Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton's unbelievable story hit the big screen as Soul Surfer.  It is amazing in so many ways! Here is a summary of what happened:

Bethany grew up in a surfing family.  On October 31, 2003, at the age of 13, she went for a morning surf in Kauai with best friend Alana Blanchard and Alana's father and brother.  She was lying on her surfboard with her left arm dangling in the water, when a 15-foot tiger-shark attacked her severing her left arm just below the shoulder.  The Blanchards helped paddle her back to shore, then Alana's father fashioned a tourniquet out of a surfboard leash and wrapped it around the stump of her arm, before she was rushed to the hospital.  By the time she arrived there she had lost over 60% of her blood.

When the news broke out of the shark attack, a family of fishermen presented to investigators photos of a 15-foot-long tiger shark they had caught and killed about one mile from the attack site. The shark had surfboard debris in its mouth. When measurements of the shark's mouth were compared with those of Hamilton's demolished surfboard, it matched. In late 2004, the police officially confirmed that the shark was the one that bit Bethany Hamilton.

Despite the trauma of the incident, Hamilton was determined to return to surfing. Less than one month after the incident, she returned to her board.  Initially, she adopted a custom-made board that was longer and slightly thicker than standard and had a handle for her right arm, making it easier to paddle, and she learned to kick more to make up for the loss of her left arm. After teaching herself to surf with one arm, on January 10, 2004, she entered a major competition. She now uses standard competitive performance short-boards.

When I speak places (Jason speaking link) on How a person catches a 2nd wind, I break it down into 3 parts:

• Why?  For Bethany, she came back because she loved to surf!
• What?  The What for us all is perseverance or a determined effort to go and not quit.
• Who?  The Who is one's supporters, and for Bethany is was her family and friends.

Oh, and by the way, news reports say that Bethany just got married two weeks ago!!! :)

I hope you will enjoy this video featuring Bethany telling about her story:

The Real Bethany Hamilton 

Rising Above

I am truly thrilled to call John O'Leary my friend.  But I'll admit, when I first heard his story, I literally had to sit down.

As a nine year old, 100% of John's body was burned in a gasoline fire, and he was given less than one percent chance of surviving the first night.  He endured months in the hospital, years in therapy, dozens of surgeries, and lost all of his fingers to amputation.

Today, John has spoken in 46 states to 850 organizations.  I have watched several of these messages on YouTube, and I am so amazed at his sincerity, his humility, and his humor... all mixed together.  He is a man full of compassion, kindness, grace, and honesty.

His website with lots of info is http://rising-above.com

John is not only my friend, he is indeed one of my heroes.  He is a perfect picture of someone who has caught his 2nd wind.

What Powers You?

As a brief follow-up to my blog last week on colon cancer survivor and triathalete, Teri Griege, I wanted to add this link she posted recently.  She put it on her site to explain where her slogan, "Powered by Hope" came from - What powers you?

Impossible is Nothing

I just happened across this very inspirational video today, which happens to go fairly well with this Blog's "2nd wind" theme.  Hope it motivates you as your week begins.  (I will Blog later in the week, since this is so short [by the way, the video is 6 minutes].)

Impossible is Nothing

Powered By Hope

I am truly glad to call Teri Griege my friend as she is such an inspiration to me and to so many!  She is a colon cancer survivor who has not only survived, but is constantly training to compete in marathons, half-marathons, and ironman triathalons!  I literally find myself getting wet-eyed in the middle of a conversation with her!  She is indeed, "Powered By Hope" (her motto).

Here is her site which also has on it a video of her on the Today Show and lots of other information - http://terigriege.com/

Teri says this on her site:
“Today I have two major goals –– to inspire others and to save lives.”

Catching a 2nd Wind

I am starting this Blog today, and it will track people who...

• have caught a 2nd wind
• are helping others catch a 2nd wind
• inspire us all to catch a 2nd wind 

By definition, a "2nd wind" has to do with a renewed strength or restored ability after exhaustion or weariness, typically in a long-distance run, such as a marathon.  I actually personally know about such things having run 5 marathons myself (please don't think I'm a nut!).  Thankfully, I have literally caught a "2nd wind" every time, but what is fascinating is the question of the source of this mysterious 2nd wind.  I.e.  It is debated among running coaches, doctors, sports trainers, where a runner's second wind comes from... Is it related to his/her lungs?  Or muscles?  Or endorphins?  Or is it psychological?  Or spiritual?  Or what?

Similarly, in my near fatal car accident comeback experience, it is very accurate to say that my 2nd wind came from a mix of several sources:

• WHO?  Supporters - Countless friends and family members giving me endless hours of love, support, and prayers
• WHAT?  Perseverance and drive - My own determined effort and strong will to never quit
• WHY?  Something personal - In my case, a huge "Why?" factor in my 2nd wind comeback was Abby, my little daughter... I just had to come back and raise her!

For more about my story, my book - Mile Marker 825 tells a lot (buttons/links in the right margin).

Also, I'm a speaker, and I gladly come speak places when invited if my schedule allows... info@your2ndwind.net