LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Katie Arnold

Guest: Katie ArnoldAward-winning journalistContributor to Outside MagazineAuthor of memoir "Running Home" (2019)Zen practitioner and ultra-runnerLeads writing and running retreatsWork featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Runner's World Early Life and Career Katie's background in journalism and outdoor activitiesContribution to Outside Magazine and writing retreatsKatie's passion for ultrarunning and Zen practice The Wilderness River Trip Incident Setting: Summer of 2016, Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho100-mile stretch with 100 major rapids (class 3 and 4)Trip coinciding with Katie and her husband's 10th wedding anniversaryThe AccidentWithin the first 30 minutes of the trip, Katie's raft hit a rockHer husband fell into the water first, followed by KatieKatie immediately felt something wrong with her leg upon hitting the water Immediate Aftermath and Decisions On the RiverbankGroup decision to continue downstream due to remote locationImportance of group dynamics and safetyTransfer to a more stable raft with an experienced river runnerJourney DownstreamFocusing on staying in the raft and taking it one rapid at a timeThe beauty of the canyon despite the pain and challenges Reaching Civilization End of the River JourneyThe confluence of the Middle Fork and the main Salmon RiverReturn to Santa Fe for medical attentionDiagnosis: Shattered leg, requiring surgery and 14 weeks on crutches Healing and Resilience Initial Reactions and Medical AdviceDoctor’s prognosis and impact on Katie’s ultrarunning plansImportance of mental and emotional healing along with physical recoveryZen Practice and RecoveryDeepening Zen practice post-accidentApplication of Zen teachings to healing and runningMeditation as a tool for coping with anxiety and focusing on the present moment Reflections and Advice Balancing Physical and Mental HealthThe role of outdoor activities in maintaining mental well-beingImportance of a physical practice, regardless of intensityRecommendations for ListenersGet outside and move dailyIncorporate moments of stillness and breathing to ground oneselfEmbrace the concept of "brief lashings" – moments of realizing the beauty and aliveness in life Conclusion Katie's Books and Further Information"Brief Lashings in the Phenomenal World" – Available at local bookstores and online retailersEncouragement to support independent bookstoresFinal ThoughtsEmbrace each moment and live fully presentUse physical and mindfulness practices to navigate life's challenges BIO: Katie Arnold is an award-winning journalist, longtime Outside Magazine contributor, and author of the acclaimed memoir "Running Home" (2019). She's a Zen practitioner, ultrarunner, and leads writing and running retreats. Her work appears in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Runner’s World. Her latest book, "Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World" (April 16, 2024), explores the connection between running, spirituality, and life's journey. Social Media: https://instagram.com/katiearnold https://twitter.com/raisingrippers https://www.facebook.com/katiearnoldauthor/ katiearnold.net