[star show] 4 nails accompany me to race horse

Once bedridden

After multiple re-examinations at major hospitals, A-Gang opted for surgery in 2010, removing two sections of his lumbar disc and inserting four steel screws into his back. However, the recovery was not very effective, and at its worst, he couldn't even go to the bathroom and was completely unable to take care of himself.

The four steel screws inserted during the surgery are still in his back to this day.

In addition to the herniated disc, various complications followed. According to A-Gang, during that period, he had 7 or 8 different ailments: 'From head to toe, I had these conditions: 1. Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (more severe in the right ear, with very poor hearing); 2. Cervical spondylosis, straightened cervical spine, cervical disc herniation, nerve compression; 3. Chronic gastritis, bile reflux; 4. Prostate stones; 5. Lumbar disc herniation; 6. Chronic knee arthritis; 7. Diabetes.'

Various medical images taken during his treatment, and this is only a part of them.

Once a vigorous presence on the training ground, A-Gang was completely crushed. At this time, his mother passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage, plunging him into darkness. 'I was sad, distressed, gave up, felt inferior, and even completely despaired of my life.'

In 2013, A-Gang chose to retire due to his illnesses. This excellent soldier, who had always been a model of training, ended his military career. For a long time after retiring, A-Gang couldn't adjust his mindset, couldn't work normally to earn money, and had to rely on his retirement pay, not knowing where his life was heading.

A few months after retiring, a friend mentioned marathons to A-Gang, explaining the spirit and charm of marathons. His military leaders also called to encourage him to go out for a jog and exercise moderately. A friend who didn't know about his condition invited him to participate in the Hengshui Marathon. That was A-Gang's first encounter with a marathon. 'My friend knew I had a good foundation from my military training and thought I would run well. I also felt I couldn't waste any more time. With so many people running in Hengshui, I decided to join them.'

Guided by fellow runners, A-Gang nervously signed up for the full Hengshui Marathon (since he signed up late, there were no half-marathon slots available; otherwise, he would have chosen the half-marathon). 'I never imagined I would sign up for such an event. At that time, I didn't even know what I was thinking. For a while, I even doubted my sanity. But from then on, I persisted in strengthening my training every day, starting with simple leg stretches, then gradually running 1 kilometer, 2 kilometers, 5 kilometers, 30 kilometers... until a few months later, I completed the Hengshui Marathon in 4 hours and 5 minutes.'

'Excitement and exhilaration flooded my heart. I felt like I had achieved something extraordinary! I never thought I could run a marathon and complete the full course.' After crossing the finish line, A-Gang cried. It was the first time in five years that he felt proud and excited. 'The marathon filled me with confidence in life again. If I can run a marathon, what else can't I do?'

After finishing his first marathon, A-Gang was determined to keep running. Over the years, he developed a habit of running 5 kilometers every morning. As he continued running, many of his ailments miraculously began to improve. In 2015, A-Gang found a job. 'Although I have less time to run because of work, I am still very happy because I can earn money to support my family and repay the relatives who lent me money for medical treatment. My back has gradually recovered, and my diabetes is well controlled without any medication. Other ailments have also improved significantly. Everything is moving in a positive direction.'

To date, A-Gang has run 24 full marathons and achieved a personal best of 2:54.

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'No matter what, I feel that the most difficult period is over. Although my life is still quite ordinary now, at least my body can function normally. For me, I am a beneficiary of the marathon spirit. Before I encountered marathons, injuries and psychological blows always overshadowed me. I sought medical treatment everywhere, tried various remedies, and took a mountain of medication, but my condition didn't improve, and my finances took a big hit. Now, I have come to see my ailments very lightly, and I often wear a smile on my face. I now truly understand that injuries are not scary; what is scary is the mindset.'

'Sharing my achievements is not to show off but to encourage those who are also troubled by injuries and chronic illnesses. I hope everyone can maintain a positive mindset towards their ailments and join the ranks of exercisers. Let's run together for health and happiness. I will be waiting for you on the marathon track. Let's join hands and fight against diseases together! My goal is to run all over the country, continuing the miracle with four steel screws.'

Today's Book Recommendation

Synopsis: In Antarctica, after a plane crash, only wedding company owner Wu Fuchun and high-altitude physicist Jing Ruyi survive. Fuchun carries the injured Ruyi over six mountain ranges and finds an apple house to settle in, beginning their survival journey in Antarctica: endless ice and snow, fearless skuas, and the apple house gradually losing supplies and food sources... In the harshest survival environment, a materialistic representative, Fuchun, who only cared about earthly matters, and a spiritual representative, Ruyi, who only thought about heavenly matters, gradually attract each other, find a sense of home, and eventually find rescue...

When money, fame, identity, and status—all these metaphysical things—no longer exist, what drives you to move forward in the face of an uncertain life?

Everything is illusory; only love is the ultimate destination.