Running was once my sanctuary—until I lost myself in comparison and performance. This is how I found my way back to joy, presence, and self-worth through the simplicity of movement.
Nicholas Richards describes his transformative journey of healing, overcoming substance abuse, and pursuing personal growth in 2023. Termed ‘The Wayward Way’, his philosophy led to overcoming self-defeating thoughts, adopting sobriety, career shifts, and completing a 200-mile ultramarathon. This year marked the culmination of an 8-year plan initiated after leaving the Navy. His deliberate word of the year, “Transcend”, epitomized rising above perceived limitations and embracing change. By embracing discomfort, challenging relationships, and self-discovery, he exemplified resilience and determination to live authentically.
From running first 2 Marathons in 2021 to 7 separate 50km+ efforts in 2022, take a look into the psychology that has allowed such a large scale progression into Ultrarunning and a 100-Mile event finish.
Ever since I ran my first 1km back in August 2019, running has become a crucible of self-realization. A sword to fight against mental illness; an even playing field to fight the demons. This is my story about how I attained an elusive 100-Mile finisher’s buckle with 5 minutes to go before cut-off at Capes 100, in Mabou, Nova Scotia.
“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.” – Bernard Meltzer I was never much of a runner. Truly. In fact, I was more likely to quit something growing up than stick with it – with a few exceptions of course. It…
An introspective take on how my reflection in the mirror guided my fear of change into being a fear of regret. A story of how rock bottom of pity became the launching pad of aspiration and self-realization.