Two and a Half Marathons in Fifteen Days

On Sunday, October 25, I will be rolling out into the pre-dawn darkness to embark on one the biggest feat of my life. I will be lining up at the starting line of the 34th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. My finish line, however, will be much more distant than the hill at the Marine War Memorial. I plan to complete the New York City Marathon the following weekend, followed by the OBX Half Marathon at Kill Devil Hills, NC the next weekend.

I do it because I wish to express my gratitude in my own way for the sacrifice of the thousands of men and women disabled by casualties in the war on terror. For me it is symbolic to do so in the two cities that took the first attacks of that war and then to return to Eastern NC for the final leg. Here at home we have remained safe and protected by the actions of our armed forces.

2008 was my first Marine Corps Marathon. It was the culmination of two years of training. It took me six hours to complete the course. However, I am still not done. What began two years earlier as a dream to complete the People’s Marathon has become something far more. It has turned into Hope, Inspiration, and a Promise. It is a journey I call 2008 Miles of Hope.



Hope

Thirty-one years ago I broke my neck in a swimming pool. While I’ve tried to stay active, opportunities for fitness activities are scarce for individuals with high-level disabilities such as mine. In October 2006, I sat in my wheelchair at the corner of Wilson Boulevard and Lynn Street in Arlington prior to the start of the 31st Marine Corps Marathon. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of my niece, who was running her first marathon.

There, at the start of the race, was a sight that changed my life. Alongside the wheelchair athletes were the crank chair athletes. I knew that wheelchairs athletes competed in marathons but I had not seen crank chairs before. I said to myself, “I think I can do that!” Completing the Marine Corps Marathon was to become a life goal for this C-6 quadriplegic.

Inspiration

Another sight that moved me as I watched the throngs of runners was the sight of thousands of charity runners dedicating their performance to a greater good. I wished to use my disability and my example to benefit others. I, like many other Americans, feel a profound indebtedness to our Nation's wounded warriors. Because of my disability, I feel a degree of insight into their challenge.

I knew I would be logging many miles in my journey to the Marine Corps Marathon. I decided to dedicate those miles to the wounded heroes. I set out to handbike over 2008 miles in training, races, and fundraising events to raise awareness of, and money for, the needs of our Nation's wounded warriors and their families.

I thought I might inspire others with my example. Over and over it was I who was inspired. I have had a rare opportunity to race alongside world-class athletes. I was often racing alongside other athletes with disabilities, including many wounded warriors. My blog has brought me into contact with supporters and fellow athletes around the world. The support I have received has been overwhelming. Even local runners in my neighborhood have provided motivation all along the way. I say there’s a new inspiration in every mile. As an example, during the 2008 MCM, as I plodded my way up Lee Highway, there were times that the cacophony of runners yelling “Go Wheels!” was deafening. The welcome to the finish line that announcer Robbie Powers gave me brought tears to the eyes of everyone present, including mine. As I inched my way up that difficult hill he asked the finish line spectators to stand and salute the flag I had carried on my yellow crankchair 26.2 miles through our Nation’s Capital.

Promise

Hope For The Warriors™ is the charity I chose to fulfill my promise to support wounded warriors financially. They have very low administration costs: eight cents of each dollar donated or less. They rely heavily on volunteers like myself to carry out their fundraising. Hope For The Warriors™ looks out for the needs of the wounded and their families. My own experience has taught me the importance of a loving family in the healing and rehabilitation process. Hope For The Warriors™ also has some great programs to benefit those they serve, such as Warrior’s Wishes™, Immediate Needs Grants, Spouses Scholarships, and the Hope and Care Center.

I have promised to raise $26,200 in donations for Hope For The Warriors™; $1,000 for every mile in a marathon. My website, www.active.com/donate/2008Miles is set up to handle credit card donations. I post articles on my activities from time to time on my blog, www.2008milesofhope.blogspot.com.

2008 Miles of Hope

Last year I finished the MCM dead last among the crank chair participants. However, no one was prouder of their accomplishment than me. I’ll be there again this year, defending my last place finish. It will be an honor to put on the Hope For The Warriors™ jersey and join my teammates at the starting line of The People's Marathon.

As of the date of the Marine Corps Marathon, with the help of my loyal teammate and loving wife and teammate I have raised over $20,000. This year, I hope to build on last year’s achievement by completing the Marine Corps Marathon, the New York City Marathon, and the OBX half; all within fifteen days. When I cross the Marine Corps finish line, I will have completed another 2008 miles in training, races, and fundraising events again this year. I won’t quit until I’ve reached my goal of raising $26,200 for our injured heroes.

One member of the Marine Wounded Warrior Battalion once called me, “a warrior for the warriors.” I find that distinction to be undeserved. I’m not a warrior. I’m just a grateful beneficiary of the sacrifices of those brave professionals. Our wounded warriors have gone the distance for our freedom. I plan to go the distance to help them now.

Join me in my campaign, 2008 Miles of Hope, to help America's heroes, our wounded warriors and their families. Donate today. You can easily make a donation to Hope For The Warriors by using our secure credit card donation site:

2008 Miles of Hope

Or donate by check. Download our donation form, fill it out, and send it to us with your donation to our address on the form:

Donation form.pdf

And learn about where the money goes:

Hope For The Warriors

There is no better way to say thanks to those who have sacrificed so much.

-LetsRoll!