I don't get the question as much now that I actually 'did' it - run from Kirkwood, MO to Bentonville, AR, that is. But before I ran, I was often asked "Why?".
I would be remiss if I didn't post this picture.
Girls on the Run of Queen City, out of the Springfield/Republic, MO area, sent me a gift today! And WOW, what a gift. Several of the 5th graders from GOTR Director Trish Hopkins' Queen City council actually took the time to make me hand-written thank you cards and a custom poster!
It's difficult to explain how something like unsuspected thank you notes from 5th graders could give me such a huge lift in spirits, but I'm sure you can imagine.
One of the funniest things about the notes: a consistency in their messages. All of the girls had written that they very sincerely appreciated our help for their council and nearly all wrote that I AM CRAZY for running 300+ miles.
I emailed a note to Trish that I agreed, it was crazy - but the girls well being is WORTH IT.
Thanks GOTR Queen City. I'm looking forward to tuning in to heroic epics of your own someday - whether they be epic runs or otherwise.
Sincerely,
Jason
Jason:
ReplyDeleteYes, we definitely need to share a few miles together this year. When you mentioned the Girls on the Run 5k I was getting excited, and then I noticed it was on a Sunday and Sunday races don't generally work well for me. But I'm sure we'll get together sometime this year.
The picture above says it all. Looks nicer than any medal you will ever receive! Making a positive impact is what it's all about and you have done an excellent job of that. Attitude is everything!
I spoke to a small group of young kids this past Saturday at a local YMCA alternative sports outing. Most of these kids face physiological and psychological challenges that we cannot even imagine. Of course, I talked about running and my journey (i.e., 80 lbs weight loss, pacemaker, races, etc.) over the last several years but I also mentioned you and Dean, in the same breath practically. People are interested when I mention marathons but their jaws hit the floor when you mention 300+ mile runs. My main message for everyone in attendance was to stay active and make it fun.
I don't consider myself much of a public speaker, I had never been asked to present something like this before, and the friend that asked if I would speak gave me about three hours notice. But I would do it again in a heartbeat just because of one parent's comment. She said, "My son could not sleep last night because he was so excited about the outing." Kind of like the night before a big race/run, huh. When I can be a part of an event that excites/impacts someone to that extent it makes me feel that much more alive.
Thanks for sharing your e-mail address, if you ever need to get in touch with me: run2theson@gmail.com
Roger
Everyday is a GOOD day, some are just better than others.