THE MOST INSPIRING STORY EVER | David Goggins (Eye Opening Speech)

 

Raising Money for a Great Cause: My Journey to Conquer the Badwater 135 Race

Introduction

When I stumbled upon the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, I knew I had found the perfect cause to raise money for. This foundation provides 100% tuition coverage for the children of fallen special operations personnel, ensuring that they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams through college education. Determined to make a difference, I decided to take on a monumental challenge: the Badwater 135 race. Little did I know that this race would push me to my limits and redefine my understanding of human potential.

The Challenge Ahead: Badwater 135

As I researched the toughest races in the world, the Badwater 135 caught my attention. This 135-mile race through Death Valley in the scorching summer heat seemed like the ultimate test of endurance. Naively, I initially thought it was a stage race where participants would run a certain distance, set up camp, and continue the next day. However, a conversation with the race director, Chris Costman, opened my eyes to the grueling reality.

From Powerlifting to Ultra Marathons

At the time, I was far from being an experienced runner. In fact, I hadn't even run a marathon before. My background was in powerlifting, and my weight fluctuated between 240 to 270 pounds. Nevertheless, I was determined to tackle this challenge head-on. Despite not having worn running shoes in over a year, I signed up for the race and began my intense preparation.

Qualifying for the Race

Chris Costman informed me that the only way to qualify for the Badwater 135 race was to run 100 miles within 24 hours. Coincidentally, there was a race happening just four days later, the San Diego One Day, where participants ran around a one-mile track for 24 hours. My goal was clear: I had to cover 100 miles within that time frame to secure my spot in the Badwater 135 race.

A Brutal Journey: San Diego One Day

During the San Diego One Day race, I quickly realized the immense physical and mental toll this endeavor would take on me. By mile 70, my feet were battered, shin splints and stress fractures plagued my legs, and my body was pushed to its limits. I found myself sitting on a chair, contemplating the seemingly insurmountable challenge ahead.

Finding the Strength Within

In that moment, I experienced a profound realization about the potential of the human spirit. I recognized that if I was willing to endure immense suffering, my mind and body could overcome any obstacle. The last 30 miles of the race became a transformative journey, testing my mental fortitude and pushing me beyond what I thought was possible.

The Power of Self-Talk and Visualization

Throughout the race, self-talk and visualization played crucial roles in my ability to persevere. Instead of succumbing to negativity and defeatism, I used my past failures as motivation. I reminded myself of the times I overcame immense challenges, like surviving three hell weeks and finishing SEAL training despite stress fractures and shin splints. By channeling this inner motivation, I was able to tap into an unyielding determination to succeed.

Unleashing the "Goggins" Within

In moments of extreme suffering, I discovered the power of what I call the "Goggins" mindset. This mindset allowed me to embrace the darkness and tap into an unfathomable reservoir of strength. I became the embodiment of resilience, using the pain inflicted upon me to fuel my resilience and tenacity. Instead of allowing the suffering to be my downfall, I transformed it into a source of empowerment.

The Cookie Jar: Reminders of Resilience

To remind myself of my true capabilities, I created a mental "cookie jar." This metaphorical jar contains all the failures, setbacks, and obstacles I have overcome in my life. During moments of doubt or despair, I reach into this jar and remind myself of the strength I possess. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, I have the power to rise above and conquer.

Embracing the Dark Side

The dark side, as I call it, is an evil place I can tap into when confronted with extreme challenges. It is a place where pain and suffering become sources of power instead of weakness. Rather than allowing negativity and discomfort to consume me, I harness them and turn them into pillars of strength. This ability to flip negative experiences into sources of motivation is what sets me apart and propels me forward.

Conclusion

My journey from a powerlifting enthusiast to an ultra-marathon runner has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Badwater 135 race pushed me to my limits, both physically and mentally. It taught me the true power of the human spirit and the immense potential within each of us. By embracing the dark side, using self-talk and visualization, and drawing inspiration from my past failures, I was able to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. As I continue to push the boundaries of what I thought possible, I hope to inspire others to tap into their inner reservoirs of strength and achieve greatness in their own lives. [Note: This blog post was created based on a video transcript, and the author of this blog is not the same as the video's author.