Sometimes that comes in the form of something tangible ("When I finish this next race, I can justify buying a new pair of running shoes!"), but for the past year, my motivation has come in the form of a sweet little 3 year-old who lives over 2000 miles away.
In August 2013, I became aware of a social media-based group called I Run 4 Michael through a friend (you know who you are and why I can't say anything due to HIPAA :-) ). This group pairs runners with coaches/buddies with special needs. The idea behind the group is that these awesome kids and adults with different abilities cannot run, so the runners are their legs and give them fun experiences that they may not get otherwise! In turn, these buddies inspire the runners to push on through the tough runs and training miles with their tenacity, courage, and zest for life.
On October 8, 2013, I received my match! I had just finished my longest run at the time (20 miles) as I trained for my first marathon. I was so excited. I had a buddy to dedicate all of my miles to, specifically my first marathon that was rapidly approaching!
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| Anthony was on my mind (and my shirt!) as I ran my first full marathon! |
His name is Anthony, and he is almost 4 years old. Anthony lives in Tracy, California, with his mother, father, and two older sisters. Anthony has cerebral palsy and a movement disorder called paroxysal nonkinesogenic dyskinesia. He can pull up to stand on his own and can cruise along furniture, but cannot walk (yet!).
I love communicating with Anthony and his family and sending photos back and forth. I send him my race numbers that he puts into a scrapbook, and medals that he can proudly display on the wall in his bedroom.
Last May, there was even an article written about us in a local community newsletter! Check out the link here. The article begins on page 74.
http://issuu.com/tombritt/docs/geist_8bceba252d7224/1?e=1606101/7677330
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Anthony and his family in September. Matt and I flew out to San Francisco, CA, for a few days in order to meet Anthony. I also had the privilege of pushing him in his first 5k, the San Francisco Aloha Run! He has the true heart of a warrior and of a runner. He laughed, smiled, clapped, and kicked his feet the whole time we were running! He got to feel the rush of speed and of spectators cheering for him. It was an unforgettable day, and one that I will cherish forever.
Anthony has challenges that I have never known, but he is overcoming them every day, and he motivates me to push through and be strong for him! The strength I have to keep running pales in comparison to the strength he shows every day. He is breaking down barriers with a smiles on his face, and the cutest giggle you have ever heard!
Please remember that I am raising money to support Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis as I train for my 10th half marathon, the 500 Festival Mini Marathon. My goal is to raise $500 for this wonderful hospital who treats kids just like the amazing Anthony!
http://donate.rileykids.org/goto/staceydraper
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