2008 Miles Of Hope is the name my wife/teammate, and I have given to our campaign to raise money for Hope For The Warriors. It has been one of the most fulfilling endeavors we have ever undertaken. We have met many great and inspiring people and we have traveled to a lot of interesting places. In short, 2008 Miles Of Hope has three parts that I call hope, inspiration, and a promise.
Hope
Hope is the human condition that causes us to be something beyond what we are now. In 2006, I watched handcyclists competing in the Marine Corps Marathon. My teammate and I were there to support my niece, T, who was running her first marathon. It was the first time I had watched a marathon in person. Even before breaking my neck in a swimming pool accident thirty years ago, I had dreamed of taking part in a marathon. As a C-6 quadriplegic, I’ve always found pushing a wheelchair to be difficult. The thought of pushing one through a marathon, was just a dream.
Seeing the Marine Marathon handcyclists gave me hope. A handbike uses different muscles than does a wheelchair. “I think I can do that,” I said to myself. Completing the Marine Corps Marathon in 2008 has become my goal number one.
Inspiration
Seeing thousands of charity runners dedicate themselves to their causes filled me with inspiration. How could I turn my training for the MCM into a greater good? I learned about Hope For The Warriors through their 2007 Run For The Warriors. THIS was to be our cause. Because of my disability, I am sensitive to the sacrifices of the wounded warriors and their needs. Both my teammate and I grew up in military families. And because of my disability, we understand effect of disabilities on families and the important role of the family in the recovery process.
In July of 2007 we stood up our fundraising campaign. My second goal became a mission to handbike over 2008 miles to raise awareness of and raise money for the wounded warriors. Our message: Life with a disability is not a life filled with despair; it is a life filled with hope. I initially thought our example would inspire others. However, it is we who have been inspired over and over by an overwhelming outpouring of support for our cause by family, friends, athletes we have met along the way, and just ordinary people. My greatest and continuing inspiration is my teammate, who enables every mile I undertake. She has also taken up running and just completed her first 8K race at the Shamrock in Virginia Beach.
A Promise
Goal number three became a promise to raise $26,200 for Hope For The Warriors. The number is $1,000 for every mile in the first goal, the Marine Corps Marathon. It has taken all our spare time. Many nights we are up well beyond our bed time stuffing envelopes. So far, the response has been overwhelming. This is a gracious and compassionate land that we live in. The generosity of our contributors has been amazing.
Hope For The Warriors
The union of our goals for 2008 Miles of Hope with those of Hope For The Warriors has been a natural fit. Their vision of “hope beyond recovery,” the inspiration of the indomitable spirit of the wounded warriors and their families, and their promise of “no sacrifice forgotten, nor need unmet,” has assured us over and over that indeed, their cause is our cause.
So, how are we doing?
(updated 09.16.2008)
Basically, we are having the times of our lives! For goal number one, I have completed two marathons, seven half marathons, and eight 10K races in preparation for the 2008 MCM. For goal number two, I have completed over 2400 miles since last July. And for goal number three, we have raised over $10,000 for Hope For The Warriors.
Help us help heroes
Join us in supporting Hope For The Warriors. You can make a donation through our campaign at http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles. Follow our progress at this blog. Each time you visit, please post a comment. And JOIN US at the 2008 Run for the Warriors!
The only things we cannot achieve
Are those things we cannot dream.
-LetsRoll!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Shamrock
31.2 Miles of Inspiration
What inspires you? What follows is my account of the Shamrock Marathon weekend and all the inspiration and motivation that saw me through to the finish line. Twice.
First of all, you have to understand that I get a unique perspective of a race. I get to start a race up front before all the runners. The wheelchairs and handbikes usually start five minutes or so earlier that the runners. That gets them down the street and out of the massive congestion of the start. It also gives me a chance to see a cross section of the race as the field of faster runners passes by. So for me, as a participant, I’m experiencing the event also as a spectator as well. There are stories of inspiration throughout those events that make it a memory to savor forever.
Whales and Dolphins
The inspiration started last fall. I signed up for the Whale. The Whale is a dual entry in the marathon and the 8K events. My niece, T and I are both training for the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon. I claim it is the result of a challenge from her. She claims it is the result of too much whisky. Since that challenge we have completed several races together, including the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and the City of Oaks Half Marathon. We mutually agreed that Shamrock would be a good time for another race. She signed up for the Dolphin which is the 8K and the half marathon.
Our plans turned into a “family” challenge. T’s boyfriend, B, had run with T the last 10K of the MCM 06 to motivate her at the end. During the City of Oaks, felt like she needed some company, so she asked him to run a short way at the start of the race. That short distance became the entire half marathon. B finished that entire event at her side with no training or preparation! We all agreed it was time for him to officially enter a half marathon and get recognized for his feat.
Meanwhile another niece, K took up the challenge and entered the 8K. My teammate signed on for the 8K, and T’s running partner, M signed up for the Dolphin. Nothing is more inspiring that to be surrounded by your most valuable team, your family and friends as you work toward any endeavor.
Charlie and Bulldog
More inspiration for the Shamrock evolved from the Norfolk Half Marathon on Ground Hog Day. Again I had the chance to “meet” inspiring runners such as fellow bloggers Charlie and Bulldog. “Meet” is somewhat of an overstatement of the act of witnessing a blur of a human figure streak past you while you shout out less in encouragement than in awe. We have since followed each others’ posts. I’ve found tremendous motivation in reading their descriptions of their workout regimes and grueling training. It makes me feel guilty for every minute I’m not exercising.
The 8K
The starting line of the 8K gave me a chance to meet my fellow wheelchair entrant, GF. GF hails from upstate NY. I thought I had a challenge training in the winter months. GF spends his training time in malls and parking decks during the winter. Folks, I’ve pushed a chair in parking lots. It’s a good way to get your heart rate up. Not from the exercise but the fear of death from the constant attack of cars that don’t see you.
I always race with the American flag attached to my handbike. It’s my way of reminding myself of the sacrifices of thousands of wounded warriors that preserve the liberties that we enjoy. The only exception has been the Crystal Coast Half Marathon when I was afraid the high crosswinds might cause the flag to sway and hit other runners. The race started with the ceremonial singing of the National Anthem. I often get teary-eyed during the National Anthem. As I looked around, I noticed all eyes were on my flag, excuse me, OUR flag. The pride this little bit of unexpected recognition added a little extra emotion to the ceremony and inspiration in my heart.
By now I was fully inspired. Readied with the knowledge that somewhere in the field behind me stood my teammate, T, M, and K; all as charged and excited as I. The crowds and cheering along the course were great. The weather was close to perfect, maybe a bit windy.
GF and I struggled along the first ten blocks or so against the stiff wind. However, once I turned south, it was thirty-five or so blocks of straight tailwind. This was my chance to fly. The run down Atlantic boulevard was a fun run past all the ice-cream stands, tee shirts stores, and hotels a beach town can offer. The turn onto the boardwalk put me into a headwind for what seemed like a slow crawl to the finish. I mentally said goodbye to the little group of runners I had hung with for the last ten minutes or so. The beautiful Virginia Beach oceanfront offered a grand view as I plowed through the wind back to the finish line.
I finished in 39:48 which was a PR 7 minute pace. I placed 268th out of about 4900 finishers. My teammate finished her first 8K. A year ago she had never run a step. K finished her first race also. M and T hung right in there with the rest of the team to the finish. All in all, a finish to inspire me for the next day’s marathon.
The Marathon
My half marathon teammates, T, M, and B had to start their race an hour ahead of mine. We wished each other a few brief “good lucks” as we grabbed a bite at the hotel breakfast bar. Unfortunately I tarried too long over breakfast and got to the starting line with only a few minutes to spare. The knowledge that my family and friends were already out there running had me psyched. There was more inspiration waiting for me at the starting line. Or despair; depending on how you look at it.
David Swaim
If you’re a wheelchair competitor, the sight of this man at the starting line will cause you despair. Or at the very least it will cause you to re-evaluate your strategy for a second place finish.
Get a good look at his blue racing gear before the shot of the starter’s pistol. Afterward he will be only a distant spec down the street before you. And that’s only briefly. He has won the wheelchair division in the Marine Corps Marathon previously and many others, including recently, the Myrtle Beach Marathon. To see this man streak along at his five-minute pace is like watching a human powered rocket fly along the street.
The Start
At the starting line I hear my name called out, not once, but twice. I looked up and there was Bulldog! The Welshman had made his way to the front to wish me luck. THEN, I looked to my left and there was my mentor, GM.
This retired Marine Sergeant Major has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation and has competed in nearly every event I have entered. He, too, had made his way through the throng to wish me well. Since I began my 2008 Miles of Hope campaign, he has been there with me, offering advice and experience to help me along the way. He is also a donor to my 2008 Miles of Hope fundraising campaign. I look forward to many more races with this great individual. This picture is actually from the Myrtle Beach Marathon but it shows how he took time away from his last-minute race preparations to find me at the front and bid me good luck.
Physically, I was as ready as I could be. The rain was gone (everyone hoped). My teammates were headed toward Fort Story as they made their way along the half marathon. Mentally, as a result of the inspiration given me by my family, my friends and supporters, and thousands of cheering spectators, I was stoked! I had one goal: to arrive at the finish line completely depleted of physical energy. However, there was to be no shortage of inspiration today.
Downwind
The starting horn sounded and we were off. A blue streak rocketed off to my left. That was the last I’d see of David Swaim this weekend. The wind was at my back. The first 10K of this race was going to be fun. The run down Atlantic Boulevard was much like the 8K only faster. The wind was a steady 25 MPH. I cruised along, sometimes reaching a six-minute mile pace. The bridge was going to be a bit of a speed bump.
As I started up the bridge, I was slowing and turning and gearing down, all the while being passed by the leaders in this field of 2300 participants. Once on the incline of the bridge I was geared down and grinding along slowly. I heard a familiar voice again shout out my name. “Run Bulldog, Run!” I shouted in reply. Charlie also passed me, also shouting my encouragement. Between the tailwind and the uplifting thoughts pushing me along my climb up this bridge was to be brief.
See Amy Run
Somewhere off to my left I heard a woman’s voice, “Bless you.” By the time I could react this tall amputee had passed me by and was bounding across the bridge like a running machine. At the top of my lungs I shouted back, “Go, lady, go!” In a blink, she was gone.
Amy Palmiero-Winters lost her leg in a motorcycle crash. A runner all her life, she was told she would never run again. What does a runner who has lost her leg do with her life? For Amy, the choice was clear. Run. And she has never looked back. What I just had the privilege of witnessing was a 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics hopeful. Not the Paralympics. This young lady plans to compete alongside able-bodied athletes in the marathon. Today I think she took two minutes off my time. I cranked even harder to get over the bridge, hoping to catch her on the down side of the bridge. I wanted to find where she hid her wings.
Camp Pendleton
The course proceeded down General Booth Boulevard where I again got a chance to yell at my fellow blogsters Bulldog and Charlie as they returned from the turn around. David Swaim? Forget it! By now he was so far gone that the light reflecting off his jersey won’t reach this universe for a few more years. As we wound our way through the Camp, a group of soldiers assembled outside one of the barracks and shouted cadence for the runners. Again, this little act of inspiration gave a tremendous motivational boost to me and all the runners around me. And just in time. After turning three more corners we started North, into the 25 MPH blast that would dog us for the next thirteen miles or so.
Headwind
As the course proceeded North back over the bridge, along the boardwalk, up Atlantic Boulevard, and Shore Drive it was all headwind. There was nowhere to hide from it; it was like a half marathon of brutal wind resistance in the middle of this course.
Every runner out there fed off each other for inspiration. We were all in the same predicament. I received more than my share of encouragement from my fellow marathoners and tried to return the same. The volunteers and spectators along the course were excellent. As we passed little clumps of spectators, water tables, and even the road monitors, they all had words of encouragement that took our minds off the wind.
At about mile 14 I met my teammate who was out on the course photographing runners, including my friends and family on the return leg of the Half Marathon. She was waiting for me with some inspiration in a can, Red Bull. I pulled into the median and stopped, where I wolfed down a Snickers and drank the Red Bull. For those of you who haven’t tried it, Snickers and Red Bull make a great mid-course refueling. If you can’t stand the taste of shots and goos, you can’t beat Snickers.
