The healing power of 1,000 miles of ultrarunning | Brian Thomas | TEDxSVSU

Dr. Thomas explores the effect of ultrarunning on persevering after loss.

Dr. Brian Thomas is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Saginaw Valley State University where he teaches and does research on global cultures and food. Dr. Thomas has been running ultramarathons for over a decade. He has successfully completed over a dozen ultramarathons including three 100 mile runs and a solo, unsupported 50k run on the Great Wall of China. He is currently training to run the Hallucination 100 mile trail run on September 9th in honor of his late wife, Holli Wallace. Through his running, he has also raised almost $20,000 in donations to various charities including, most recently, the Children’s Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region. Dr. Thomas has two sons, Oliver age 5 and Elliott, age 10.

[rosieg]

This is so good. I lost my 23 year old son 4 months ago. I finished my first 100 miler on June 2nd, in his behalf. I relate to everything said here, the healing power of running, and prayer, the 2 things that helped me get through devastatingly painful loss.

[Howtowithpaulaandjohn]

Why would anyone thumb down a personal story like this? This is part of his healing process. Be respectful.

[jesperfuhlendorff]

I lost my wife 6/3 2013 and did most the same as you. I have 3 children and 2 step children. It's hard to stay in the game and sometimes you think you've past some sort of finish line and then....No, you haven't. But it's helps us grow and we'd not trade the time we had with them anyway. I'm still running and preparing for my second 100miles after a knee injury.
All the best brother (y)

[ultramiriam]

Thank you for sharing! I can certainly identify with the healing power of ultrarunning! All my years of ultrarunning saved my life and helped me to survive a life threatening surgical error. And ultrarunning helped to heal me. Keep running!

[EVP-Voices]

You and your children’s strength and determination is a wonderful way to honour your wife’s memory. Best wishes from a fellow runner.

[lagaman]

WOW! Not what I was expecting, at all. What strength and courage you have, my friend! So sorry for you loss.

[mariannewolf]

What an amazing person you are, Brian! I have so much respect for what you are doing, both the running and raising your children. Bless you.

[deonduplessis]

Great gutsy talk. I like the analogy of ultra running process and dealing with your grief. Inspirational! Sorry for your loss. From a fellow runner.

[nrobertson]

Incredibly moving and inspirational. So sorry for your loss Brian and amazed at your coherency and strength.

[alexa.]

This is moving and a powerful speech. I think it speaks to every human being, even those who have not suffered such a critical and untimely loss. No hype here, no drama. Just the human struggle, and a goodness and sense of meaning that comes through. My heart is with you, Brian, and I hope you are still running and growing. You are an amazing example for your sons.

[ChongPengHow]

Running ultra marathons in itself is inspiring. But applying the lessons learnt from running to over coming they tragedy and grief that you went trhough is even more inspiring. Thank you for sharing and hope you continue to draw strength from your kids.

[andrewsnow]

Very good speech. Sorry for your loss and what a good job using it to improve yourself and expand.

[tihokujo]

Very motivational and inspiring speech! Good job Brian!

[brendancoughlan]

Might be the most powerful speech I’ve ever watched

[ryed]

Very inspiring journey, Bryan! I've validated how I struggle to stay afloat in the same way that your experience keeps you moving forward. Thank you for the insights!

[swagghafteleo]

You are amazing guy! Running ultramarathons, just amazing

[Sriram-nolt]

You are an inspiration. Thank you. God bless.

[duftyboxing]

Life is a beautiful tragedy... Sorry for your loss buddy.

[breakfastdispatch]

fabulously real. exquisitely, painfully invaluable. very heavy. beautiful.

[madiantin]

Well damn.  That was heartbreaking and inspirational.