#040 The 101st Yard: Reclaiming Life After a Bear Attack - Ariean Colton

In August 2025, Ariean Colton stepped outside for a morning run in Kenai, Alaska. Moments later, her life changed forever.

Attacked by a bear just steps from her driveway, Ariean suffered devastating injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and months of recovery. Dragged nearly 100 yards and left for dead, she survived because of a neighbor who heard something unusual in the early morning and went to investigate.

But this conversation isn't just about the attack.

It's about what happens after survival.

Ariean shares the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of rebuilding her life, learning to walk, run, and trust the outdoors again. We talk about fear, trauma, family, resilience, and the difficult question many survivors ask: "Why me?"

We also discuss her Instagram project, Ariean's 101st Yard, inspired by the distance she was dragged and the belief that life's most important step is often the one that comes after tragedy.

This is a conversation about courage (not the absence of fear) and the decision to keep moving forward despite it.

Whether you've experienced trauma yourself or have supported someone through it, Ariean's story is a powerful reminder that healing isn't about returning to who you were before. It's about discovering who you can become next. 

Follow Ariean's journey on Instagram: @the101styard