Rested and recharged, I got out on the road again. I managed to catch a glimpse of Bulldog on his return leg as he picked his way through the stragglers of the Half. I was amazed at his speed that far into his run. “Run, Bulldog, run!” I shouted. Little conversations were beginning to pick up amongst runners as the number of spectators waned. Along Shore Drive runners with compatible paces settled into little clumps and began to chat to maintaining their enthusiasm. Most of the banter was support for each other. A marathon virgin asked me about 2008 Miles of Hope, reading the logo on my shirt. I congratulated her on her first marathon and remarked that this was only my second. A DJ had speakers set up and music blasting about halfway up Shore Drive. In a conversation with another runner, she admitted she missed the motivation imparted by the spectators along Atlantic Boulevard. For me, the inspiration was all around me; it flowed alongside in the form of the energy from the thousands of runners.
Susan Constance, Discovery, Godspeed, and Admiral De Grasse
The sight of the Fort Story gate gave me a tremendous motivational boost. I knew in my mind that the headwinds were soon over. I joked with a fellow runner, “I hope they’re not checking IDs today,” recalling the snarled traffic at the gates military bases during periods of heightened security. As we trudged eastward, we passed openings in the sand dunes that gave the wind an opening to funnel through as it blasted off of the Chesapeake Sound. One blast blew me sideways a foot or so. The more we turned southward, the more of a tailwind component the breeze imparted and the faster I went.
As we passed the Cape Henry Lighthouse I recalled our stop at this spot last summer when my teammate and I had reconned this course. This spot is hallowed ground in the history of our country. It was here in 1607 that the Jamestown settlers first set foot on what is now the USA when they landed their three ships, the Susan Constance, the Discovery, and the Godspeed. And it was off this shore in 1781 that the French Admiral De Grasse cut off the British Navy from reinforcing General Cornwallis at Yorktown. That action enabled George Washington to defeat Cornwallis, the turning point of the War for American Independence. OK, I guess only a history enthusiast such as myself can find inspiration in a patch of beach.
Downwind to the Finish
I was snapped out of my reverie by the sound of my name again. My mentor, GM, was yelling in encouragement as I passed. “Yee-ha,” I yelled! In a blink, I was past. I had the full force of the wind at my back now. It seemed like only minutes before I was back at the Boardwalk. With the Atlantic nor’easter at my back, I clipped along at a snappy pace the last few blocks to the finish. There was Gerry, another wheelchair racer who had just finished minutes ahead of me. Gerry had traveled all the way from Cork, Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Shamrock.
At the finish, my little team of family and friends was there to greet me. T, B, and M were all proudly sporting their half-marathon medals, and I my marathon finisher medal. We all glowed in our accomplishments. We all exchanged congratulations and well wishes until the cold March air started to induce the post-race chill. We said our farewells with visions of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon beginning to form in our minds when we will all race together again.
My time for the marathon was 2:14:52 which put me somewhere around 1072 out of about 2300 participants. And I finished 18th of 58 whale participants. Yee ha! Not great, but better than my friends who spent the weekend in front of a TV.
Teammates
I was especially proud this weekend. Not only did I get to take home two finisher medals but my teammate had one as well for finishing the 8K. Normally I get to enjoy the anticipation at the start and the thrill of the finish. But I don’t even get on the handbike without my teammate. None of my training and none of my races would be possible without her. She is always there at the finish line for me and right by my side, either afoot or on her bike, for many of these 2008 Miles of Hope. The greatest teammate in the world!
It is my fervent desire that, as a result of these 2008 Miles of Hope, that our Nation’s wounded warriors will know that they have you, the reader of this blog, as their loyal teammate. Their stories of sacrifice and recovery are nothing short of inspirational. Be there for them in their most difficult battle, their fight for recovery and rehabilitation. Your generous tax-deductible contribution to Hope For The Warriors will help them know that they do not stand alone, they stand beside grateful and compassionate Americans such as you.
My participation in events such as this are dedicated to the honor and memory of service men and women wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. I raise money with my campaign, 2008 Miles of Hope, through donations to Hope For The Warriors. I’m not a wounded warrior, I’m a grateful beneficiary of their sacrifices. Learn more about Hope For The Warriors.
Please donate to my fundraising campaign to support wounded warriors, 2008 Miles of Hope. All the money I raise goes to Hope For The Warriors. This phenomenal organization provides Warrior Wishes, Direct Needs Grants, and Spouses’ Scholarships. Now they have embarked on the creation of a Hope and Care Center, a rehabilitation and wellness facility for wounded warriors.
You can easily make a donation to Hope For The Warriors by using my secure credit card donation site:
http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
Or donate by check. Download our donation form, fill it out, and send it to me with your donation to my address on the form:
Donation form.pdf
-LetsRoll!
What inspires you? What follows is my account of the Shamrock Marathon weekend and all the inspiration and motivation that saw me through to the finish line. Twice.
First of all, you have to understand that I get a unique perspective of a race. I get to start a race up front before all the runners. The wheelchairs and handbikes usually start five minutes or so earlier that the runners. That gets them down the street and out of the massive congestion of the start. It also gives me a chance to see a cross section of the race as the field of faster runners passes by. So for me, as a participant, I’m experiencing the event also as a spectator as well. There are stories of inspiration throughout those events that make it a memory to savor forever.
Whales and Dolphins
The inspiration started last fall. I signed up for the Whale. The Whale is a dual entry in the marathon and the 8K events. My niece, T and I are both training for the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon. I claim it is the result of a challenge from her. She claims it is the result of too much whisky. Since that challenge we have completed several races together, including the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and the City of Oaks Half Marathon. We mutually agreed that Shamrock would be a good time for another race. She signed up for the Dolphin which is the 8K and the half marathon.
Our plans turned into a “family” challenge. T’s boyfriend, B, had run with T the last 10K of the MCM 06 to motivate her at the end. During the City of Oaks, felt like she needed some company, so she asked him to run a short way at the start of the race. That short distance became the entire half marathon. B finished that entire event at her side with no training or preparation! We all agreed it was time for him to officially enter a half marathon and get recognized for his feat.
Meanwhile another niece, K took up the challenge and entered the 8K. My teammate signed on for the 8K, and T’s running partner, M signed up for the Dolphin. Nothing is more inspiring that to be surrounded by your most valuable team, your family and friends as you work toward any endeavor.
Charlie and Bulldog
More inspiration for the Shamrock evolved from the Norfolk Half Marathon on Ground Hog Day. Again I had the chance to “meet” inspiring runners such as fellow bloggers Charlie and Bulldog. “Meet” is somewhat of an overstatement of the act of witnessing a blur of a human figure streak past you while you shout out less in encouragement than in awe. We have since followed each others’ posts. I’ve found tremendous motivation in reading their descriptions of their workout regimes and grueling training. It makes me feel guilty for every minute I’m not exercising.
The 8K
The starting line of the 8K gave me a chance to meet my fellow wheelchair entrant, GF. GF hails from upstate NY. I thought I had a challenge training in the winter months. GF spends his training time in malls and parking decks during the winter. Folks, I’ve pushed a chair in parking lots. It’s a good way to get your heart rate up. Not from the exercise but the fear of death from the constant attack of cars that don’t see you.I always race with the American flag attached to my handbike. It’s my way of reminding myself of the sacrifices of thousands of wounded warriors that preserve the liberties that we enjoy. The only exception has been the Crystal Coast Half Marathon when I was afraid the high crosswinds might cause the flag to sway and hit other runners. The race started with the ceremonial singing of the National Anthem. I often get teary-eyed during the National Anthem. As I looked around, I noticed all eyes were on my flag, excuse me, OUR flag. The pride this little bit of unexpected recognition added a little extra emotion to the ceremony and inspiration in my heart.
By now I was fully inspired. Readied with the knowledge that somewhere in the field behind me stood my teammate, T, M, and K; all as charged and excited as I. The crowds and cheering along the course were great. The weather was close to perfect, maybe a bit windy.
GF and I struggled along the first ten blocks or so against the stiff wind. However, once I turned south, it was thirty-five or so blocks of straight tailwind. This was my chance to fly. The run down Atlantic boulevard was a fun run past all the ice-cream stands, tee shirts stores, and hotels a beach town can offer. The turn onto the boardwalk put me into a headwind for what seemed like a slow crawl to the finish. I mentally said goodbye to the little group of runners I had hung with for the last ten minutes or so. The beautiful Virginia Beach oceanfront offered a grand view as I plowed through the wind back to the finish line.
I finished in 39:48 which was a PR 7 minute pace. I placed 268th out of about 4900 finishers. My teammate finished her first 8K. A year ago she had never run a step. K finished her first race also. M and T hung right in there with the rest of the team to the finish. All in all, a finish to inspire me for the next day’s marathon.
The Marathon
My half marathon teammates, T, M, and B had to start their race an hour ahead of mine. We wished each other a few brief “good lucks” as we grabbed a bite at the hotel breakfast bar. Unfortunately I tarried too long over breakfast and got to the starting line with only a few minutes to spare. The knowledge that my family and friends were already out there running had me psyched. There was more inspiration waiting for me at the starting line. Or despair; depending on how you look at it.
David Swaim
If you’re a wheelchair competitor, the sight of this man at the starting line will cause you despair. Or at the very least it will cause you to re-evaluate your strategy for a second place finish.
Get a good look at his blue racing gear before the shot of the starter’s pistol. Afterward he will be only a distant spec down the street before you. And that’s only briefly. He has won the wheelchair division in the Marine Corps Marathon previously and many others, including recently, the Myrtle Beach Marathon. To see this man streak along at his five-minute pace is like watching a human powered rocket fly along the street.
The Start
At the starting line I hear my name called out, not once, but twice. I looked up and there was Bulldog! The Welshman had made his way to the front to wish me luck. THEN, I looked to my left and there was my mentor, GM.
This retired Marine Sergeant Major has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation and has competed in nearly every event I have entered. He, too, had made his way through the throng to wish me well. Since I began my 2008 Miles of Hope campaign, he has been there with me, offering advice and experience to help me along the way. He is also a donor to my 2008 Miles of Hope fundraising campaign. I look forward to many more races with this great individual. This picture is actually from the Myrtle Beach Marathon but it shows how he took time away from his last-minute race preparations to find me at the front and bid me good luck.
Physically, I was as ready as I could be. The rain was gone (everyone hoped). My teammates were headed toward Fort Story as they made their way along the half marathon. Mentally, as a result of the inspiration given me by my family, my friends and supporters, and thousands of cheering spectators, I was stoked! I had one goal: to arrive at the finish line completely depleted of physical energy. However, there was to be no shortage of inspiration today.
Downwind
The starting horn sounded and we were off. A blue streak rocketed off to my left. That was the last I’d see of David Swaim this weekend. The wind was at my back. The first 10K of this race was going to be fun. The run down Atlantic Boulevard was much like the 8K only faster. The wind was a steady 25 MPH. I cruised along, sometimes reaching a six-minute mile pace. The bridge was going to be a bit of a speed bump.
As I started up the bridge, I was slowing and turning and gearing down, all the while being passed by the leaders in this field of 2300 participants. Once on the incline of the bridge I was geared down and grinding along slowly. I heard a familiar voice again shout out my name. “Run Bulldog, Run!” I shouted in reply. Charlie also passed me, also shouting my encouragement. Between the tailwind and the uplifting thoughts pushing me along my climb up this bridge was to be brief.
See Amy Run
Somewhere off to my left I heard a woman’s voice, “Bless you.” By the time I could react this tall amputee had passed me by and was bounding across the bridge like a running machine. At the top of my lungs I shouted back, “Go, lady, go!” In a blink, she was gone.Amy Palmiero-Winters lost her leg in a motorcycle crash. A runner all her life, she was told she would never run again. What does a runner who has lost her leg do with her life? For Amy, the choice was clear. Run. And she has never looked back. What I just had the privilege of witnessing was a 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics hopeful. Not the Paralympics. This young lady plans to compete alongside able-bodied athletes in the marathon. Today I think she took two minutes off my time. I cranked even harder to get over the bridge, hoping to catch her on the down side of the bridge. I wanted to find where she hid her wings.
