FIT Feature: Bryon Solberg
We were lucky enough to meet Bryon during the 2019 Berlin Marathon FIT trip, where he radiated positivity, even in the rain at mile 17. It was a busy weekend and while we were able to get pieces of Bryon’s story, we wanted to sit down with him to dive deeper, knowing there was much more to uncover. Let’s just say, if you’re in need of some inspiration, keep reading!
Bryon had been an avid runner and hiker when in 2000, at the age of 39, he experienced a high neck spinal cord injury. After two spinal cord surgeries, he began racing wheelchairs and eventually relearned how to walk as an incomplete quadriplegic (using a cane and 3 leg braces).
“I took on some walking marathons with long time limits...these were wonderful goals to get me off the couch and back into the game of life.”
When his favorite local marathon dropped its time limit down to six hours this set yet another goal for him. He needed to learn how to run again to be able to finish. This was just the beginning of Bryon’s journey back into racing.
What is your current race tally?
I have done 183 marathons on foot, including 11 ultramarathons.
What is your favorite distance and event?
I like to look at the event I am doing at that time be my favorite. I did truly love my 163 miler in November of 2019...getting to meet and be with so many wonderful people with us all going after our own goals and supporting each other was remarkable...far beyond how we get to know runners and the Race Director/Race Staff during a shorter event. I really found my physical limits three times during this event, and with some rest, I was able to continue on.
I have done the Boston Marathon six times and the history, culture, and whole race experience gives me chills. I am so grateful for their AWD (Athletes With Disabilities) division and qualifying standards.
The small (about 800 runners) Carlsbad Marathon is very special to me as well, as it is in my “hometown,” has an uncrowded feel, is along the ocean, and it was the first marathon I did by myself out of the wheelchair. I have done this one 19 years in a row, and it was where I broke the 6 hour mark for the first time/did my 100th marathon. I hope to do my 200th marathon there in January, 2021.
What is your must have item as a runner?
My cane and leg braces...otherwise I fall down! But really, a smile. When it is fun and when it is tough our smile affects our heart and those of others.
If you could tell your early runner self something - what advice would you give him?
That our scars, braces, canes, and wheelchairs are nothing to be ashamed of; they are our badges of courage.
“I am so GRATEFUL to be able to GET to do this...”
One word or phrase to describe your running style:
Relentless...50 seconds of a shuffle, 35 seconds of a walk...repeat...many times...
What is on your bucket list?
I would love to be able to finish the six world majors. I have London and Tokyo left. Perhaps walk across the USA or do the entire Pacific Coast, my own “PCT” (Pacific Coast Trek).
How has COVID changed your running routine? What advice could you share to individuals through this time?
Rather and wallow in missing out on all the events, to keep myself busy I entered my first virtual events: I did a 200 miler and then joined a group where we each did our own 100 miler, with some socially distanced/masked miles together. I did the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee (634 miles) and now I am closing in on finishing a 652 miler. I also co-captained teams doing the virtual ultras of thousands of miles: crossing of the USA (SF to NY) and all of Route 66 (Chicago to LA). I am so glad I have had these experiences.
“These times are ones of reflection and confidence: We get to experience life in a day...we can do this, and so we can take on anything.”
Is there anything else you would like to share with FIT about running or traveling or your story that we may have missed?
I LOVED my trip with FIT to Berlin. I have been to all 7 continents and lived out of a small pack as I planned out these trips on my own. Being able to go to such a historic city and do such a major event as the Berlin Marathon without having to worry about the details was MAGNIFICENT!
If you were given a one-minute ad slot during the Super Bowl, what would you fill it with?
I would have it for the Challenged Athletes Foundation....they helped me find my life again after my spinal cord injury, and they get equipment, training, and coaching to others with physical challenges. I would showcase the Kids Run of our main October event. Kids with prosthetics walking/running hand in hand and/or pushing other kids in wheelchairs. How can one see this and not be touched?
We can’t thank Bryon enough for taking the time to share his story and his “no limits” mentality. His enthusiasm and positive outlook is exactly what need right now. We’re so lucky to have him as part of the FIT family and can’t wait to celebrate all of his future milestones!