Carl Byington, owner of the engineering firm PHM Design LLC and currently living in Ellijay GA, is one of only about 500 people in the world to run a marathon on all seven continents. With every passing mile, Carl has accomplished something his doctors thought he would never be able to do.
Carl Byington was injured during a 2003 rock climbing fall in West Virginia. He shattered a number of bones in his right leg and ankle, leaving him unable to walk for nine months and requiring five surgeries help repair the damage. His doctors initially told him that they believed he would no longer be able to live an active climbing and running lifestyle because of the extent of his injury.
After over 2 years of rehabilitation with physical therapy, weight lifting to restore his leg muscles, and walking increasing distances, Carl was ready to train for a marathon again. In November 2006, Carl traveled to Athens Greece, the location of the first modern marathon. He would continue to run another marathon each year until he had completed one on each continent including Antarctica. We will share some stories from these marathon challenges in subsequent blogs.
The lesson was clear. Accept the circumstances and limitations you have, but become a leader for your own health and recovery. Be willing to put in the work and you will make progress towards your goal, even if it seems so far away as you start your journey.