Camp Pendleton
The course proceeded down General Booth Boulevard where I again got a chance to yell at my fellow blogsters Bulldog and Charlie as they returned from the turn around. David Swaim? Forget it! By now he was so far gone that the light reflecting off his jersey won’t reach this universe for a few more years. As we wound our way through the Camp, a group of soldiers assembled outside one of the barracks and shouted cadence for the runners. Again, this little act of inspiration gave a tremendous motivational boost to me and all the runners around me. And just in time. After turning three more corners we started North, into the 25 MPH blast that would dog us for the next thirteen miles or so.
Headwind
As the course proceeded North back over the bridge, along the boardwalk, up Atlantic Boulevard, and Shore Drive it was all headwind. There was nowhere to hide from it; it was like a half marathon of brutal wind resistance in the middle of this course.
Every runner out there fed off each other for inspiration. We were all in the same predicament. I received more than my share of encouragement from my fellow marathoners and tried to return the same. The volunteers and spectators along the course were excellent. As we passed little clumps of spectators, water tables, and even the road monitors, they all had words of encouragement that took our minds off the wind.
At about mile 14 I met my teammate who was out on the course photographing runners, including my friends and family on the return leg of the Half Marathon. She was waiting for me with some inspiration in a can, Red Bull. I pulled into the median and stopped, where I wolfed down a Snickers and drank the Red Bull. For those of you who haven’t tried it, Snickers and Red Bull make a great mid-course refueling. If you can’t stand the taste of shots and goos, you can’t beat Snickers.
Rested and recharged, I got out on the road again. I managed to catch a glimpse of Bulldog on his return leg as he picked his way through the stragglers of the Half. I was amazed at his speed that far into his run. “Run, Bulldog, run!” I shouted. Little conversations were beginning to pick up amongst runners as the number of spectators waned. Along Shore Drive runners with compatible paces settled into little clumps and began to chat to maintaining their enthusiasm. Most of the banter was support for each other. A marathon virgin asked me about 2008 Miles of Hope, reading the logo on my shirt. I congratulated her on her first marathon and remarked that this was only my second. A DJ had speakers set up and music blasting about halfway up Shore Drive. In a conversation with another runner, she admitted she missed the motivation imparted by the spectators along Atlantic Boulevard. For me, the inspiration was all around me; it flowed alongside in the form of the energy from the thousands of runners.
Susan Constance, Discovery, Godspeed, and Admiral De Grasse
The sight of the Fort Story gate gave me a tremendous motivational boost. I knew in my mind that the headwinds were soon over. I joked with a fellow runner, “I hope they’re not checking IDs today,” recalling the snarled traffic at the gates military bases during periods of heightened security. As we trudged eastward, we passed openings in the sand dunes that gave the wind an opening to funnel through as it blasted off of the Chesapeake Sound. One blast blew me sideways a foot or so. The more we turned southward, the more of a tailwind component the breeze imparted and the faster I went.
As we passed the Cape Henry Lighthouse I recalled our stop at this spot last summer when my teammate and I had reconned this course. This spot is hallowed ground in the history of our country. It was here in 1607 that the Jamestown settlers first set foot on what is now the USA when they landed their three ships, the Susan Constance, the Discovery, and the Godspeed. And it was off this shore in 1781 that the French Admiral De Grasse cut off the British Navy from reinforcing General Cornwallis at Yorktown. That action enabled George Washington to defeat Cornwallis, the turning point of the War for American Independence. OK, I guess only a history enthusiast such as myself can find inspiration in a patch of beach.
Downwind to the Finish
I was snapped out of my reverie by the sound of my name again. My mentor, GM, was yelling in encouragement as I passed. “Yee-ha,” I yelled! In a blink, I was past. I had the full force of the wind at my back now. It seemed like only minutes before I was back at the Boardwalk. With the Atlantic nor’easter at my back, I clipped along at a snappy pace the last few blocks to the finish. There was Gerry, another wheelchair racer who had just finished minutes ahead of me. Gerry had traveled all the way from Cork, Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Shamrock.
At the finish, my little team of family and friends was there to greet me. T, B, and M were all proudly sporting their half-marathon medals, and I my marathon finisher medal. We all glowed in our accomplishments. We all exchanged congratulations and well wishes until the cold March air started to induce the post-race chill. We said our farewells with visions of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon beginning to form in our minds when we will all race together again.
My time for the marathon was 2:14:52 which put me somewhere around 1072 out of about 2300 participants. And I finished 18th of 58 whale participants. Yee ha! Not great, but better than my friends who spent the weekend in front of a TV.
Teammates
I was especially proud this weekend. Not only did I get to take home two finisher medals but my teammate had one as well for finishing the 8K. Normally I get to enjoy the anticipation at the start and the thrill of the finish. But I don’t even get on the handbike without my teammate. None of my training and none of my races would be possible without her. She is always there at the finish line for me and right by my side, either afoot or on her bike, for many of these 2008 Miles of Hope. The greatest teammate in the world!
It is my fervent desire that, as a result of these 2008 Miles of Hope, that our Nation’s wounded warriors will know that they have you, the reader of this blog, as their loyal teammate. Their stories of sacrifice and recovery are nothing short of inspirational. Be there for them in their most difficult battle, their fight for recovery and rehabilitation. Your generous tax-deductible contribution to Hope For The Warriors will help them know that they do not stand alone, they stand beside grateful and compassionate Americans such as you.
My participation in events such as this are dedicated to the honor and memory of service men and women wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. I raise money with my campaign, 2008 Miles of Hope, through donations to Hope For The Warriors. I’m not a wounded warrior, I’m a grateful beneficiary of their sacrifices. Learn more about Hope For The Warriors.
Please donate to my fundraising campaign to support wounded warriors, 2008 Miles of Hope. All the money I raise goes to Hope For The Warriors. This phenomenal organization provides Warrior Wishes, Direct Needs Grants, and Spouses’ Scholarships. Now they have embarked on the creation of a Hope and Care Center, a rehabilitation and wellness facility for wounded warriors.
You can easily make a donation to Hope For The Warriors by using my secure credit card donation site:
http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
Or donate by check. Download our donation form, fill it out, and send it to me with your donation to my address on the form:
Donation form.pdf
-LetsRoll!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Crystal Coast Half Marathon
A Handcrank Participant’s View From Ten Inches Off The Road
It rained. No it poured. It blew. It blew a gale. The Atlantic Beach bridge grew another 10 feet in height. OK, I’m making up that last part.
After a week of beautiful sunny weather, the Crystal Coast Half Marathon’s inaugural event started out amidst the wettest and windiest day of 2008 so far. If it were summer it would have been a tropical storm.
My teammate ran the 5K. I did the half marathon.
The race director arranged for a bicyclist to escort me on the course. She didn’t realize what she was signing up for. What a great sport! What a great support crew! Through the grittiest rain and the staunchest winds she hung in there, soaked to the bone, constantly encouraging me and chatting.
Everyone was hopeful that the rain had passed. The race started with winds at about 20 MPH SSW. That gave me a slight tailwind as we traveled east on Arendell Street. At mile 1.5, my mother braved the storm and walked out to the street to cheer for me. At about mile three the lead runners began to catch me as I approached the port. It is always inspiring to see the frontrunners in a race. Heidi Tucker, the women division winner, looked like she flew as her long strides pulled her through the storm.
By now my teammate was beginning her race.
I turned south on Fourth Street and thought I had hit a brick wall. The wind was howling around the end of Sugarloaf Island and being funneled in between buildings. It blew so hard I was beginning to have my doubts about crossing the bridge. As I turned back west on Evans Street, the crosswind had a slight headwind component, giving me an additional challenge. I passed mile 4 and could feel the wind freshening and the temperature dropping. My bike escort was right there grinding along beside me. It was starting to rain.
The other runners were great! Many were friends with whom I had participated before. Many called me by name. Many stuck out a thumbs-up. Many yelled out encouragement. Everyone should experience this kind of support for something they do in their life. It’s no wonder I’m hooked.
But what about that bridge? The wind was still freshening. It was starting to rain pretty hard. The gusts were probably up to 30 MPH. I approached the foot of the bridge where it was about mile 4.5. The wind was almost straight head-on.
I started training on this bridge last summer. I need the gradient to train for my ultimate quest, the Marine Corps Marathon. I’ve been across the bridge with 20 MPH winds before. That usually means grinding along slowly in my lowest gear if it’s a headwind. I figured the southward ascent up the steep side of the bridge would be on the lee side of the bridge. That would take some of the sting out of the wind until I got near the top.
Riding at Bogue Banks has become almost a weekly ritual for my teammate and me. We have ridden up and down highway 58 from Fort Macon to Indian Beach in training. We had ridden this very course in all kinds of weather. The previous weekend I cranked across this bridge six times. It’s a good thing.
The first few yards of the climb up the bridge slowed me to a crawl. My bicycle escort dismounted and started walking. The rain was now a full-fledged downpour. I think every runner that passed me shouted in encouragement. The spirit on the course was awesome! The steepest part of the bridge is about at mile 5. It’s a 6.3% grade. I know this because my teammate had measured it with a digital inclinometer (did I mention we were serious about this?).
Eighty feet in the air on that bridge, gusts were probably 40 miles an hour. The rain was like one of those summer thunderstorms when your windshield wipers can’t go fast enough to see. In, fact I could only see about thirty feet in front of me. The combination of the wind and the rain literally stung my face like being sprayed with a fire hose. Runners were shielding their faces with their hands and arms as they charged the blast.
By now my teammate had finished the 5K. She remarked that they could see black cloud obscuring the top of the bridge. At the finish line there was a combined air of angst; 5K’ers and spectators were concerned about family members enveloped in somewhere that storm.
I don’t know how to describe this but I’ll try. The resistance from the wind normally slows me down. This wind, with the added mass of gallons of rain, on top of the grueling grade of the bridge, made me feel like a salmon trying to swim up a waterfall. Now I understand why they jump out of the water.
The trudge, or swim, south on the Atlantic Beach Causeway was still a slow, grueling, grind. Many of the race volunteers had bailed, presumably assuming the race would be cancelled. Most did not. They were right there, at their stations. One group of youngsters steadfastly handed out water and cheered the runners at mile six in the worst of the torrent. I tried to thank every volunteer and policeman I saw on the course.
By the time I reached the Atlantic Beach light, about eight inches of rain had accumulated in the street. Runners were darting through parking lots and along curbs, trying to stay out of the puddles. As I plowed through the water, surely as high as my seat, I thought to myself, “This guarantees it. Now there’s not a dry spot on my body.”
By now the rain had subsided. The eastward dash out Fort Macon Road was under crosswinds and was sheltered somewhat by the tall homes along the south side of the street. I was able to make up a good bit of time lost coming up the bridge. As I passed runners, I felt a genuine aura of relief, as if they were glad to see I had survived the stormy bridge onslaught. I caught up with another runner from Hope For The Warriors and other friends who had passed me on the bridge. We exchanged mutual cheers of support for each other. March’s lion-like downpour had not dampened the spirits of these racers.
Once I was back to the Atlantic Beach Causeway at mile 10.5 I received a well-deserved reward. A tailwind. A 20 MPH tailwind. I leaned back against my backrest, stretched out my arms, and pulled; instantly rewarded with a blast of speed. It was a great feeling, like my memories of sailing on a beam reach in Beaufort Inlet. The words out my mouth described exactly how it felt: “Yee-ha!”
The wind pounding against the upslope of the bridge amplified the wind speed, making the return climb up the bridge “a piece of cake.” At the top, the gale blasting at our backs, I checked with my loyal escort, “Got brakes?” Shouting to other runners at the top of my lungs, “Passing on the right!” I crested the peak and zipped down the lee side of the bridge. It became obvious that the handful of runners descending the bridge in front of me were deafened by the howl of the wind. They couldn’t hear my warnings. For our mutual safety, I rode my brakes heavily down the last half of the hill, although I’m sure I startled one runner as I weaved around her at the bottom of the incline.
The rest of the course was a milk run. It was, however, an honor to pass the home of my dear friend, JT-, with whom I share a similar disability. She had been driven indoors earlier by the weather so I shouted her name as I cranked past her porch.
At the finish line, runners and spectators lined the finish chute, cheering loudly. I have never received such an enthusiastic reception at the finish. I think it was partly because of the shared experience with the weather of the runners, spectators, and volunteers and partly just the indomitable friendly nature of my fellow Crystal Coasters. The finisher’s medal, appropriately enough, bears a picture of the Atlantic Beach Bridge, my formidable adversary that day. I hugged the volunteer who hung the prize around my neck.
