Back in January, I shared this story of James Lawrence—the Iron Cowboy—and how his journey taught me the power of doing hard things. Of intentionally chasing the uncomfortable. Of setting wild, audacious goals in an effort to redefine what we think is possible.
At the end of that email, I asked you this:
“What hard thing are you aiming to accomplish this year?”
Your responses to my email blew me away.
But what really struck me about your responses was that many of you didn’t choose your hard thing. Instead, it chose you.
It Chose You
You wrote to me about injuries, diagnoses, unexpected setbacks, and personal loss. You shared stories not of chosen hardship—but of answered hardship. You didn’t flinch. You adapted. You moved forward.
And in doing so, you redefined what’s possible…
“In December of 2023, I finally hit my retirement date—one I set 26 years ago, after surviving stage 4 cancer. But then I was diagnosed with a heart condition. Bypass surgery. Stents. A cardiac implant. Our dreams may have changed, but I’m still riding, now with a medical tag on my ROAD iD, and a joyful heart on my e-bike.”
— David, a survivor who’s rewriting what retirement looks like
“I was hit by a car while riding. Multiple fractures. No memory of the crash. My daughter found me thanks to my ROAD iD. I can’t cycle anymore—but I’m considering roller skating. Still working on recovery. Still moving forward.”
— Mike, recovering and refusing to quit
“My son was diagnosed with leukemia. A friend’s child is battling cancer too. So I’m riding 500+ miles from NYC to Niagara Falls to raise funds for cancer research. I’m doing this ride because I’m finished being a passive witness to suffering.”
— Brice, turning pain into purpose
“I’m training for the Alcatraz swim. 14 years ago, I was hit by a car—15 fractures, TBI, and an amputated hand that was reattached. Now I swim 1.5 miles twice a week. My goal is simple: redefine what’s possible.”
— Kristin, making waves in more ways than one
“After a surprise cardiac stent procedure this month, my goal is to return to the mountains and run a 4th of July race stronger than ever.”
— Julie, who’s not done climbing
“I’m 77. My granddaughter lost her mom recently. I’m training so we can road trip together. It’s one foot in front of the other. Every day. And keep looking up.”
— Jane, choosing love and legacy in the face of loss
Lesson Learned: “Get to” vs “Have to”
Reading your stories reminded me that superhuman strength isn’t always about summits, medals, or new records. Sometimes it’s found in doctor’s offices, rehab sessions, roadside recoveries, and quiet acts of resilience.
You also reminded me of something I try to live by: There’s a world of difference between “get to” and “have to.”
A “have to” mindset makes us feel burdened and stuck. But a “get to” mindset? That’s where power, freedom, and new heights live.
It says: I get to wake up today and face this. I get to fight. I get to show up. I get to live this life—messy, uncertain, and beautiful as it is.
You reminded me that strength isn’t always loud, flashy, and celebrated.
Sometimes it’s quiet.
Sometimes it’s painful.
Sometimes it’s just showing up when life gives you every reason not to.
But through it all, you chose to say “I get to.”
And that mindset? It changes everything.
Keep On Trucking
I’m so blessed that I get to chase a sub-9-hour Leadville finish this year. And, ROAD iD gets to push forward on big goals—new products, new connections, new ways to serve this incredible community.
And I’m more inspired than ever—because of you.
So if you’re in the thick of your “hard thing” right now, know this:
You’re not alone.
You’re not weak.
You’re definitely not done.
So here’s my question today:
What hard thing do you “get to” face today? And how will you show up for it—with strength, purpose, and maybe even a smile?
Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear what you’re pushing through, and how your mindset is helping you move forward.
Thanks for being here. Thanks for being you. Thanks for being part of this journey—and for showing all of us what true strength looks like.
It’s Who I Am,
Edward Wimmer
Co-Founder @ ROAD iD
roadid.com
