# @mark.dowdle on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CvIfD9iv4Q6
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/79383434-markdowdle-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/0109995d12.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-07-25T19:49:18.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Mark Dowdle (@mark.dowdle) — https://gondola.cc/mark.dowdle

## Caption

Day 85 |  1,268 miles | Calendar Club 365

What Motivates Me.

Most days, it’s the small items that get me through tough moments. A post run beer, knowing that the miles for the day are done, is my little celebration for the day’s success. 

It could be a number of things. Sleep, pizza, spending time with people I care about. It varies by the day, but the through line is unchanged. It’s something small I can control.

It’s less likely that I think in big picture, philosophical type tones. When pain is at its peak, my mind just yearns for it end. I think about that moment when it’ll finally be over.

It’s humbling, truthfully, because it’s allowed for me to realize how many people out there struggle. Except for, they may not ever see or experience an end.

I’m lucky. I never experienced extreme poverty, depression, or of the like. I’ve had struggles, but mostly from my own doing. Because of that, ultra running feels more than just something I enjoy doing. It feels like a human responsibility or a calling that I can’t ignore.

Ultra running has gifted me with perspective. One that I believe is powerful connection created in pain. For those lucky enough to have limited struggle, man, you really are doing a disservice to how you can connect with your fellow human. 
——
#running #runningchallenge #toughlife #calendarclubchallenge

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## Credits

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## Tags

calendarclubchallenge, running, toughlife, runningchallenge

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