6. Recovery, Resilience, & Remembrance with Dick Beardsley

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After winning Grandma’s Marathon, holding its course record for over 30 years, and becoming the first-ever winner of the London Marathon, Dick Beardsley is a true Minnesota running legend. But his story is so much more than medals and finish lines. From battling life-threatening accidents and addiction, to losing his son, Andy, a proud Iraqi war veteran, to suicide, Dick has faced challenges that would have stopped most people in their tracks. Instead, he’s chosen to keep moving forward with faith, gratitude, and unstoppable spirit.

Host Sally Hed Dahlquist chats with Dick about resilience, recovery, and what it really means to be “unstoppable.” From his fishing guide life in Bemidji to the race course battles of Boston and London, Dick shares stories full of heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Dick’s life as a fishing guide in northern Minnesota and why the outdoors is his happy place
• The story of his son Andy’s military service, struggles with PTSD, and tragic passing and how Dick honors him every day
• What it was like to tie for 1st place at the inaugural London Marathon in 1981
• His legendary duel with Alberto Salazar at the 1982 Boston Marathon
• Dick’s ongoing recovery from accidents, surgeries, and addiction, and how he’s stayed sober for over 30 years
• The perspective, gratitude, and joy that fuel his unstoppable approach to life

Whether you’re a back-of-the-pack runner or chasing PRs, Dick’s story is a reminder that the real victories come from perseverance, connection, and the courage to keep going.

💜 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Dick’s story and his guiding at Lake Bemidji B&B
• Suicide prevention resource: suicidology.org
• Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com
  
  

Feeling inspired? Have you ever faced a moment where you had to dig deeper than you thought possible? Share your story with us.

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