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 »

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I remember the call.

I was with my family, driving on the Ohio Turnpike. We were headed to Maryland to visit family for Thanksgiving and we were nearing the halfway mark of the trip. The phone rang… and from the caller ID, I knew who it was.

“You’ve been selected as a 2010 Road Warrior. Congratulations.” she said.

That phone call set off a series of actions that has brought me to today and will carry me through tomorrow. I know I can run 15.5 miles. 5 months ago, I wasn’t totally sure.

Getting to this point was not easy. I struggled with a new schedule, injuries, visits to physical therapy, and more. But, I’ve learned a lot about myself, my abilities and have gained a new respect/love for the sport of running. Running is different to me now than it was in November. Running has become a source of meditation and peace for me as I spend time alone with my thoughts on the road/trail. It allows me to live for the moment and relish that time spent inside my own head. It has helped me push the limits of what my body can do and proved that there is, in fact, more ‘in the tank.’

I remember the first time I ran more than 9 miles. I set up a route that had me pass a water fountain around 5 miles. The perfect plan. The first 5 were comfortable and smooth, but I was definitely ready for some hydration. I rolled into the park only to find that the water fountains had not yet been turned on for the season. With no options, I headed up the road for the final 4+ miles of the journey. Let me tell you… that was a long 4+ miles. By the time I hit 8 miles, I was running on empty. I had a choice to make. At 8 miles, I was .25 miles from my house, but 1.5 mile from finishing my original route. Turn left, and I’d finish my route. Turn right, and I’d be home in a few minutes. I turned left. I had to complete the run. I needed to do it.

I had to finish.

I remember running in the snow. I remember going out on a day that was so snowy and windy and icy, that I must have been insane to be out. I ended up walking most of that route, but I did it.

I remember running with Coach Sheila and RW Rachel and getting lost on my way back to the Y. I ran an extra half mile or so and had to ask someone for directions. I was tired, but I made it.

And, I remember my first 3.5 mile run, in the snow. I remember seeing the minivan ahead and watching the driver get stuck. I remember saying to myself… now what? Do you help? Do you risk another broken hip… remember the last time you pushed a car in the snow? But, I did it. I pushed, she was thankful and I went on my way.

As much as I’ll always remember these, and other, specific moments, I’ll remember the support, the friendship and the love from my family, friends, fellow Road Warriors, and those kind enough to follow my journey on this blog even more.

I have no plans to win the race on Saturday. I have no plans to win any race, actually. My plans are simple… smile and cross the finish line. This is only the beginning for me.

When I started this journey, I had no idea where it would take me. It has brought me to a new place… a different place than I expected. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for joining me on this adventure.

24 hours from now I’ll be in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan waiting for the start of the 25K. It’s a moment I’ve waited for. It’s a moment of trained for.

And most of all, it’s a moment that I will never forget.

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Bacon. Sorry, Mike.
Ice cream.
18 packets of GU.
Cheese doodles.
Hamburgers.
Fried cheese.
Beer.

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Run in the race, of course.
Cheer on a friend.
Volunteer.
Enjoy the post race party.
Be amazed at the mass quantities of humans in downtown GR.
Try and find a place to park.
Listen to live music.
Meet a Road Warrior!

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• A family member or friend has trained hard for the race and seeing your face at the finish line will bring a smile to their face.
• You’re running and you WILL cross the finish line.
• Michelob Ultra Post Race Party. Need I say more?
• Because you did it. Yes, you.
• Someone you don’t know will be tired out at the end and your enthusiasm may just help them cross that finish line.
• You reached your goal.
• All the training was worth it. You feel good, you look good and you’ll be ready to take on the world.
• Volunteers are there to help make your day great. Give them a cheer (and a loud ‘thank you’).
• You have become part of history in Grand Rapids… participating in a fantastic event.

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