hardrock slump and looking for my next thing. I'm just a little too far away for a Catskills based challenge, so I was thinking of inventing something similar here in my own mountains. But as I was puttering around trying to come up with something, life popped up this current adventure for me. I do still intend to figure out some worthy new challenge (of my own choosing) though — thanks for the inspiration.