Running for Those Who Can’t...

My very first SuccessFit4Life! blog post was on the Wings for Life World Run. This event was also the first formal “run” that I participated in. At that time in 2014, I had just started to walk and slowly run with the encouragement from an amazing group of people

The first-year Wings for Life started at 3:00 AM in California. I thought the whole thing was nuts. Until I saw what was happening... and what the cause was all about. Being disabled for most of my life, this connected with me.

While I lived with pain for most of my life, I’ve always been grateful for the mobility I have had. My challenges are nothing considering the impact of a devastating spinal cord injury. Wings for Life is raising funds for research in this area and have created an event like no other.

This event is a race against the “catcher car” and differs from a traditional race. Everyone runs around the world and the same time.  When the car catches you, your race is finished. There are buses to take you back to the start line. Learn more about Wings for Life here.

Each year I try to go further and this year, I did go further. Not by much, but I hit my goal. Back in the day, when insurance allowed me to do an annual treadmill cardio test. I wanted to better than the previous year. I’ll always remember that doctor saying that people don’t go further, because they are a year older, adding something like, that’s just the way it is.

The reality is that people CAN get in better shape. They CAN go farther. Age is relative. I always wanted to prove that doctor wrong, even before I got into running, but didn’t get the chance. When my target heart rate was hit, they stopped the treadmill test.

Many of these events create memorable experiences. I met Brett Hannaford, a paraplegic pilot, who loves what Wings for Life is all about. It's an event that speaks to his situation. There are others I’ve met who are an inspiration to me as well.

As always, Team Runners Lane shows up big. We had over 100 people participating. Since I am so passionate about this event, I headed up a volunteer team over 20 people who helped on package pick up day. We got to hang out together while supporting the event. A theme for most of my posts is the community connection that we have. It’s this community that birthed SuccessFit4Life!

Wings for Life is all about running for those who can’t. It’s a good thing to count your blessings and be thankful for the abilities you have. Fast or slow, it doesn't matter, just get out and move!