for·ti·tude
noun \ˈfȯr-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\
1: strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage (Merriam-Webster)
I had originally intended to write this weeks blog about two of our runners who have or are about to begin an incredible feat. David Uhlir competed in a one-hundred (100) mile race. He completed 66.8 miles, which to me is unfathomable considering I turned tail and quit after 1.71 miles just yesterday. The other is "I Run For..." (IR4) Vice President Amy Courts. She is about to embark on a 50 mile run, a true test of grit and fortitude.
Now, please don't get me wrong here, each runner or athlete has fortitude. We consistently push ourselves beyond goals we once thought unattainable, but what drives us? What pushes us the extra mile (or a multitude of miles in David and Amy's case)?
Sure David, Amy, and most of us were all runners or athletes before IR4. But IR4 has made the challenges seem more worthwhile. I know in my case it sure has. In other cases it has inspired others to join in the fun! But let me tell you about the true warriors; the strongest individuals in IR4...
First up is Zion. He is a machine who never says quit. Despite the odds stacked against him, he has defied the odds. This hero has had both feet amputated and recently got prosthetic legs. He and his sisters Zoe and Zanna (All three children have special needs) played baseball this past weekend! To add to this, today he ran, with his mom Heather Redingon in tow, a 2.9 mini marathon on the streets of Nashville. Even the famous Toby Mac had the privilege of hanging out with Zion - Toby must be honored!
Next up is Heavenly! Her name is so appropriate! This young girl has her sights set on bigger and better targets. Heavenly has been paired up with Carol Hagstrom but it turns out Heavenly may end up being one of IR4's best runners! She competed in the Special Olympics in her hometown in Tennessee. She was so amazing she has been chosen to compete at the state level! So I ask, who's the athlete now?
I have to say, life at I Run For... never gets dull. This week we have hit our 600th member mark, 92 pairings, and we even have our own OFFICIAL song - "I Run To You" by Silversyde
We gain our inspiration from the inspirational, but sometimes we need to open our eyes to see it first. So with that in mind, I ask who do YOU run for?
