Tommy Rivs: The Strength of Vulnerability

Who is Tommy Rivs?

Tommy Rivers Puzey, known simply as Tommy Rivs, is much more than an elite athlete. He is a runner, philosopher, survivor, and a spiritual guide to many. Raised in Arizona near the Mexican border, Tommy has always exhibited a profound connection to nature and humanity. An ultramarathoner, physiotherapist, tour guide, and motivator, what truly sets him apart is his ability to translate suffering into deeper meaning.

In 2020, at the height of his career as a marathoner and ultrarunner, Tommy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma, a disease that brought him to the brink of death. His fight against cancer, approached with extraordinary grace and resilience, touched millions around the world. Today, Tommy is a symbol of inner strength, vulnerability, and human connection.

His Life Philosophy: Running as a Celebration of Life

For Tommy, running is far more than physical activity. It is an expression of life, a way to connect with himself, nature, and others. Even before his illness, Tommy had developed a philosophy centered on mindfulness and gratitude. After his diagnosis, this vision expanded, transforming him into a living symbol of hope and resilience.

1. Running as Meditation

For Tommy, every step is a moment of reflection. He describes running as a dialogue with the body and the surrounding environment, a way to tune into one’s breath and thoughts.
"When you run, you enter a flow. You’re forced to be present. You can’t think about the past or the future. You’re here, now."

2. Vulnerability as Strength

Tommy has never hidden his struggles, both physical and emotional. His battle with lymphoma exposed his vulnerability, but he found strength in it.
"Being vulnerable doesn’t mean being weak. It means having the courage to show who you are, with all your fears, hopes, and fragility."

3. Suffering as a Teacher

Suffering is a central theme in Tommy’s life and philosophy. Before his illness, he found it in ultrarunning; afterward, he experienced it within his body. But for Tommy, suffering is never meaningless. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and become more compassionate.
"Suffering forces you to look within. It asks: Who are you, when everything is stripped away?"

The Fight Against Lymphoma: A Lesson in Resilience

In 2020, Tommy began to feel debilitated to the point where he could no longer run. After months of uncertainty, he was diagnosed with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. His prognosis was grim. He spent months in the hospital undergoing intense treatments that left him barely able to walk.

Yet, even in his darkest moments, Tommy found reasons to be grateful. Through social media, he shared his battle openly, turning it into a source of inspiration for others. The running and endurance community rallied to support him, organizing fundraisers and virtual runs to raise awareness and funds for his treatment.

Lessons from His Illness:

• Every Day is a Gift:
  The illness taught Tommy to cherish every single breath and every connection with others.
  "There’s no guarantee of tomorrow. Live today as if it’s a miracle, because it is."
• The Body is a Temple to Be Honored:
  After years of grueling training, Tommy learned to see his body differently.
  "Even though I’m fragile, I’m grateful for what my body can still do."
• Community is Everything:
  The solidarity he received during his battle against cancer showed him the power of human connection.
  "We are not alone. The strength of a community can turn pain into hope."

The Rebirth: Returning to Running

After months of debilitating treatments, Tommy began his slow journey of rehabilitation. His first few steps were a victory. Returning to running seemed impossible, but Tommy never gave up. With patience and dedication, he gradually rebuilt his strength, demonstrating that human resilience knows no bounds.

Today, while he is no longer the competitive athlete he once was, Tommy continues to run as a celebration of life. His story reminds us that true success is not measured in times or medals but in the ability to rise after falling.

Profound Lessons from Tommy Rivs

1. Beauty Lies in the Present Moment

"Running has taught me that life happens now. Not in the future, not in the past. Being present is the greatest gift we can give ourselves."

2. Embrace Suffering, Don’t Avoid It

"Suffering is not the enemy. It’s a teacher. It shows you who you are and gives you the chance to become a better version of yourself."

3. There is No Strength Without Vulnerability

Revealing one’s weaknesses is not a sign of weakness but of courage.
"Only when we accept who we truly are can we begin to grow."

4. Find Meaning in Connection

Life is richer when we are connected to others. Whether it’s a community of runners, friends, or family, mutual support makes everything more bearable.

5. Every Step is an Act of Gratitude

For Tommy, running is no longer about competition but an act of thanksgiving for being alive.
"Every step I take is a reminder that I’m here, that I’ve overcome the impossible."

Recommended Resources

Podcasts:

• The Rich Roll Podcast: A moving episode where Tommy shares his battle with cancer and his journey back to life.
• For The Long Run Podcast: Tommy discusses his love for running and his philosophy of resilience.

Articles:

• Runner’s World and Outside Magazine feature in-depth pieces on his life before and after his illness.

Videos:

• YouTube: Short documentaries on his fight against cancer, including the poignant “Tommy Rivs: A Story of Survival.”

Conclusion: What Can We Learn from Tommy Rivs?

Tommy Rivs’ story reminds us that life is not about accomplishments but about moments—and every moment is precious. He teaches us that suffering, however painful, can be transformed into a tool for growth and connection. Tommy invites us to live with gratitude, embrace vulnerability, and cherish every day as a miracle.

His life is a testament that no matter how great the challenges, we can find beauty even in pain and meaning even in hardship. Perhaps, we can learn to run not to escape problems but to celebrate the simple, profound fact that we are still here, alive.