"Endure" by Cameron Hanes - Thoughts and a Brief Summary
Full title: “Endure: How to Work Hard, Outlast, and Keep Hammering”
I’ll start by saying this book is NOT for everyone, and that’s okay. One or two pages into the foreword by Joe Rogan and the reader will know if the book is a good fit. Topics such as hunting, grit, endurance, and death are sure to make some uncomfortable. Having said that, Cameron Hanes’ autobiography “Endure” is a title I talk about often and will not soon forget. I continue to be amazed by the sheer willpower and dedication that Cameron Hanes exhibits Every. Single. Day. All in the spirit of becoming the best archery hunter on earth. Cameron’s mantra paints a clear picture of what he’s all about: “Train, Hunt, Provide and Honor.” For those looking for a motivational tale of resilience, persistence, and chasing big game in the wild backcountry, buckle up.
Who is Cameron Hanes?
To consider the author an outlier would be a major understatement. 200-mile ultramarathons, extensive backcountry hunts, and a relentless fitness regimen is enough to catch anybody’s attention. Add a full-time job, family, and social life to the mix and it doesn’t seem possible. One might ask: “why would someone intentionally impose such suffering on themselves?” In Cameron’s words:
“Average effort yields average results.”
“In order to live a life marked by passion, tenacity, focus, and resilience, you have to simply keep hammering.”
We’re witnessing results from a process over 30 years in the making. So, who was Cameron before the attention and accolades began stacking up?
Early life and hunting
Divorced parents, bad influences, and the like tells the tale of a troubled childhood. Lacking direction and guidance, adulthood begins with more of the same. Wasting time and drinking too much, Cameron’s self-assessment of life at 19 years old: “I was basically a small-town loser.”
Enter Roy Roth. One year older, and seemingly mush wiser. Full of passion for the outdoors, Roy encourages Cameron to test the waters in bowhunting. Everything changes. A brotherhood is born as the two find their purpose. Wild country beckons, Roy and Cameron answer the call together. Readers will follow hunting stories from Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness, to a once in a lifetime elk hunt on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. What’s more, Roy becomes a guidepost for Cameron as they navigate more than dangerous backcountry hunts together. Faith, family, and hunting are all topics of discussion between the two.
Regarding Cameron’s working career, I’m reminded of the sports phrase “lunch pail guy.” An endearing term to describe a steady, reliable, and consistent player the team can count on. Cameron takes it to the next level. His working career can be summarized as follows: started with the Springfield Utility Board in 1996, still there today. Training and hunting happen within the bounds of a full-time work schedule, sprinkling in vacation time as needed for hunts and running events.
Please note, many details and spoilers are left out of this review so as not to ruin the experience!
What about the running?
“I was in my mid-thirties before I entered my first marathon.” It didn’t come early or naturally. It didn’t come from exceptional talent. But it can be summarized by this mantra: “nobody cares, work harder.”
The endurance sport accolades would stand as tremendous achievements by their own right. Readers will experience firsthand Cameron’s highlights in endurance sports. Racing Lance Armstrong in the Boston Marathon and gutting out 200-mile ultramarathons are all described in detail. I ask myself two questions when reading about the grueling runs, HOW? And WHY? These quotes will help answer:
WHY?
“What is your dream? Mine is to be the “perfect” bowhunter. I want to be successful on every hunt and release a perfect arrow on every hunt that results in a quick and merciful death of the animals I pursue. I realize bowhunting probably isn’t something one can master, but that’s my goal. That was how my journey in running and training began to ramp up.”
HOW?
“It’s all mental”
“It’s not talent. Not luck. Not know-how. It’s discipline. Endurance. Work ethic.”
“It’s not talent; it’s drive. It’s not raw ability; it’s endurance. Hunting is my passion and being successful at it is what fuels me every day to get better than the day before.”
Adding to that, Cameron understands you’re as good as the company you keep. Training includes harnessing opportunities to meet and train with fellow greats. David Goggins, Emma Coburn, and others make appearances throughout the journey to help sharpen the saw.
Let’s address the criticisms
Nobody is perfect, Cameron Hanes included. However, it takes courage to share your heart with the masses, subjecting oneself to scrutiny and judgement. I admire Cameron for being willing to do so. I mentioned in the introduction that I talk about this title often. I’ll share some of the questions I’ve heard, and my thoughts on the matter.
How is he able to be present for his family with such a busy life?
Cameron shares his perspective in the book. It’s a good question, and I’ve used it to evaluate my own schedule and routines. I tend to start by identifying the opposites, then dialing in my thoughts. On one hand, we’ve all seen parents whose entire lives revolve around their children, to a point that it’s probably unhealthy. On the other, some parents behave as though their children are another barrier to their perceived ideal life. May we all find the appropriate balance in our own lives. My final thought on the matter: 30 minutes of high-quality engagement exceeds 2 hours shared in front of the television.
Does he really need to run 200 miles to be a good hunter?
In general, archery hunters experience a 10 percent success rate from year to year. Cameron’s success rate has been 100 percent for over 10 years running. Shooting, running, and lifting on a regular basis only helps bolster the backlog of experience that comes with time in the field.
Why does his passion have to involve killing innocent animals?
For readers who may be uninitiated, hunting may be a difficult area to examine. It’s a conversation that requires more context than I’ll include in this review. However, I’m glad to host a dialogue with anybody who is curious and interested in discussing further. Two quick thoughts I’ll share here:
-There’s a case to be made for wild game meat being the most organic, sustainably sourced, high-quality meat available to us. I find this refreshing in a world where we don’t know where most of our food comes from.
-Typical causes of death for game animals include starvation, freezing, or being eaten alive by a predator. An accurately placed arrow allows a much smoother passing.
I’ll close this section by reiterating my first sentence in the review: “this book is NOT for everyone, and that’s okay.”
Wow, that’s relatable
A book becomes sticky for the reader when they experience a relatability with the characters. Learning about Cameron’s early years had me taken aback. From the start of the book, I saw many parallels with my own life. From where we were raised, to how we were raised, I felt as though I could relate. It encourages me to see Cameron shine bright and carve a path regardless of the pains and excuses he could grasp onto along the way.
Personally, it feels as though I got into “Endure” at the right time. I started in the summertime while remodeling the storefront that is now Pendleton Outfitters. I was struck with having recently experienced many of the feelings Cameron describes: “I just share what I do and what I’m passionate about, because life without passion is simply existence in my opinion.” Hearing Cameron’s story reinforced my beliefs while facing some the risks and uncertainties that come with a new career path.
I would consider our goals both similar and different. I find myself inspired while witnessing what a healthy dose of elbow grease and self-belief has provided for Cameron. I do run often, and this story has certainly helped bolster my routines in that regard.
As distance runners, one might assume we’re running from our problems.
Instead, I’d like to think we’re running towards new solutions.
Closing thoughts
At first glance, many will either cast judgement, or stare in admiration when they see some of Cameron’s highlights, of which there are many. “Endure” is about telling the whole story, while sharing personal mantras and philosophies along the way. Friendship, hunting, and endurance races are plentiful in an adventure that spans over 30 years and continues to be written today. I would not recommend this book to everyone. However, if you’re into hunting and could use some motivation to help you carve a new path forward, you know what to read next.
“Whatever path you choose, own it, be the best you can be, and don’t apologize. Just keep hammering!”