So, how did I do? My time was 2:21:13. I’ve done better, but given my experience with the “speedbump” in the course, I’m happy. In the “is the glass half full or half empty” department, this was the inaugural Crystal Coast Half Marathon and I was the only handcrank participant. That not only makes me the winner in my (albeit unofficial) division, it makes me the course (handcrank) record holder! Not only that, but my teammate, won in her age group. So now she is a 5K course record holder for her division, too! That ought to give my mother enough bragging rights amongst her quilting friends for a while.
Looking back, if you factor out the miserable weather, what is left is a feeling of incredible camaraderie amongst the runners who endured the trek together, the mutual support we all shared along the way, a huge feeling of gratitude for the volunteers and police who were there along the way, and a overwhelming sense of accomplishment at the end. Those are the memories I’ll savor until the end of my days.
My participation in events such as this are dedicated to the honor and memory of service men and women wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. I raise money with my campaign, 2008 Miles of Hope, through donations to Hope For The Warriors. I’m not a wounded warrior, I’m a grateful beneficiary of their sacrifices. Learn more about Hope For The Warriors.
Please donate to my fundraising campaign to support wounded warriors, 2008 Miles of Hope. All the money I raise goes to Hope for The Warriors. This phenomenal organization provides Warrior Wishes, Direct Needs Grants, and Spouses’ Scholarships. Now they have embarked on the creation of a Hope and Care Center, a rehabilitation and wellness facility for wounded warriors.
You can easily make a donation to Hope For The Warriors by using my secure credit card donation site:
http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
Or donate by check. Download our donation form, fill it out, and send it to me with your donation to my address on the form:
Donation form.pdf
-Let's Roll!
It rained. No it poured. It blew. It blew a gale. The Atlantic Beach bridge grew another 10 feet in height. OK, I’m making up that last part.
After a week of beautiful sunny weather, the Crystal Coast Half Marathon’s inaugural event started out amidst the wettest and windiest day of 2008 so far. If it were summer it would have been a tropical storm.
My teammate ran the 5K. I did the half marathon.
The race director arranged for a bicyclist to escort me on the course. She didn’t realize what she was signing up for. What a great sport! What a great support crew! Through the grittiest rain and the staunchest winds she hung in there, soaked to the bone, constantly encouraging me and chatting.
Everyone was hopeful that the rain had passed. The race started with winds at about 20 MPH SSW. That gave me a slight tailwind as we traveled east on Arendell Street. At mile 1.5, my mother braved the storm and walked out to the street to cheer for me. At about mile three the lead runners began to catch me as I approached the port. It is always inspiring to see the frontrunners in a race. Heidi Tucker, the women division winner, looked like she flew as her long strides pulled her through the storm.
By now my teammate was beginning her race.
I turned south on Fourth Street and thought I had hit a brick wall. The wind was howling around the end of Sugarloaf Island and being funneled in between buildings. It blew so hard I was beginning to have my doubts about crossing the bridge. As I turned back west on Evans Street, the crosswind had a slight headwind component, giving me an additional challenge. I passed mile 4 and could feel the wind freshening and the temperature dropping. My bike escort was right there grinding along beside me. It was starting to rain.
The other runners were great! Many were friends with whom I had participated before. Many called me by name. Many stuck out a thumbs-up. Many yelled out encouragement. Everyone should experience this kind of support for something they do in their life. It’s no wonder I’m hooked.
But what about that bridge? The wind was still freshening. It was starting to rain pretty hard. The gusts were probably up to 30 MPH. I approached the foot of the bridge where it was about mile 4.5. The wind was almost straight head-on.
I started training on this bridge last summer. I need the gradient to train for my ultimate quest, the Marine Corps Marathon. I’ve been across the bridge with 20 MPH winds before. That usually means grinding along slowly in my lowest gear if it’s a headwind. I figured the southward ascent up the steep side of the bridge would be on the lee side of the bridge. That would take some of the sting out of the wind until I got near the top.
Riding at Bogue Banks has become almost a weekly ritual for my teammate and me. We have ridden up and down highway 58 from Fort Macon to Indian Beach in training. We had ridden this very course in all kinds of weather. The previous weekend I cranked across this bridge six times. It’s a good thing.
The first few yards of the climb up the bridge slowed me to a crawl. My bicycle escort dismounted and started walking. The rain was now a full-fledged downpour. I think every runner that passed me shouted in encouragement. The spirit on the course was awesome! The steepest part of the bridge is about at mile 5. It’s a 6.3% grade. I know this because my teammate had measured it with a digital inclinometer (did I mention we were serious about this?).
Eighty feet in the air on that bridge, gusts were probably 40 miles an hour. The rain was like one of those summer thunderstorms when your windshield wipers can’t go fast enough to see. In, fact I could only see about thirty feet in front of me. The combination of the wind and the rain literally stung my face like being sprayed with a fire hose. Runners were shielding their faces with their hands and arms as they charged the blast.
By now my teammate had finished the 5K. She remarked that they could see black cloud obscuring the top of the bridge. At the finish line there was a combined air of angst; 5K’ers and spectators were concerned about family members enveloped in somewhere that storm.
I don’t know how to describe this but I’ll try. The resistance from the wind normally slows me down. This wind, with the added mass of gallons of rain, on top of the grueling grade of the bridge, made me feel like a salmon trying to swim up a waterfall. Now I understand why they jump out of the water.
The trudge, or swim, south on the Atlantic Beach Causeway was still a slow, grueling, grind. Many of the race volunteers had bailed, presumably assuming the race would be cancelled. Most did not. They were right there, at their stations. One group of youngsters steadfastly handed out water and cheered the runners at mile six in the worst of the torrent. I tried to thank every volunteer and policeman I saw on the course.
By the time I reached the Atlantic Beach light, about eight inches of rain had accumulated in the street. Runners were darting through parking lots and along curbs, trying to stay out of the puddles. As I plowed through the water, surely as high as my seat, I thought to myself, “This guarantees it. Now there’s not a dry spot on my body.”
By now the rain had subsided. The eastward dash out Fort Macon Road was under crosswinds and was sheltered somewhat by the tall homes along the south side of the street. I was able to make up a good bit of time lost coming up the bridge. As I passed runners, I felt a genuine aura of relief, as if they were glad to see I had survived the stormy bridge onslaught. I caught up with another runner from Hope For The Warriors and other friends who had passed me on the bridge. We exchanged mutual cheers of support for each other. March’s lion-like downpour had not dampened the spirits of these racers.
Once I was back to the Atlantic Beach Causeway at mile 10.5 I received a well-deserved reward. A tailwind. A 20 MPH tailwind. I leaned back against my backrest, stretched out my arms, and pulled; instantly rewarded with a blast of speed. It was a great feeling, like my memories of sailing on a beam reach in Beaufort Inlet. The words out my mouth described exactly how it felt: “Yee-ha!”
The wind pounding against the upslope of the bridge amplified the wind speed, making the return climb up the bridge “a piece of cake.” At the top, the gale blasting at our backs, I checked with my loyal escort, “Got brakes?” Shouting to other runners at the top of my lungs, “Passing on the right!” I crested the peak and zipped down the lee side of the bridge. It became obvious that the handful of runners descending the bridge in front of me were deafened by the howl of the wind. They couldn’t hear my warnings. For our mutual safety, I rode my brakes heavily down the last half of the hill, although I’m sure I startled one runner as I weaved around her at the bottom of the incline.
The rest of the course was a milk run. It was, however, an honor to pass the home of my dear friend, JT-, with whom I share a similar disability. She had been driven indoors earlier by the weather so I shouted her name as I cranked past her porch.
At the finish line, runners and spectators lined the finish chute, cheering loudly. I have never received such an enthusiastic reception at the finish. I think it was partly because of the shared experience with the weather of the runners, spectators, and volunteers and partly just the indomitable friendly nature of my fellow Crystal Coasters. The finisher’s medal, appropriately enough, bears a picture of the Atlantic Beach Bridge, my formidable adversary that day. I hugged the volunteer who hung the prize around my neck.
So, how did I do? My time was 2:21:13. I’ve done better, but given my experience with the “speedbump” in the course, I’m happy. In the “is the glass half full or half empty” department, this was the inaugural Crystal Coast Half Marathon and I was the only handcrank participant. That not only makes me the winner in my (albeit unofficial) division, it makes me the course (handcrank) record holder! Not only that, but my teammate, won in her age group. So now she is a 5K course record holder for her division, too! That ought to give my mother enough bragging rights amongst her quilting friends for a while.
Looking back, if you factor out the miserable weather, what is left is a feeling of incredible camaraderie amongst the runners who endured the trek together, the mutual support we all shared along the way, a huge feeling of gratitude for the volunteers and police who were there along the way, and a overwhelming sense of accomplishment at the end. Those are the memories I’ll savor until the end of my days.
My participation in events such as this are dedicated to the honor and memory of service men and women wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. I raise money with my campaign, 2008 Miles of Hope, through donations to Hope For The Warriors. I’m not a wounded warrior, I’m a grateful beneficiary of their sacrifices. Learn more about Hope For The Warriors.
Please donate to my fundraising campaign to support wounded warriors, 2008 Miles of Hope. All the money I raise goes to Hope for The Warriors. This phenomenal organization provides Warrior Wishes, Direct Needs Grants, and Spouses’ Scholarships. Now they have embarked on the creation of a Hope and Care Center, a rehabilitation and wellness facility for wounded warriors.
You can easily make a donation to Hope For The Warriors by using my secure credit card donation site:
http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
Or donate by check. Download our donation form, fill it out, and send it to me with your donation to my address on the form:
Donation form.pdf
-Let's Roll!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Myrtle Beach Marathon
You win some. You lose some. Today my glass is not half-full; it is overflowing!
To come in last place of the wheelchair and crank chair marathoners is a BIG win for me. How do you call a last-place finish a win?
It means I had the honor of rolling off the starting line with some world-class athletes.
It means I finished 400th in a field of 1700 able-bodied competitors.
It means I finished.
It means I finished a marathon!
It means I finished a marathon in 3 hours and 51 minutes.
It means I finished a marathon before many of my friends were out of bed.
It means a personal record for me for a marathon and a half-marathon split (1:48).
It’s a lot like living with a disability. You push yourself. You succeed. You fail. You push yourself farther. And ultimately you succeed with the support and encouragement of friends, family, and many total strangers. The first place winner, the person who finished after eight hours, 1700 other marathoners, and I all had one thing in common. We crossed that finish line because thousands of other people were there to support us.
My race is dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Global War on Terror. Help me bring hope to wounded warriors with the knowledge that a grateful America is there to support them on their race to recovery.
Please donate to my fundraising campaign to support wounded warriors, 2008 Miles of Hope. All the money I raise goes to Hope for The Warriors. This phenomenal organization provides Warrior Wishes, Direct Needs Grants, and Spouses’ Scholarships. Now they have embarked on the creation of a Hope and Care Center, a rehabilitation and wellness facility for wounded warriors.
You can easily make a donation to Hope For The Warriors by using my secure credit card donation site:
http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
Or donate by check. Download our donation form, fill it out, and send it to me with your donation to my address on the form:
Donation form.pdf
The official results:
http://www.rmssports.com/results/08mb.txt
Monday, February 4, 2008
Chill Factor 17
Did I mention we are serious?
That's ice, not snow, on the salt marsh the morning of one recent chilly ride.
But then to put it in perspective, one wounded warrior told me, "Any day is a good day when no one is shooting at me."
This is America. We can go out and ride on a freezing morning if we want to. Or stay indoors where it is warm.
Only because we have brave men and women who are willing to go stand in harm's way to protect our liberty. And for that I am grateful. And a little cold seems like a minor inconvenience. Join me in my campaign 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:
http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
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
It's only a minor inconvenience for those who have sacrificed so much.
That's ice, not snow, on the salt marsh the morning of one recent chilly ride.
But then to put it in perspective, one wounded warrior told me, "Any day is a good day when no one is shooting at me."
This is America. We can go out and ride on a freezing morning if we want to. Or stay indoors where it is warm.
