Chasing Summits with Lisa

You’re Never Out of the Fight
One of the greatest weaknesses isn’t failing. It’s giving up. As long as you keep showing up, keep learning, and keep improving, you’re still moving forward. Every setback has something to teach you if you’re willing to keep fighting. Progress isn’t always fast, and it certainly isn’t always easy, but every step forward makes you stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
You never fail as long as you refuse to quit. The only time you’re truly out of the fight is when you choose to take yourself out of it. So keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep believing in what you’re capable of becoming. Your greatest victories are often earned by the people who simply refused to give up. What fight in your life is worth refusing to give up on today? Lisa Billard Lander 💪🔥❤️✅

Happy 5K Tuesday! The heat continues across the Northeast, but so does my commitment to showing up every Tuesday to run a 5K. Lately I’ve been thinking about the gap between where I am today and where I want to be. My mind naturally wants to ask, How am I ever going to get there? Then I remind myself that I don’t need to know the entire path. I only need to know the next smallest step forward. For me, that step is simple: lace up my shoes every Tuesday, run my 5K, and give the best effort I have on that particular day. No excuses. No shaming myself. Just showing up, doing my best, and being proud of the effort. Will it close the gap? I hope so. But even if it doesn’t happen, I know I’ll be in a much better place than if I’d never taken that first step. Lisa Billard Lander 🏃‍♀️💪🔥🙏

about during today’s workout was the gap between where I am right now and where I want to be. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when we focus only on how far we still have to go, but I’ve learned that progress isn’t made by giant leaps. It’s made by asking one simple question: What’s the next step I can take? It doesn’t have to be a big step. It can be the smallest incremental move, as long as it’s moving me forward. Whether it’s one more workout, one healthier meal, one difficult conversation, or one act of courage, those small, consistent steps eventually close the gap. Don’t let the distance discourage you. Just keep taking the next right step, and one day you’ll realize you’ve become the person you were working so hard to become. Lisa Billard Lander 💪🔥🫀

Some friendships are measured by years. Others are measured by shared adventures.

Eighteen months ago, I met David, and somehow it feels like I’ve known him my entire life. One year ago, we stood side by side on the summit of Mount Rainier after an unforgettable climb. Tonight, I had the privilege of reuniting with him in West Point after he finished another 15-mile day on the Appalachian Trail.

David is hiking the entire Appalachian Trail through the Warrior Expeditions program, serving those who have served our country. He has already conquered more than 1,400 miles, with fewer than 800 miles standing between him and Katahdin. Watching him pursue this goal with grit, humility, and unwavering determination is incredibly inspiring.

I’m so proud to call David my friend. He has been an incredible mentor, teaching me so much about hiking, climbing, backpacking, and the mindset it takes to keep moving forward when the trail gets hard. His encouragement has helped shape many of my own adventures, and I’m grateful our paths crossed.

Tonight wasn’t just about sharing a meal. It was about celebrating friendship, resilience, and the gift of reconnecting with someone who has made such a difference in my life. I’m grateful for every mile we’ve shared, whether on a mountain, on a trail, or simply through the conversations that make us both better.

David, I’m cheering you on every step of the way. Keep chasing Katahdin. Keep the pedal down.
Feel free to follow him on his YouTube channel.
Giddy up. David Kaulfers