The author reflects on a past injury and the feelings of despair it triggered during their summer as a runner. Although the injury was minor, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the sport, where setbacks can arise through various causes. The article introduces the concept of 'Virtues of Despair Resistance,' which are character traits that help runners cope with hardship. It emphasizes that while racing is a chosen challenge, maintaining a resilient mindset is crucial in navigating the inevitable struggles of the sport.
In these moments, we can be tempted to despair... running can be discouraging... certain character traits are helpful in fortifying us against despair.
Considering the statistics - somewhere between 30 and 75 percent of runners become injured annually - maybe by next summer, I will be dealing with another setback.
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