Only because we have brave men and women who are willing to go stand in harm's way to protect our liberty. And for that I am grateful. And a little cold seems like a minor inconvenience. Join me in my campaign 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:
http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
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
It's only a minor inconvenience for those who have sacrificed so much.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Looking for a good time?
Here’s our tentative schedule for 2008! Join us.
2/2/08 Norfolk Half Marathon
2/15-16/08 Myrtle Beach 5K/Half/Marathon
3/8/08 Crystal Coast Half Marathon*
3/15-16/08 Shamrock 8K/Half/Marathon
4/6/08 Cherry Blossom 10 Miler
4/12/08 Jacksonville 10K
4/19/08 Dismal Swamp Stomp
5/17/08 Run For The Warriors
7/19/08 Beaufort Road Race**
8/31/08 Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon
9/27/08 Marine Corps Half Marathon
10/11/08 Beirut Memorial 10K
10/18/08 Neuse River Bridge Run
10/26/08 Marine Corps Marathon
11/2/08 City of Oaks Half Marathon
11/9/08 Battleship Half Marathon**
11/9/08 OBX Half Marathon**
12/??/08 Looking for a nice marathon to top off the perfect year!
*Not sure about this event yet. Still under discussion with the event director. The event director doesn’t want handbikes in his events.
**Under consideration.
Please support 2008 Miles of Hope, my fundraising campaign to support our nation’s wounded warriors. These are the events I plan to complete this year. Every mile that I race is dedicated to the men and women of our armed forces who returned as casualties from the Global War On Terror and their families. I take part in these events to raise money for, and awareness of, their needs.
All the money I raise goes to Hope For The Warriors. Please donate generously. Make a donation at http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles.
Read further in my blog...and "Thanks!" to all our supporters!
-Let's Roll!
2/2/08 Norfolk Half Marathon
2/15-16/08 Myrtle Beach 5K/Half/Marathon
3/8/08 Crystal Coast Half Marathon*
3/15-16/08 Shamrock 8K/Half/Marathon
4/6/08 Cherry Blossom 10 Miler
4/12/08 Jacksonville 10K
4/19/08 Dismal Swamp Stomp
5/17/08 Run For The Warriors
7/19/08 Beaufort Road Race**
8/31/08 Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon
9/27/08 Marine Corps Half Marathon
10/11/08 Beirut Memorial 10K
10/18/08 Neuse River Bridge Run
10/26/08 Marine Corps Marathon
11/2/08 City of Oaks Half Marathon
11/9/08 Battleship Half Marathon**
11/9/08 OBX Half Marathon**
12/??/08 Looking for a nice marathon to top off the perfect year!
*Not sure about this event yet. Still under discussion with the event director. The event director doesn’t want handbikes in his events.
**Under consideration.
Please support 2008 Miles of Hope, my fundraising campaign to support our nation’s wounded warriors. These are the events I plan to complete this year. Every mile that I race is dedicated to the men and women of our armed forces who returned as casualties from the Global War On Terror and their families. I take part in these events to raise money for, and awareness of, their needs.
All the money I raise goes to Hope For The Warriors. Please donate generously. Make a donation at http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles.
Read further in my blog...and "Thanks!" to all our supporters!
-Let's Roll!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Whew!
2007 was an AWESOME year! It started with one goal (Marine Corps Marathon) and ended with a mission (2008 Miles of Hope). After my niece, T, competed the MCM in 2006, she challenged me to do the same in 2007.
Getting in shape became my goal. However, the memory of all those charity runners running for a cause made me want to do more. My initial goal left me with a nagging desire to turn that accomplishment into something to benefit others. Hence, it eventually turned into my mission and here’s the story.
The mission has three goals (and here’s how we’re doing):
• Handbiking 2008 miles (over 900 miles completed since July)
• Marine Corps Marathon 2008 (three half marathons and five 10Ks completed)
• Raising $26.2 thousand to benefit Hope For The Warriors (Over $3400 raised)
Read on for the story.
Tortoise
In January and February my inseparable teammate (she makes it all happen) and I biked Ocracoke Island on my Quickie Cyclone (dubbed “Tortoise”). Those rides instilled the certainty in me that a marathon was going to be a reality for me. It took us seven hours on my first attempt to complete 28-mile trek.
In March I biked the Dismal Swamp Trail with Tortoise. Later that month I got a new handbike, a Top End XLT (dubbed “Hare”). It was back to Ocracoke for a bit of a disappointing shakedown ride. I thought I would fly down the island and back. Twenty mile per hour winds made that dream true only on the return leg.
Hare
On March 31 I took part in my first-ever 10K race, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Run-The-Runways benefit at Cherry Point. Not a big race, but fun. Here’s a link to a pic: Windsock photo. I’m the little spec behind the runner with the green long-sleeved shirt and blue shorts.
It felt great to benefit such a worthy cause. I was definitely hooked on these races so went searching for another event. I learned about the Run For The Warriors and Hope For The Warriors. I immediately emailed my wife, “Here’s our cause!” An idea for my mission was beginning to take shape.
Hills and Woes
In the meantime, I began to worry about the Marine Corps Marathon. I was beginning to recognize that hills gave me a big problem. I didn’t take much grade to stall me out. There are some steep hills on the Marine Marathon course. I assumed it would just be a matter of changing the sprockets to get lower gears. In April, we traveled to DC and I got a chance to try out some of the hills first-hand.
A big dose of reality set in. What seems to be the steepest grade on the MCM course is a 13.5% climb up the entrance to the Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial, the very end of the race. I couldn’t ascend a hill anything close to that steep! And there was no way to gear my handbike down low enough for me to crank up that hill. An equipment change wouldn’t get me there. The only way I was going to get up that hill was to become a LOT stronger. I had been working quite hard and knew there would be no way I could become that much stronger before the race date in October. It was time to re-strategize.
Learning and Innovating
In April, We rode Ocracoke Island again, which I think is one of my favorite rides. Later in the month, I think I was the first ever handbiker in the Lookout Rotary Spring Road race in Morehead City. That was a fun neighborhood run, but I sure got a lot of strange stares.
With warmer weather setting in, overheating was becoming a problem. I don’t sweat and the upper body exertion causes me to generate a lot of body heat, particularly on long rides and sunny days. We fitted my helmet with tubes that would allow me to dispense water onto the top of my head. That gadget did a lot for my endurance but for hot days, I needed even more cooling.
A neighbor, BG, suggested towels soaked in icewater wrapped around my neck. That inspired an idea of supplex tubes that we filled with ice cubes and tied around my neck. That seemed to do the trick on even fairly warm days. One Saturday in May we set off on a rather long ride on the back roads of Camp Lejeune. Since we were going to be away from civilization for quite a while, we packed several ice-filled tubes in a couple of coolers and added some dry ice to keep them frozen. The idea worked well enough to keep me cool most of the day
On that trip I learned that the hazards with handbiking aren’t always what you would expect. My first lesson came when I zipped past a copperhead as I’m sitting 10 inches off the ground. My second lesson came later in the day when some rain clouds moved in. I could see a rain shower moving from left to right a mile or so in front of us. So we stopped to let it pass before we went further. We pulled off the road and waited at the edge of a grove of small trees. After the rain passed by we got back on the road and finished our ride. We decided that where we stopped was not a good idea because of the danger of lightening—not because of the trees, but because we had stopped right in front of an explosives storage facility.
Yes, This Will Be My Cause!
Later in May I had the privilege of taking part in the Run For The Warriors, a race to benefit wounded warriors, conducted by Hope For The Warriors. I can truly say I’ve never had so much fun doing anything I felt so good about. Hundreds of Marines ran in formation. But for me, it was just an honor to take part in the 10K alongside wounded warriors on handbikes. Read the article in the Globe (page 1) (page 2).
May also afforded us an opportunity to do the Dismal Swamp Trail again, this time on Hare. I still had to make a decision about the Marine Corps Marathon. Would I be ready for that hill by October? I do not want to complete 26 miles of that race only to be overcome by an insurmountable hill two tenths of a mile from the finish line. Registration for the race was closed. I could still register as part of Hope For The Warriors’ charity team if I raised money for them. That was exactly what I wanted to do, but my experience in April told me I wouldn’t be able to complete the race. Sadly, I made a decision that I would wait until 2008 to take part in the MCM and I would find another way to support Hope For The Warriors.
Getting Serious With Hills
I began training in Atlantic Beach every chance I got because the streets there are essentially paved over sand dunes, hence it is one of the hilliest spots in the county. I found a hill on East Atlantic Boulevard that made a great spot to work on my strength training. We also found another hill that had the same grade as the hill at the Iwo Jima memorial on the MCM course. That would be my test hill. I nicknamed it Mount Suribachi. After a few weeks of working out on the hills, I tackled the Atlantic Beach Bridge at the end of June. As result of subsequent workouts on the bridge, repetitions up the hills at the Beach, and long rides close to home, I noticed I was becoming considerably stronger.
My Mission
My cause had pretty much come together in my mind by July. On July 13, I took it to the Internet. I stood up this blog and set up a fundraising campaign to benefit Hope For The Warriors. I called the campaign and the blog, “2008 Miles of Hope.” The goal became a mission. The idea was threefold:
1. To handbike 2008 miles in training, races, and fundraising events to raise money for and awareness of our nation’s wounded warriors.
2. To raise $26.2 thousand for Hope For The Warriors to benefit wounded warriors through their programs. Why that number? One thousand dollars for every mile of the third goal.
3. To complete the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2008.
That ought to keep us busy! The only problem was that now it was becoming the hottest time of the year. Strenuous workouts and long rides were becoming difficult. Labor Day weekend and the Virginia Beach Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon were rapidly approaching.
Fall Races
Amazingly the weather turned perfect the night before the race. My niece and I completed the race together. Other runners shouted, “You rock!” I’d call back, “No, you rock! I roll!” My first half marathon was a blast. Enjoy the video: Rock n Roll Half Marathon video
My next event was the Marine Corps Half Marathon in Camp Lejeune in September. The training on hills and the long rides were beginning to pay off. I finished the 13.1 miles in just under two hours, a time that I was quite proud of.
In October, I finished two 10K races. The first was the Beirut Memorial 10K. I had a tough time with that one. Equipment problems slowed me down and made it my toughest race. The second October event was the Neuse River Bridge Run. Another great event. That race is a great way to enjoy spectacular views of the Neuse River. Read the Sun Journal article.
The Hill Workouts Pay Off
One day, late in October, I was working out on my practice hill at Atlantic Beach on East Atlantic Boulevard. I started rocking back and forth on a steep section by pulling on the cranks a short stroke to roll forward and rolling back the stopping the reverse motion by yanking on the cranks again. I noticed that on each stroke I was ratcheting forward a few inches. By using this technique, I was able to climb through the steep part of the hill with relatively little effort. Not very fast, mind you, but successfully. I got my teammate and we rode over to Mount Suribachi, my test hill that has the same grade as the steepest hill of the Marine Corps Marathon. It was not very pretty, but I inched my way all the way up that hill.
Now, that was a bittersweet moment. That was the breakthrough I needed all along to complete my dream, the Marine Corps Marathon. But by now, with the race a few days away, it was too late since I wasn’t registered. But now I know that nothing will stop me.
Team Wounded Warrior
The great folks at Hope For The Warriors asked my teammate and I to go to the Marine Corps Marathon with them. They fielded a team of over a hundred runners called Team Wounded Warrior, which included five members of the Marine Wounded Warrior Battalion East. The team collectively raised close to $150,000 in donations. H4TW needed help manning their booth at the expo and they need folks who knew how to navigate the DC Metro to get out on the course to cheer the team. It was an honor to help out.
The day of the race we went out to a stretch of East Potomac Park called Hayes Point. It seems to be universally agreed by runners to be the loneliest stretch of the course. Along with my niece T, we yelled ourselves hoarse and handed out Snickers. All in all it was a great experience, but not as great as October 2008, when T and I will be out there on the course.
Kicking Off the Fundraising
We really had not conducted any serious fundraising efforts yet. All of our contributions so far had pretty much fallen into our laps. This cause is amazing in that folks are overwhelming in their compassion and willingness to support once they learn of it. In November we went to Fayetteville for a Beta Sigma Phi area luncheon. Beta Sigma Phi is an international women’s service organization in which my teammate is a member. There we shared a table with the Pi Master Chapter from Havelock. With the help of those amazing women we raised $473 in one morning.
