Why Do You Run? Tommy Rivs

Ultramarathon runner Tommy Rivs shares his thoughts on running and why he still runs, despite going through a severe lung cancer.

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Filmmaker
@Jonnyvonwallstrom

/ @jonnyvonwallstrom

The Craft Elite Team:
Tommy Rivs, Arlen Glick, Tim Freriks, Tim Tollefson, Emkay Sullivan, Manuela Vilaseca, Alexander Holmblad, David Laney, Jacob Puzey, Tessa Chesser, Mimmi Kotka, Ida Nilsson.

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[marthabarry]

I get asked why do I run often followed by you are thin, you don't need to. I think it's sad that some people think running or exercise of any type is only to lose weight. I just love it, I feel better, mentally, physically and emotionally...I do it for me alone. Sometimes I run alone, or with my dog or a running group but it's always just me running.
It's really amazing that power of running that you are still drawn to it even with everything that you are going through. Truly inspiring

[maxshuty]

Tommy changed my life a few years ago when I started running - I never thought I could be a “runner”, never ran more than a few football fields. With his training, mindset, and help I’ve now ran 10k’s

[tombaron]

I had testicular cancer back in 2019. 3 rounds of chemo with bleomycin which is well known for being super toxic to the lungs causing fibrosis. I used to not be able to run 100 meters. Now I run 5k 4 times a week. We can overcome

[richardgmale]

I ran this with tommy on ifit (all 5 hours in one sitting) and it was life changing experience. #nottoday

[rxonmymind]

Wow. What an inspiration.
I lost cartilage in both my knees. While I can't truly run (by most people's definition) I DO shuffle along after five long years of rehab. Five years in and just now, today, have been able to shuffle on a dirt road. No more tri/biathlon pace like I used to but I refuse to believe one can't come back somewhat and be active even without knee cartilage. Doing treadmills walking and today hit 4.2 mph on my "run" outside for 1/2 mile. I thank God for giving me strength and endurance to persevere. Next up 1 mile. Then 2...🙏

[neelymorrison]

I run because it makes me feel unstoppable.

[tessav]

this is very motivational to see, I also (due to covid complications) now have to run much differently than I used to. But I CAN still run. And that, that is what I have to remember. Thank you for sharing Tommy! I have been really looking for more stories of people still running even though its no longer about chasing times and PRs.

[leewinter]

Tommy, you are responsible for so much inspiration. When my legs and lungs are tired and I’m ready to stop at mile 10, 12 or 20, I think of you often and I’m always able to push on. Thank you for all the knowledge and motivation!

[janemf]

“When somebody asks, ‘why do you run?’ It’s usually someone who doesn’t run.” Truer words. Thank you.

[javiwalk]

Wow is really awesome 👍 God bless you man

[patcarroll]

Tommy, Have followed your story over the last few years and never thought it would be so applicable to my own. Last week i started 12 month of "cemo" treatment for stage 3 Melanoma. My goals for the future have changed. I have focused on my health, being present and continuing to RUN. Keep the faith brother. 🧡🖤🧡

[earthquakemagoon]

Thank you CRAFT for showing this awesome video of our dear friend and brother.. Tommy Rives!! Skal!

[vasconunes]

Such an inspiration 😉 big hug from Sintra Lisboa Portugal 👌

[genevievelaliberte]

My upmost respect. Love and courage your way my friend

[Jannerjaunts]

Good on you sir. Keep on keeping on 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[ricardopena]

I suffered a stroke at 30 years old earlier this year in April, and it left me with partial vision loss. I thought my whole world was gonna be over with my career gone and stress and anxiety of how I will provide for my family. I feel like now that I’ve gone through counseling and having a ridicolously strong emotional system and the fact that this stroke has put me on a more disciplined and more active lifestyle working out. As wrong as it feels to say that I wonder how I would be if I didn’t get that stroke. I feel more determined now to fight then I ever have before because I don’t know if I’ll suffer another worse one or what. But I’m happy and my family is happy

[geromemanicia]

I wanna fly cuz im a frikking bird baby

[Sam-yjwq]

just stumbled upon the video. Doesn't know the guy but share a lot of what he says about running. Long runs are for meeting with the soul, stripping all the lies away, being with the true self and really know how much you can endure. It's also very relaxing and calm. It's really a weird state when you get closer to the half marathon mark. It can be addictive at times. stay strong man.

[mohitbhat]

Never ‘felt’ a video more than this one.

[mknorthwestoutdoors]

Add me to the list of people who have been personally impacted by the instruction of Tommy Rivs. I've never met the guy, but he's probably the best coach I've ever had after a lifetime of athletics.