I applied to be a 2010 Fifth Third River Bank Run Road Warrior because I had to prove something to myself.

What I learned was far from what I expected.

I learned that the people who have put themselves out there for all to see – are just like you and me – they have incredible stories and are amazing individuals. I hope that the journeys of my 9 teammates and me have touched you in some way. I know for me – I have laughed – smiled – shaken my head – and on more than one occasion cried.

I accomplished what I set out to do – I finished the race. But do you know what I will cherish more than the finishers medal and the way that these last 6 month have strengthened my body – my mind and my soul. It is clearly the people I have had the opportunity to share this experience with – the ones who have made me want to be a better runner and a better person – the ones who have opened themselves up (just like me) to hopefully reach one person – one person – to make a difference in their lives – that is what motivates each of us on this team – at our core. How cool is that?

I started this adventure with some baggage (in addition to my hardware) and some unfinished business. I am proud to say that the baggage is gone – the unfinished business is now finished and that chapter is closed – well – I still have the hardware. The people that I have had the opportunity to meet through this experience have all had an impact on me – I can think of so many – it is absolutely amazing – many of whom will continue to be friends long after the sore muscles have healed.

I will turn 40 next week – and can honestly say that I am excited to see what He has is store for me during the next decade – what a gift and a blessing – isn’t it?

I will conclude my last blog with this quote from Ernie Harwell’s 2002 farewell address – rather than goodbye – please allow me to say thank you – now God has a new adventure for me – I’m ready to move on, so I leave you with a deep sense of appreciation.

~ Thank you.

Hello one last time from Lindsey at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. It’s been so fun blogging on behalf of Team Gilda’s Club this year, thanks for reading our blog!

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is so grateful to have been selected by the Fifth Third River Bank Run as a charity partner for the second year in a row and we look forward to adding more runners and walkers to Team Gilda’s Club in 2011. It’s never too early to start training for next year!

Special thanks to Everest volunteers for pampering our runners!

A thumbs up from Team Gilda's Club members!

I crossed the finish line Saturday, but not before this race kicked my rear.

I felt good before Saturday’s race. I was dressed for the cool temps and mentally and physically prepared to run uphill against the wind. I was a Road Warrior sporting a new race apron, so I was all set. Or, so I thought.

Everything was cool for the first five miles of the race. I went out “slow” with speedy Melissa and Matt. And just when I was starting to feel warmed up and comfortable, the heartburn came on in a flash and kept my chest burning for the next 10-plus miles.

Read more »

On May 8th, thousands of people crossed the finish line. My finish line was the first aid station. It was there that I was finished.

I started the race with RW Rachel. We lined up and the race began. Lots of smiles and a little chatting and we were headed out of downtown GR. I grabbed a cup of water at the aid station, tossed the cup and then felt a pain shoot up my left leg from heel to knee. Thinking that someone must have just kicked me, I turned quickly – only to find no one there. I limped to the side and sat down. And there I stayed. After a wild van ride to the med tent, my wife picked me up and drove me to the ER. I was wheeled in and x-rayed. As my wife and kids and I waited for the results, we had flashbacks to 2007 when I broke my hip. We hoped it was just a sprain… it was not. Read more »

I don’t really know where to begin. What a great race it was.  A BIG Thanks to  and all the event people for pulling together a first class race.   A HUGE Congrats to all those who ran this weekend.  The 5k, 10k , or 25k  they are all awesome accomplishments.

Before the race we said that everyone there had a story to tell about why they were at the start line.  Now each person who ran either the 5K 10K, or 25K this weekend has a story to tell about the race.  There are stories about the weather, how good or horrible they felt, who was cheering for them, how crazy the person next to them was dressed, what their time was, where they started hurting, where they had to take a break and walk,  who they met and talked to along the way, what song was playing on their Ipod as they neared the finish line.  These are all great stories and so fun to hear.

I met my goal (1:45:00)…actually I smashed it and ran a 1:42:16.  I owe a big thank you to a couple of guys on the course who really helped me against the wind and through the hills.  I don’t know your names but your encouragement and help was such a blessing.  You are part of my 25K story.

There are a few phrases that come to mind when I think about my journey the past year and a half since I started running.  Motivation to start, Perseverance to push through the hard times,  Determination to finish,  Balancing running with the rest or life, Restoring my mind/body/heart to health, and Redemption from my past.  Thanks to all of you who have read my blog and shared my journey past and present.