36 years old was defeated but running gave him the courage to live on

What is courage?

The last time I heard someone call me 'brave' was probably back in elementary school.

Back then, if I fell while running or bumped my head while playing with friends, I wouldn't cry or get angry. I'd stand up fearlessly, dust myself off, rub my wound, and continue playing. Adults would praise me for being 'brave'.

As I grew older, whether it was leaving home to study, working hard alone, or even mustering the courage to confess to someone, I never seemed to hear that word again.

It wasn't until recently that I saw a question on Zhihu about 'What is courage?'One answer said: 'You are scared, but you still go ahead.'This made me rethink what 'courage' really is and what it brings to our growth and life.

We interviewed 100 people about their definition of 'courage' and selected some of their answers. Let's see what 'courage' looks like in their eyes.

If out of a hundred times, you see a different version of yourself once, that one time can offset the other ninety-nine times of embarrassment and being disliked. Then all hundred times are worth it.

@GyroMan:On the first day, I ran 10 kilometers in 100 minutes; on the second day, 10 kilometers in 105 minutes; on the third and fourth days, I was on a train for 34 hours and don't even remember how I got on the train; on the fifth day, I tried a half marathon and then rested for two days...

@GeGe237:As a 32-year-old woman, I impulsively shaved my head. It was a simple idea: to watch my hair grow from the scalp day by day. It was a wonderful experience, feeling very good. It was a bold breakthrough, ignoring others' opinions, and a courageous act in my life. Now my hair is long enough to tie up, and running in the wind feels great.

@LittleMudfish:I skipped the 30km challenge and went straight for a full marathon. After finishing, I walked 8km home. My courage comes from my running volume.

@Ordinary74538912:I failed the 3km test in middle school but scored excellently in the retest, and the teacher called me a cheater.

@PipaStringLove:In the 3000m race during my second year of high school, I overtook a school team member and got beaten up after the race.

@FoolYangus:Every time I run, I provoke dogs. Unfortunately, no brave dog dares to chase me. I just want to be chased to speed up, but they're all cowardly dogs.

@SunnyMemory69135163:In Lhasa, at an altitude of 3600 meters, I completed 10 kilometers, running three times in three days without any physical discomfort. One of the bravest things in my life.

Life has many firsts, testing not only physical strength but also mental strength. On the road of life, no matter how many difficulties you encounter, move forward bravely and never give up. The rest is just enjoyment.

@Victor_LiuYang:At 36, I hit rock bottom, losing millions in assets. Since then, I've used running to release myself and gain the courage to live. I've been running for almost three years, completed seven half marathons, and developed a spirit of enduring hardship. Life hasn't turned around overnight, but it's getting better. Thanks to running.

@TinkeringHero:I used to come last in the 800m race at school, but now I've completed four full marathons.

@Colonel90335:I was running on the track when I saw my crush walking with another man. I only left after finishing my run.

@Echownj:I used to fear running the most during my school days, but now it's my greatest joy. I love the refreshing and pleasant feeling after running, and people around me find it incredible.

@Doudou8858:I had never run more than 5 kilometers, but to lose weight, I dragged my 90-kilogram body to complete 10 kilometers. After half a month, I lost 4 kilograms, and my sleep improved. Now running feels much easier.

@TangYingzi:To earn an online Spider-Man medal, I ran 10 kilometers in heavy rain. Is that crazy? Running marathons is something I take very seriously. As long as I'm happy!

@Monica_lili:I used to dread the 800 meters in school, but now 6 kilometers is no problem. My weight has dropped from 145 to 115. Although there's still a long way to go compared to others, I believe that with persistence, I'll meet a better version of myself. Keep going!

@Beryl001:During the Xiamen Half Marathon, I only slept for 4 hours, and it rained the whole time. I finished in 144 minutes, which was much better than expected! Now my goal is 138 minutes, and I hope to break 135!

One's attitude towards life determines their appearance, and the best beauty products are a smile and never stopping. In this life, we must strive every day to complete our lives, to be worthy of our time and ourselves.

@ThousandMileHorse66203824:I'm 52 years old, and my best marathon time is 3 hours and 14 minutes. I hope to break 3 hours before I turn 60. After that, I'll go with the flow because I believe I still have room for improvement. I'll keep running until I can't run anymore. Keep going and meet a better version of yourself.

@WindQingYang1888:I started working out after 45, initially to lose weight. Half a year later, I ran a half marathon in 140 minutes, and a year later, a full marathon in 405 minutes. Miraculously, my rhinitis improved, my fatty liver disappeared, and my annual colds vanished. The craziest thing is overcoming yourself and surpassing yesterday.

@GraniteMillet:As a child, I had two dreams: to be a doctor and an athlete. Now I've achieved half of my dream: I wear a nurse's uniform because of my profession, and I've completed a half marathon because of my passion.

@ShuCowTwo:I think it's about persistence. Persisting through stomach pain, leg pain, and even bloodied toes... I just hope for more persistence on the road ahead!

@RenDong48077552:It's easy to do something for a short time, but doing it for decades with a purpose is different. In any industry, when you look back, you'll find something you wanted.

@YaoDanni630:In 2008, I recklessly signed up for a full marathon and found it manageable. So, I signed up again the next year. Now I've run 14 full marathons, and I'm 66 years old.