Running from My Father’s War

Date:

“],”filter”:{“nextExceptions”:”img, blockquote, div”,”nextContainsExceptions”:”img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button”},”renderIntial”:true,”wordCount”:350}”>

I inherited my father’s almond-shaped eyes, his tawny Korean skin tone, and legs that are stronger than they look. I also mirror certain parts of his personality, like his fierce competitiveness mixed with sappy sentimentalism, a deep obsession with  sports, and, unfortunately, a propensity for anxiety. Up until a few years ago, I thought the traits he passed on to me stopped at the ones we’re used to talking about—physical similarities, personality traits, and mannerisms.

I didn’t grow up hiking or camping or adventuring. As a kid in North County San Diego, I played soccer and boogie boarded, hit tennis balls and volleyballs. My dad was my soccer coach, not my backpacking trip leader. So when I transitioned from triathlon to adventure racing in my 20s because the go-through-the-night, navigate-by-map-and-compass, running-through-the-woods nature of the sport made me feel like I’d found my life’s calling, it wasn’t because I was returning to familiar patterns of my youth.

(Photo: Lisa Jhung)

I spent a decade adventure racing (think Eco-Challenge, Discovery Channel-type of stuff), sometimes carrying a…

Read more…

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Latest News

More like this
Related

Colorado’s Eli Hemming Wins 2024 OCC at UTMB Finals

"],"filter":{"nextExceptions":"img, blockquote, div","nextContainsExceptions":"img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button"},"renderIntial":true,"wordCount":350}"> ...

7 Expert-Approved Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites

"],"filter":{"nextExceptions":"img, blockquote, div","nextContainsExceptions":"img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button"},"renderIntial":true,"wordCount":350}"> ...

Recruiting Roundup: August 30 – College Gym News

This week sees the launch of the new and...

UTMB Is Having a Golden Moment. But It’s Delicate.

"],"filter":{"nextExceptions":"img, blockquote, div","nextContainsExceptions":"img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button"},"renderIntial":true,"wordCount":350}"> ...