The Only Handbike in Town (Again)
The next day I took part in the City of Oaks Half Marathon in Raleigh. That was one bugger of a course. I don’t remember a flat spot on the course. On a handbike, you’d like to go as fast downhill as possible in order to carry that energy as far up the next hill as you can go. Nothing doing on this course. Runners were too dense to go very fast downhill so I had to work for every uphill. Pics from WRAL (Slide 15) and News and Observer (Slide 5).
My grandson thought my handbike was pretty cool:
In December, Camp Lejeune’s Marine Corps Community Services’ Semper Fit Division awarded me their first place in the handbike division for their 2007 Grand Prix series of races. That was a very nice way to cap off a year of handbiking adventures. Thanks, Mike Marion!
With cooler weather setting in, we turned our activities to fundraising. So far, we’ve received over $3400 in donations. Everyone’s support and compassion is simply inspiring.
2008 Promises to be Even Better
Check back soon for our plans for 2008. Help get the word out. Help us help heroes. All the money we raise goes to Hope For The Warriors. We pay all our travel and registration fees out-of-pocket. It’s an honor for us to support our nation’s wounded warriors with our efforts. And it has enriched our lives immeasurably.
Learn more about Hope For The Warriors and their great programs to help our nation's wounded warrriors and their families.
Check out our donations page. It’s easy to make a secure online donation using your credit card: 2008 Miles of Hope.
Getting in shape became my goal. However, the memory of all those charity runners running for a cause made me want to do more. My initial goal left me with a nagging desire to turn that accomplishment into something to benefit others. Hence, it eventually turned into my mission and here’s the story.
The mission has three goals (and here’s how we’re doing):
• Handbiking 2008 miles (over 900 miles completed since July)
• Marine Corps Marathon 2008 (three half marathons and five 10Ks completed)
• Raising $26.2 thousand to benefit Hope For The Warriors (Over $3400 raised)
Read on for the story.
Tortoise
In January and February my inseparable teammate (she makes it all happen) and I biked Ocracoke Island on my Quickie Cyclone (dubbed “Tortoise”). Those rides instilled the certainty in me that a marathon was going to be a reality for me. It took us seven hours on my first attempt to complete 28-mile trek.In March I biked the Dismal Swamp Trail with Tortoise. Later that month I got a new handbike, a Top End XLT (dubbed “Hare”). It was back to Ocracoke for a bit of a disappointing shakedown ride. I thought I would fly down the island and back. Twenty mile per hour winds made that dream true only on the return leg.
Hare
On March 31 I took part in my first-ever 10K race, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Run-The-Runways benefit at Cherry Point. Not a big race, but fun. Here’s a link to a pic: Windsock photo. I’m the little spec behind the runner with the green long-sleeved shirt and blue shorts.
It felt great to benefit such a worthy cause. I was definitely hooked on these races so went searching for another event. I learned about the Run For The Warriors and Hope For The Warriors. I immediately emailed my wife, “Here’s our cause!” An idea for my mission was beginning to take shape.
Hills and Woes
In the meantime, I began to worry about the Marine Corps Marathon. I was beginning to recognize that hills gave me a big problem. I didn’t take much grade to stall me out. There are some steep hills on the Marine Marathon course. I assumed it would just be a matter of changing the sprockets to get lower gears. In April, we traveled to DC and I got a chance to try out some of the hills first-hand.
A big dose of reality set in. What seems to be the steepest grade on the MCM course is a 13.5% climb up the entrance to the Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial, the very end of the race. I couldn’t ascend a hill anything close to that steep! And there was no way to gear my handbike down low enough for me to crank up that hill. An equipment change wouldn’t get me there. The only way I was going to get up that hill was to become a LOT stronger. I had been working quite hard and knew there would be no way I could become that much stronger before the race date in October. It was time to re-strategize.
Learning and Innovating
In April, We rode Ocracoke Island again, which I think is one of my favorite rides. Later in the month, I think I was the first ever handbiker in the Lookout Rotary Spring Road race in Morehead City. That was a fun neighborhood run, but I sure got a lot of strange stares.
With warmer weather setting in, overheating was becoming a problem. I don’t sweat and the upper body exertion causes me to generate a lot of body heat, particularly on long rides and sunny days. We fitted my helmet with tubes that would allow me to dispense water onto the top of my head. That gadget did a lot for my endurance but for hot days, I needed even more cooling.
A neighbor, BG, suggested towels soaked in icewater wrapped around my neck. That inspired an idea of supplex tubes that we filled with ice cubes and tied around my neck. That seemed to do the trick on even fairly warm days. One Saturday in May we set off on a rather long ride on the back roads of Camp Lejeune. Since we were going to be away from civilization for quite a while, we packed several ice-filled tubes in a couple of coolers and added some dry ice to keep them frozen. The idea worked well enough to keep me cool most of the day
On that trip I learned that the hazards with handbiking aren’t always what you would expect. My first lesson came when I zipped past a copperhead as I’m sitting 10 inches off the ground. My second lesson came later in the day when some rain clouds moved in. I could see a rain shower moving from left to right a mile or so in front of us. So we stopped to let it pass before we went further. We pulled off the road and waited at the edge of a grove of small trees. After the rain passed by we got back on the road and finished our ride. We decided that where we stopped was not a good idea because of the danger of lightening—not because of the trees, but because we had stopped right in front of an explosives storage facility.
Yes, This Will Be My Cause!
Later in May I had the privilege of taking part in the Run For The Warriors, a race to benefit wounded warriors, conducted by Hope For The Warriors. I can truly say I’ve never had so much fun doing anything I felt so good about. Hundreds of Marines ran in formation. But for me, it was just an honor to take part in the 10K alongside wounded warriors on handbikes. Read the article in the Globe (page 1) (page 2).
May also afforded us an opportunity to do the Dismal Swamp Trail again, this time on Hare. I still had to make a decision about the Marine Corps Marathon. Would I be ready for that hill by October? I do not want to complete 26 miles of that race only to be overcome by an insurmountable hill two tenths of a mile from the finish line. Registration for the race was closed. I could still register as part of Hope For The Warriors’ charity team if I raised money for them. That was exactly what I wanted to do, but my experience in April told me I wouldn’t be able to complete the race. Sadly, I made a decision that I would wait until 2008 to take part in the MCM and I would find another way to support Hope For The Warriors.
Getting Serious With Hills
I began training in Atlantic Beach every chance I got because the streets there are essentially paved over sand dunes, hence it is one of the hilliest spots in the county. I found a hill on East Atlantic Boulevard that made a great spot to work on my strength training. We also found another hill that had the same grade as the hill at the Iwo Jima memorial on the MCM course. That would be my test hill. I nicknamed it Mount Suribachi. After a few weeks of working out on the hills, I tackled the Atlantic Beach Bridge at the end of June. As result of subsequent workouts on the bridge, repetitions up the hills at the Beach, and long rides close to home, I noticed I was becoming considerably stronger.
My Mission
My cause had pretty much come together in my mind by July. On July 13, I took it to the Internet. I stood up this blog and set up a fundraising campaign to benefit Hope For The Warriors. I called the campaign and the blog, “2008 Miles of Hope.” The goal became a mission. The idea was threefold:
1. To handbike 2008 miles in training, races, and fundraising events to raise money for and awareness of our nation’s wounded warriors.
2. To raise $26.2 thousand for Hope For The Warriors to benefit wounded warriors through their programs. Why that number? One thousand dollars for every mile of the third goal.
3. To complete the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2008.
That ought to keep us busy! The only problem was that now it was becoming the hottest time of the year. Strenuous workouts and long rides were becoming difficult. Labor Day weekend and the Virginia Beach Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon were rapidly approaching.
Fall Races
Amazingly the weather turned perfect the night before the race. My niece and I completed the race together. Other runners shouted, “You rock!” I’d call back, “No, you rock! I roll!” My first half marathon was a blast. Enjoy the video: Rock n Roll Half Marathon video
My next event was the Marine Corps Half Marathon in Camp Lejeune in September. The training on hills and the long rides were beginning to pay off. I finished the 13.1 miles in just under two hours, a time that I was quite proud of.
In October, I finished two 10K races. The first was the Beirut Memorial 10K. I had a tough time with that one. Equipment problems slowed me down and made it my toughest race. The second October event was the Neuse River Bridge Run. Another great event. That race is a great way to enjoy spectacular views of the Neuse River. Read the Sun Journal article.
The Hill Workouts Pay Off
One day, late in October, I was working out on my practice hill at Atlantic Beach on East Atlantic Boulevard. I started rocking back and forth on a steep section by pulling on the cranks a short stroke to roll forward and rolling back the stopping the reverse motion by yanking on the cranks again. I noticed that on each stroke I was ratcheting forward a few inches. By using this technique, I was able to climb through the steep part of the hill with relatively little effort. Not very fast, mind you, but successfully. I got my teammate and we rode over to Mount Suribachi, my test hill that has the same grade as the steepest hill of the Marine Corps Marathon. It was not very pretty, but I inched my way all the way up that hill.
Now, that was a bittersweet moment. That was the breakthrough I needed all along to complete my dream, the Marine Corps Marathon. But by now, with the race a few days away, it was too late since I wasn’t registered. But now I know that nothing will stop me.
Team Wounded Warrior
The great folks at Hope For The Warriors asked my teammate and I to go to the Marine Corps Marathon with them. They fielded a team of over a hundred runners called Team Wounded Warrior, which included five members of the Marine Wounded Warrior Battalion East. The team collectively raised close to $150,000 in donations. H4TW needed help manning their booth at the expo and they need folks who knew how to navigate the DC Metro to get out on the course to cheer the team. It was an honor to help out.
The day of the race we went out to a stretch of East Potomac Park called Hayes Point. It seems to be universally agreed by runners to be the loneliest stretch of the course. Along with my niece T, we yelled ourselves hoarse and handed out Snickers. All in all it was a great experience, but not as great as October 2008, when T and I will be out there on the course.
Kicking Off the Fundraising
We really had not conducted any serious fundraising efforts yet. All of our contributions so far had pretty much fallen into our laps. This cause is amazing in that folks are overwhelming in their compassion and willingness to support once they learn of it. In November we went to Fayetteville for a Beta Sigma Phi area luncheon. Beta Sigma Phi is an international women’s service organization in which my teammate is a member. There we shared a table with the Pi Master Chapter from Havelock. With the help of those amazing women we raised $473 in one morning.
The Only Handbike in Town (Again)
The next day I took part in the City of Oaks Half Marathon in Raleigh. That was one bugger of a course. I don’t remember a flat spot on the course. On a handbike, you’d like to go as fast downhill as possible in order to carry that energy as far up the next hill as you can go. Nothing doing on this course. Runners were too dense to go very fast downhill so I had to work for every uphill. Pics from WRAL (Slide 15) and News and Observer (Slide 5).
My grandson thought my handbike was pretty cool:
In December, Camp Lejeune’s Marine Corps Community Services’ Semper Fit Division awarded me their first place in the handbike division for their 2007 Grand Prix series of races. That was a very nice way to cap off a year of handbiking adventures. Thanks, Mike Marion!
With cooler weather setting in, we turned our activities to fundraising. So far, we’ve received over $3400 in donations. Everyone’s support and compassion is simply inspiring.
2008 Promises to be Even Better
Check back soon for our plans for 2008. Help get the word out. Help us help heroes. All the money we raise goes to Hope For The Warriors. We pay all our travel and registration fees out-of-pocket. It’s an honor for us to support our nation’s wounded warriors with our efforts. And it has enriched our lives immeasurably.
Learn more about Hope For The Warriors and their great programs to help our nation's wounded warrriors and their families.
Check out our donations page. It’s easy to make a secure online donation using your credit card: 2008 Miles of Hope.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Nuese River Bridge Run - a message to the event director
GB,
THANKS! First of all it was great to meet you. Secondly, I could tell that a lot of hard work by a lot of people made this event the success and enjoyment it was. I wish I could thank them all, but I don't know who they all are.
I always contact the race director before entering a running event because it's their decision to let handbikes participate. In other words, it's a privilege to take part in your event. I don't forget that and I thank you for that privilege. I'm looking forward to doing this again next year.
