I’ve been diving into episodes of The Rest Is History podcast, hosted by British historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. If you haven’t listened, it’s a brilliant mix of storytelling and historical analysis that brings history to life. (Also, listen to The Rambling Runner podcast where Peregrune is an official sponsor!) One series I found entertaining was about Horatio Nelson, the legendary British naval commander.

Nelson’s career is filled with daring exploits, but one remarkable story comes from the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1797, during the height of the wars between Britain and revolutionary France, which had drawn Spain into the conflict. Britain’s control of the seas was critical for its survival, but the Spanish fleet posed a major threat to that dominance.

Under Admiral Sir John Jervis, the British fleet engaged a larger Spanish fleet off the coast of Portugal. The Spanish line of battle stretched long and strong, anchored by the Santísima Trinidad, the largest and most powerful ship in the world at the time. The British strategy relied on maintaining formation and discipline, but Nelson, commanding the HMS Captain, saw an opportunity for bold action.

Defying convention, Nelson broke from the line and charged straight at the San Nicolás, a Spanish ship in the thick of the battle. His smaller ship rammed the San Nicolás, and Nelson led his men in a ferocious boarding action, capturing the vessel. But the fighting wasn’t over. The San José, another Spanish ship positioned near the San Nicolás, became entangled in the melee. Undeterred, Nelson seized the moment. Using the San Nicolás as a bridge, he and his men boarded and captured the San José as well! If Hollywood wrote this story, you wouldn’t believe it! Nelson captured two energy ships in a day after the entire British Navy had captured no ships in a hundred years. 

Victory doesn’t always go to the one with the most resources; it goes to the one willing to seize the moment. The next time you face a tough stretch—on the road, the trail, weight room—maybe channel a little of Nelson’s courage. Be bold, and keep moving forward!

Best wishes as you chase your running goals!