Imagine taking your dream vacation to your bucket list destination (Machu Picchu) to celebrate your birthday – just a year after overcoming cancer – and then getting locked down in a hotel in that remote that dream destination due to the coronavirus. That’s what accomplished ultramarathoner, entrepreneur, wife, and mother, Patsy Ramirez-Arroyo, is currently experiencing for an undetermined period of time in Peru.
Not Her First Rodeo
Fortunately, this isn’t Patsy’s first experience with adversity. A few years ago, Patsy was unable to get off the island of Puerto Rico to attend her goal race due the airport closures from Hurricane Maria. She spent the next month using her ultra-fitness to check-in on relatives without phone or cell service. And after a month of running from home to home to make sure her friends and family were safe and cared for, Patsy made it off the island and ran the best 100 miler of her life and one of the faster 100 milers in the country that year.
To Care and Not to Care
Read more about Patsy’s experience in this article in UltraRunning Magazine: “To Care and Not to Care.” Patsy focuses on what matters most and doesn’t worry about what is beyond her control. This ability has not only helped her in ultrarunning, but also helps her help others in need.
Badwater 135 – “World’s Toughest Footrace”
Later that year, Patsy placed fifth at the Badwater 135 – the “World’s Toughest Footrace” – only to learn days later that she had malignant tumors in her breasts.
Other Interviews
Learn more about Patsy in this interview on the Ultrarunner Podcast and this interview on the DizRuns Podcast.
Shout Outs and Social Media
Intro and outro music GOIN 4 A WALK by Dallin Puzey. Now available on Apple Music and Spotify.
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