Episode 12: Ultrarunner, coach Eric Wilden found peace in BuddhismEpisode 12: Ultrarunner, coach Eric Wilden found peace in Buddhism
40,000 Steps Radio
Eric Wilden shares how Buddhism and mindfulness helped him find peace and become a sought-after running coach.
53:13•13 Apr 2021
Finding Calm: Eric Wilden's Journey from Bullying to Buddhism
“For me, that feeling of not fitting in was also- it was validated by a lot of the people I was around because I didn't fit in. So it was the combination of the internalized feeling that I just didn't belong and the outward validation of it that led me into learning about other stuff, and I wish now, looking back, that I had been more okay at the time with being different.”
Imagine being bullied as a kid and finding your peace through the art of mindfulness. That's exactly what happened to Eric Wilden, an ultrarunner and mindful running coach. In this episode of '40,000 Steps Radio', host Christopher Heimerman chats with Eric about his unique path to serenity and success. Starting his mindfulness practice at just 12 years old, Eric has now spent 30 years studying Buddhism.
With a Master of Divinity degree and a certification from the Road Runners Club of America, he's not your average coach. He's run marathons on treadmills and in cul de sacs, and even crossed New Jersey to mark the pandemic's beginning. When asked why he does these quirky things, Eric simply says, 'Why not?'. This episode isn't just about running; it's about finding inner peace, embracing community, and the power of compassion.
Eric's story is a testament to how mindfulness and Buddhism can transform lives, especially for those who've felt different or out of place. If you're curious about how spirituality and physical endurance intersect, this conversation is for you.
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