Since beginning handbiking seriously about a year ago, folks like you have endowed me with so many such privileges, but chiefly, the chance to meet and be inspired by some of the greatest people in the world, these local runners. Each has a story, each is a hero, and all inspire me. Again, I thank you for the opportunity to meet new friends and be inspired by so may wonderful folks.
This event was special for me for several reasons. First it was a 10K PR for me. But mainly, by sheer coincidence, it allowed me to re-connect with a high school friend whom I haven't seen in 33 years. The friend had been through a similar disability as mine with a quite different outcome. We immediately connected on a number of levels, but chiefly, our enthusiastic outlook on life. We're already planning training and future events.
As for me and my story; your event (and next year's event) is part of a 2008 mile journey that I call 2008 Miles of Hope. I'm handbiking over 2008 miles to conclude with the Marine Marathon in 2008. The ride is dedicated to and is raising money for wounded warriors through the great organization Hope For The Warriors. More about my cause and about me can be learned by reading through this blog.
In this life I take nothing for granted. A year ago I would have never dreamed I'd have crossed that bridge. For the rest of my life I'll know I did.
Those things I cannot achieve
Are only those things I cannot dream.
-Let's Roll
SUN JOURNAL article
THANKS! First of all it was great to meet you. Secondly, I could tell that a lot of hard work by a lot of people made this event the success and enjoyment it was. I wish I could thank them all, but I don't know who they all are.
I always contact the race director before entering a running event because it's their decision to let handbikes participate. In other words, it's a privilege to take part in your event. I don't forget that and I thank you for that privilege. I'm looking forward to doing this again next year.
Since beginning handbiking seriously about a year ago, folks like you have endowed me with so many such privileges, but chiefly, the chance to meet and be inspired by some of the greatest people in the world, these local runners. Each has a story, each is a hero, and all inspire me. Again, I thank you for the opportunity to meet new friends and be inspired by so may wonderful folks.
This event was special for me for several reasons. First it was a 10K PR for me. But mainly, by sheer coincidence, it allowed me to re-connect with a high school friend whom I haven't seen in 33 years. The friend had been through a similar disability as mine with a quite different outcome. We immediately connected on a number of levels, but chiefly, our enthusiastic outlook on life. We're already planning training and future events.
As for me and my story; your event (and next year's event) is part of a 2008 mile journey that I call 2008 Miles of Hope. I'm handbiking over 2008 miles to conclude with the Marine Marathon in 2008. The ride is dedicated to and is raising money for wounded warriors through the great organization Hope For The Warriors. More about my cause and about me can be learned by reading through this blog.
In this life I take nothing for granted. A year ago I would have never dreamed I'd have crossed that bridge. For the rest of my life I'll know I did.
Those things I cannot achieve
Are only those things I cannot dream.
-Let's Roll
SUN JOURNAL article
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Get me to the Race On Time!
COUNTDOWN-The Marine Corps Half Marathon
09.28.2007, 10:00 AM – It’s going to be a busy day. 4:00 AM is going to be here WAY too soon. Tomorrow I’m lucky enough to participate in the Marine Corps Half Marathon at Camp Lejeune, NC. I pick up my race packet today so tomorrow morning won’t be quite so hectic before the race. A few errands to run first. I just finished a blog post. Oh darn, I’m going to be late for my appointment with Hope for the Warriors at Camp Lejeune.
11:00 AM – How many times can a cell phone ring in an hour’s commute?
11:30 AM – Met with Robin at Home For Warriors Headquarters. Those folks are awesome.
1:00 PM – Just reconnoitered the race route in my van. Don’t want any surprises. Right now it’s blistering hot. Didn’t anyone tell the weatherman that it is almost October? I saw Dan on his handbike going around the course. Man, he looks hot. Now I AM starting to worry. I’ve been looking forward to this race for six months. I hope it cools down or I will be toast.
2:00 PM – Picked up my race packet and met with Mike, the race director. A great guy. Sorry, Mike if I have so many questions, but this is only my second half marathon.
3:00 PM – A quick haircut
3:30 PM – Later than I thought. I won’t have time for that big plate of pasta for lunch I was looking forward to. Maybe we can cook up some spaghetti when I get home. I called my teammate, no answer.
4:00 PM – It has been a long day and I’m starting to get tired. Sure wish I had more than six hours sleep last night and the night before and the night before….yawn… I pull into McDonald’s, park in back, close my eyes, and take a nap.
4:09 PM -- The noise of a big truck wakes me up, maybe I better move on. OH NO! The van won’t start and I can smell smoke. Who am I going to find to fix this van this late on a Friday afternoon? I get on the cell phone and start calling every auto mechanic I know. Neil even calls another mechanic on my behalf and offers to come and get me in his mini van, thanks. It’s starting to look like Saturday is going to be spent replacing an alternator rather than half-marathoning. Am I ever bummed!
4:30 PM – Merchant’s Tire in Havelock says they will wait for me. I make arrangements for a tow truck.
5:15 PM – Finally get up with my teammate and ask her to meet me at McDonald’s and now it is just a waiting game. I am hoping my troubles are due to the alternator even though we just had a rebuilt one put in a few months ago.
6:00 PM – Teammate arrives. I grab a quick bite at McD’s. I was sure looking forward to pasta. The wrecker shows up. Off we go to the tire store.
7:00 PM – We roll into Merchant’s Tire. The wrecker arrives right behind us. This is their normal quitting time. They really want to go home; PLEASE – PLEASE - PLEASE. Did I mention that I had been looking forward to this race for six months? They agree to change the alternator. Yeah! My teammate and I take off for the parts store while the mechanic starts removing the bad alternator.
7:20 PM – We’re back with the new alternator. The old one is out. It’s starting to look like we might pull this off after all!
9:00 PM – We’re back on the road again. THANKS Brian and Miguel!!! You’ll never know how much this means to me!
9:30 PM – Back home. So much to do to get ready. Darn it’s late! How many times have I said that already today? Let’s get started.
11:00 PM – Finally in bed!
10.29.2007, 12:00 AM – Will I ever go to sleep?
2:00 AM – I can’t sleep! I keep thinking about this race.
3:00 AM – Zzzzzzzz
4:00 AM – Zzzzzzzz
4:20 AM – The alarm rings. Oh darn! I wanted to get up at 4:00.
5:00 AM – 60 degrees outside. The forecast is for cool weather. Yeah! I stuff down a smoothie, a banana, milk, & coffee.
5:30 AM – On the road. This is the first chance to go over the course with my teammate. She’s going to ride the bike paths on her bicycle to meet me at miles 4, 8, & 12.
6:30 AM –We ride the course my teammate will take so she knows where to meet me.
7:00 AM – It’s getting late (again). We get to the race start. Let’s get the handbike on the ground and get ready.
7:30 AM – Typical pre-race confusion. I wolf down a Snickers bar.
7:45 AM – They’re calling runners to the starting line. Where are my sunglasses? There’s Dan and Cory. Wow! There will be three hand bikers today.
8:00 AM – Let’s Roll! We’re off! Man! This came so close to NOT happening! There goes Cory and Dan…I’ll not see them again until the finish. Oh well…like I always say, “I’m not a racer, I’m a participant.” The weather is PERFECT! And wow, I’ve even got a little energy. I’m gonna yank those cranks! All those runners that passed me off the starting line…I’m slowly passing them! No way will this last. But I’m having fun while it does! Marines yell in encouragement. Marines are undoubtedly the greatest people in the world.
8:30 AM – A few hills have had their toll and I’m starting to settle into a manageable pace. The fast guys and gals are all gone and I’m blending in with a group that I’m starting to become familiar with. We even get a few conversations started. Even a little friendly banter. I take a ribbing about the hills.
9:00 AM – Hey, that 10K split went by rather quickly (for me). Maybe this is going to be good. I stop beside my teammate and throw down a PowerAde. I’m off.
9:30 AM – My teammate is hanging nearby on the bike trails. That is a tremendous boost. I’m coming up to a water table. I ask the Marine to throw water on me. Man that feels good. Headwinds and hills are starting to slow me down. My teammate cuts off for our rendezvous at mile 12. Marines yell, “Ooh rah” as the headwind slows me down.
9:45 AM – Should have drunk another PowerAde. I’m fading. The pasta dinner would have been nice. Maybe even some sleep. That wind feels nice but it’s slowing me down to a crawl. Shift down. Grind.
9.50 AM – There’s some crowds. I must be nearing the finish. I look at the time. HOLY COW! Do you think there’s any chance I can beat 2 hours? Shift down. YANK! I hear my teammate’s voice, “Go!”
9:57:17 AM – I cross the line. YEE HA! Whooda thunk! There’s Dan and Cory. What a GREAT day!
09.28.2007, 10:00 AM – It’s going to be a busy day. 4:00 AM is going to be here WAY too soon. Tomorrow I’m lucky enough to participate in the Marine Corps Half Marathon at Camp Lejeune, NC. I pick up my race packet today so tomorrow morning won’t be quite so hectic before the race. A few errands to run first. I just finished a blog post. Oh darn, I’m going to be late for my appointment with Hope for the Warriors at Camp Lejeune.
11:00 AM – How many times can a cell phone ring in an hour’s commute?
11:30 AM – Met with Robin at Home For Warriors Headquarters. Those folks are awesome.
1:00 PM – Just reconnoitered the race route in my van. Don’t want any surprises. Right now it’s blistering hot. Didn’t anyone tell the weatherman that it is almost October? I saw Dan on his handbike going around the course. Man, he looks hot. Now I AM starting to worry. I’ve been looking forward to this race for six months. I hope it cools down or I will be toast.
2:00 PM – Picked up my race packet and met with Mike, the race director. A great guy. Sorry, Mike if I have so many questions, but this is only my second half marathon.
3:00 PM – A quick haircut
3:30 PM – Later than I thought. I won’t have time for that big plate of pasta for lunch I was looking forward to. Maybe we can cook up some spaghetti when I get home. I called my teammate, no answer.
4:00 PM – It has been a long day and I’m starting to get tired. Sure wish I had more than six hours sleep last night and the night before and the night before….yawn… I pull into McDonald’s, park in back, close my eyes, and take a nap.
4:09 PM -- The noise of a big truck wakes me up, maybe I better move on. OH NO! The van won’t start and I can smell smoke. Who am I going to find to fix this van this late on a Friday afternoon? I get on the cell phone and start calling every auto mechanic I know. Neil even calls another mechanic on my behalf and offers to come and get me in his mini van, thanks. It’s starting to look like Saturday is going to be spent replacing an alternator rather than half-marathoning. Am I ever bummed!
4:30 PM – Merchant’s Tire in Havelock says they will wait for me. I make arrangements for a tow truck.
5:15 PM – Finally get up with my teammate and ask her to meet me at McDonald’s and now it is just a waiting game. I am hoping my troubles are due to the alternator even though we just had a rebuilt one put in a few months ago.
6:00 PM – Teammate arrives. I grab a quick bite at McD’s. I was sure looking forward to pasta. The wrecker shows up. Off we go to the tire store.
7:00 PM – We roll into Merchant’s Tire. The wrecker arrives right behind us. This is their normal quitting time. They really want to go home; PLEASE – PLEASE - PLEASE. Did I mention that I had been looking forward to this race for six months? They agree to change the alternator. Yeah! My teammate and I take off for the parts store while the mechanic starts removing the bad alternator.
7:20 PM – We’re back with the new alternator. The old one is out. It’s starting to look like we might pull this off after all!
9:00 PM – We’re back on the road again. THANKS Brian and Miguel!!! You’ll never know how much this means to me!
9:30 PM – Back home. So much to do to get ready. Darn it’s late! How many times have I said that already today? Let’s get started.
11:00 PM – Finally in bed!
10.29.2007, 12:00 AM – Will I ever go to sleep?
2:00 AM – I can’t sleep! I keep thinking about this race.
3:00 AM – Zzzzzzzz
4:00 AM – Zzzzzzzz
4:20 AM – The alarm rings. Oh darn! I wanted to get up at 4:00.
5:00 AM – 60 degrees outside. The forecast is for cool weather. Yeah! I stuff down a smoothie, a banana, milk, & coffee.
5:30 AM – On the road. This is the first chance to go over the course with my teammate. She’s going to ride the bike paths on her bicycle to meet me at miles 4, 8, & 12.
6:30 AM –We ride the course my teammate will take so she knows where to meet me.
7:00 AM – It’s getting late (again). We get to the race start. Let’s get the handbike on the ground and get ready.
7:30 AM – Typical pre-race confusion. I wolf down a Snickers bar.
7:45 AM – They’re calling runners to the starting line. Where are my sunglasses? There’s Dan and Cory. Wow! There will be three hand bikers today.
8:00 AM – Let’s Roll! We’re off! Man! This came so close to NOT happening! There goes Cory and Dan…I’ll not see them again until the finish. Oh well…like I always say, “I’m not a racer, I’m a participant.” The weather is PERFECT! And wow, I’ve even got a little energy. I’m gonna yank those cranks! All those runners that passed me off the starting line…I’m slowly passing them! No way will this last. But I’m having fun while it does! Marines yell in encouragement. Marines are undoubtedly the greatest people in the world.
8:30 AM – A few hills have had their toll and I’m starting to settle into a manageable pace. The fast guys and gals are all gone and I’m blending in with a group that I’m starting to become familiar with. We even get a few conversations started. Even a little friendly banter. I take a ribbing about the hills.
9:00 AM – Hey, that 10K split went by rather quickly (for me). Maybe this is going to be good. I stop beside my teammate and throw down a PowerAde. I’m off.
9:30 AM – My teammate is hanging nearby on the bike trails. That is a tremendous boost. I’m coming up to a water table. I ask the Marine to throw water on me. Man that feels good. Headwinds and hills are starting to slow me down. My teammate cuts off for our rendezvous at mile 12. Marines yell, “Ooh rah” as the headwind slows me down.
9:45 AM – Should have drunk another PowerAde. I’m fading. The pasta dinner would have been nice. Maybe even some sleep. That wind feels nice but it’s slowing me down to a crawl. Shift down. Grind.
9.50 AM – There’s some crowds. I must be nearing the finish. I look at the time. HOLY COW! Do you think there’s any chance I can beat 2 hours? Shift down. YANK! I hear my teammate’s voice, “Go!”
9:57:17 AM – I cross the line. YEE HA! Whooda thunk! There’s Dan and Cory. What a GREAT day!
Life has taught me that: 1) Things are never hopeless, no matter how bad they seem. Jimmy V. put it aptly, “Don’t give up; don’t EVER give up.” 2) There are still saints out there in spite of what you see on the news. So just when my plight seemed helpless, the folks at Merchant’s Tire put forth a little “can-do” and enabled me and my teammate to pull it all together.
Our Nation’s wounded warriors haven’t given up hope. They’ve sacrificed their limbs and flesh to protect your liberty and mine. As they begin their adjustment to new lives with disabilities they continue to display dedication and resolve that awes me.
My campaign, 2008 Miles Of Hope, is dedicated to the wounded warriors. With the help of my beloved teammate, my wife, and with a yellow hand bike, I plan to: 1) ride over 2008 miles before October, 2008 in training and events like this, 2) raise $26.2 thousand for Hope For The Warriors, and 3) complete the Marine Corps Marathon in October, 2008.
Be a saint. Help a hero. And help me along my campaign. Please make a generous tax-deductible donation to Hope For The Warriors. You can use the link below to make a secure credit card donation:
http://www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
If you would prefer to send a check instead, please print the form at the link below. Make your check payable to Hope For The Warriors. Mail your donation to the address on the form.
Donation Form
Thanks and check back often.
-Let’s Roll
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Time to be Proud, Time to be Humble
Today, I finished the Marine Corps Half Marathon at Camp Lejeune in 1:57:17, a feat I am quite proud of. A year ago, such an accomplishment was beyond my dreams. Even after considerable training, just to cross the finish line is an accomplishment that makes me proud. To add the privilege of finishing this event beside some of this Nation’s most revered warriors was truly awesome. But to be honored by running beside some of those who have sacrificed their blood and limbs for your and my freedom is a inspiration that cannot be described in words.
We welcome tax-deductible gifts to Hope for the Warriors that are in turn used for their many wounded warrior projects. Please visit my donations page:
2008 Miles of Hope
Learn more about ways to help wounded warriors:
Hope for the Warriors
Those things I cannot achieve
are only those things I cannot dream.
Let's Roll
We welcome tax-deductible gifts to Hope for the Warriors that are in turn used for their many wounded warrior projects. Please visit my donations page:
2008 Miles of Hope
Learn more about ways to help wounded warriors:
Hope for the Warriors
Those things I cannot achieve
are only those things I cannot dream.
Let's Roll
Friday, September 28, 2007
You Rock, I Roll!
Ah yes! Nothing could be finer than getting up at 4:00 in the morning, grabbing a Snickers bar for breakfast, enjoying live rock and roll music, seeing 13.1 miles of scenic Virginia Beach waterfront, and spending some quality time with 17000 other runners at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon!
Except the quality time with family and friends!
AND doing it for an AWESOME cause:
2008 Miles of Hope
Except the quality time with family and friends!
AND doing it for an AWESOME cause: 2008 Miles of Hope
Thursday, September 6, 2007
About 2008 Miles of Hope
Three things are coalescing in my life at this point in time. It seemed natural to tie them together into a single personal initiative that I call 2008 Miles of Hope. I hope that you will enjoy following my progress as much as I will enjoy the journey. So what is 2008 Miles of Hope all about? Again, three things.
1. 2008 will be the 30th anniversary of the accident that left me a C6 quadriplegic. What can I say? At fifty-something, call it a mid-life crisis, or what ever you want. It’s time to quit neglecting physical activity and to get more physically fit. I enjoy life. But to enjoy life more, I want to be stronger and healthier.
2. I’ve always wanted to complete a marathon. Long before my disability, I admired these long distance athletes. I always loved the outdoors. In my youth, I enjoyed swimming, waterskiing, sailing, hiking, scuba diving, canoeing, camping, hunting, and fishing. Running was never an enduring passion, but the thought of a long distance feat such as a marathon was always alluring. My disability seemed to end hope of such an accomplishment.
When T- did her first marathon, I got to watch. I saw handcyclists tackling the hills of Arlington in the Marine Corps Marathon. I said, “I think I could do that.” That (not well-thought out) idea turned into a challenge from T-. So I got a handbike and started training and have since been having the time of my life. When I entered my first 10K, a benefit for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, I was solidly hooked. I was going to start having a lot of fun fulfilling T-’s challenge!
But ever since her challenge, the images in my mind of the thousands who were running for various charities kept evoking a question in my mind: “how can I make this into not just an event…but a cause.” Which segues well into my third endeavor.
3. I have a deep gratitude towards our Nation’s service members and their families for their dedication and sacrifices while fighting the Global War on Terror. In particular, because of my disability, I am sensitive to the challenges facing thousands of brave men and women who have been wounded while protecting our liberties. I call myself a grateful beneficiary of their sacrifices. I’ve resolved to help.
Earlier this year, while looking for a running event, I found Hope for the Warriors™. I learned about all the great things this grassroots group does, such as was featured on this NBC news feature: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18043133/ . I immediately emailed my wife and said, “THIS is our cause!”
The mission of Hope for the Warriors™ is to enhance quality of life for US Service Members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope for the Warriors™ actively seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet, particularly with regard to the short and long-term care of the severely injured. Hope For The Warriors™ is a civilian organization, with 501(c)(3) non-profit status, is not a government agency and is solely supported by the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations in support and appreciation of those who have sacrificed in the name of freedom. Federal Tax Id#20-5182295.
I joined Team Wounded Warrior to support this great organization. My goal: to handbike over 2008 miles between now and October 2008 when I plan to complete the Marine Corps Marathon. In the meantime, I plan to take part in various running events to raise $26.2 thousand dollars for Hope for the Warriors™. So, it all comes together with what I call 2008 Miles of Hope
Visit Hope For The Warriors™ at http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org.
Help our wounded warriors on their road to recovery by supporting 2008 Miles of Hope. Give generously. You can donate easily by using my donations page at
www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
1. 2008 will be the 30th anniversary of the accident that left me a C6 quadriplegic. What can I say? At fifty-something, call it a mid-life crisis, or what ever you want. It’s time to quit neglecting physical activity and to get more physically fit. I enjoy life. But to enjoy life more, I want to be stronger and healthier.
2. I’ve always wanted to complete a marathon. Long before my disability, I admired these long distance athletes. I always loved the outdoors. In my youth, I enjoyed swimming, waterskiing, sailing, hiking, scuba diving, canoeing, camping, hunting, and fishing. Running was never an enduring passion, but the thought of a long distance feat such as a marathon was always alluring. My disability seemed to end hope of such an accomplishment.
When T- did her first marathon, I got to watch. I saw handcyclists tackling the hills of Arlington in the Marine Corps Marathon. I said, “I think I could do that.” That (not well-thought out) idea turned into a challenge from T-. So I got a handbike and started training and have since been having the time of my life. When I entered my first 10K, a benefit for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, I was solidly hooked. I was going to start having a lot of fun fulfilling T-’s challenge!
But ever since her challenge, the images in my mind of the thousands who were running for various charities kept evoking a question in my mind: “how can I make this into not just an event…but a cause.” Which segues well into my third endeavor.
3. I have a deep gratitude towards our Nation’s service members and their families for their dedication and sacrifices while fighting the Global War on Terror. In particular, because of my disability, I am sensitive to the challenges facing thousands of brave men and women who have been wounded while protecting our liberties. I call myself a grateful beneficiary of their sacrifices. I’ve resolved to help.
Earlier this year, while looking for a running event, I found Hope for the Warriors™. I learned about all the great things this grassroots group does, such as was featured on this NBC news feature: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18043133/ . I immediately emailed my wife and said, “THIS is our cause!”
The mission of Hope for the Warriors™ is to enhance quality of life for US Service Members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope for the Warriors™ actively seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet, particularly with regard to the short and long-term care of the severely injured. Hope For The Warriors™ is a civilian organization, with 501(c)(3) non-profit status, is not a government agency and is solely supported by the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations in support and appreciation of those who have sacrificed in the name of freedom. Federal Tax Id#20-5182295.
I joined Team Wounded Warrior to support this great organization. My goal: to handbike over 2008 miles between now and October 2008 when I plan to complete the Marine Corps Marathon. In the meantime, I plan to take part in various running events to raise $26.2 thousand dollars for Hope for the Warriors™. So, it all comes together with what I call 2008 Miles of Hope
Visit Hope For The Warriors™ at http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org.
Help our wounded warriors on their road to recovery by supporting 2008 Miles of Hope. Give generously. You can donate easily by using my donations page at
www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
Friday, July 13, 2007
2008 Miles of Hope
Let’s Roll, America. First of all (everybody asks): I’m NOT a warrior. I am a grateful beneficiary of the sacrifices and dedication of thousands of brave men and women who have answered the call to duty during our nation’s times of need.
I am a citizen of the greatest nation on earth. I enjoy liberties that citizens of other countries can only dream of. Americans take more freedom for granted than most people on this earth will ever enjoy. However, that freedom comes with a price. In this country, that price has been paid again and again with the blood of heroes and the sacrifices of their families.
Remember their sacrifices. Please help these brave men and women on their road to recovery and rehabilitation. It is my goal to raise at least $26.2 thousand for Hope for the Warriors™, a civilian organization, with 501(c)(3) non-profit status, whose mission is to enhance quality of life for US Service Members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope for the Warriors™ actively seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet, particularly with regard to the short and long-term care of the severely injured. To learn more about this great organization, please visit their website at http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org.
With the support of my beloved teammate, my wife, I plan to handbike over 2008 miles between now and October 2008 to raise money to support projects undertaken by Hope for the Warriors™. I plan to do this in a combination of training, running events, and fundraising rides, culminating with the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon. I will be participating in various 10Ks, half-marathons, and hopefully some marathons over flatter terrain as I build my own strength and endurance to train for the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon.
As an American with a disability, I understand the challenges that face these brave men, women, and their families. I also find their personal stories of triumph over adversity to be my motivation. There is no better place in the world to have to live with a disability than the United States. We are blessed with technology, opportunities, and compassion that are available nowhere else.
Please help America’s heroes with your tax-deductible contribution to this great organization. Give generously. Our nation’s warriors have given selflessly for you. Help those who have fallen in their time of need. You can easily donate by using the website below:
www.active.com/donate/2008Miles
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
