On Inspiration

“Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination” – William Longgood

Inspiration….where does it come from?  It can be anything really.  It doesn’t have to be something profound but it causes movement within you and changes you somehow. I’ve had the pleasure of being surrounded by  great groups of people over the last few years.  Whether it’s the team and leadership at Kate’s Kart or Neighborlink Fort Wayne, one of my 30 team mates that have run a Ragnar with me since 2015, or just some of the people that I’ve encountered through this process of writing a blog, it’s pretty special.

There have definitely been some moments of inspiration:

We never would have run a Ragnar had a local runner on Twitter post not about her adventure in Tennessee with her teammates from Fort Wayne.  To whomever you are, thank you.

The team never would have gone down the path of deciding that we should do this for a greater cause if it weren’t for a team member’s thought to do so.  The decision to run on Kate’s Kart’s behalf wouldn’t have happened if not for a Facebook post by a runner’s wife posting about them on Facebook.

We never would have thought to attempt the effort again if it weren’t for all of the friends, families, coworkers, and supporters that donated so generously that first year and proving to us that we can do even more than we ever thought possible.

 We certainly would not have run it beyond the second year if it weren’t for the generous sponsors who started to get behind our efforts and essentially covered costs for us so that it was easier for our runners to participate in this without too much financial burden upon them or their families.  Their support has only emboldened us to keep going.

When we were looking for a new charity to benefit, we feel blessed to have come upon NeighborLink Fort Wayne and Team NeighborLink.  Your dedication to our community is amazing to us all and inspires us to continue running to help further your cause but more profoundly, to be better neighbors to those around us as well.

Runners Doing Good would not exist without the generosity, kindness, and support of Tim Green who has inspired us all to support other runners and their efforts because if we don’t, “Who will?”

To those runners willing to share their adventures, causes, and sunshine with the world, you are amazing examples that we can hold up to inspire others.  Thanks to you all for letting Runners Doing Good to be a part of that.

To the runners of Runnin’ Not Walken, we’d not keep this going were it not for your dedication to your training, the team, and to the cause.  You make us all stronger and keep us running in the same direction.

Very personally…to my wife, Jennifer.  This crazy adventure started as an idea in the fall of 2014.  Our youngest was still several weeks away from being born.  Looking back, the timing probably wasn’t the best but you made it work.  Your love and support has been unwavering even when all that we do isn’t easy.  The fundraising and all of that is nice but my greatest source of happiness is when I see yours.  It’s not easy being a mom and whether it’s an easy training run or seeing you during the Ragnar and talking about how you didn’t walk once during your most recent leg, it’s pretty special and I am continually inspired by you.  None of this would have happened if you weren’t on board that first year and now you’re as big of a part of this as anyone.

As you can see, there’s been an awful lot of growth from where this all start to where it is today and none of it would have taken place without the people, events, businesses, and causes that have inspired something within us during this time that have continued to nudge us in the direction we’re supposed to be.  I can’t wait to see what’s next.

What is most definitely next is that at the very least, every Sunday, starting February 24th, expect a Sunday Inspiration.  It could be showcasing a Run-Gooder, something that’s been inspirational in this runnin’ and bloggin’ adventure, or just a feel good to start your week.

 

Runnin’ Not Walken Update!

Ragnar Registration Day has been one of the most exciting days of the year for me.  It bears with it the promise of adventure.  It’s a feeling both exhilarating and daunting.

Sometimes I find myself busting at the seams with exuberance as I’m so ready to hit the road with the teams.  Each year and team have been different from one year having friends and family from my childhood filling up one van and being together in one place for the first time in forever, void of any responsibilities other than our running assignments, and joking around about old times to a group that’s been tweaked and molded that’s slowly formed a core of both devoted runners and fundraisers.  That might sound more formal but it’s not become any less fun.

Other days, when running in the cold of the early spring or late at night to avoid the heat of the summer, I’m thinking about why on earth would I ever do this again?  That feeling usually creeps in hard again when it’s 3 a.m. and I’m running down what feels like a deserted highway, the pitch blackness of the night enveloped all around me, and nothing but the next 4 ½ miles separates me from my team, a warm van, and probably the only decent amount of sleep I’m about to get.

Running a Ragnar Relay and operating a growing fundraising team operation can be tiring for sure and I’ve found myself just disconnecting from it for a few weeks after the race and I’m not just talking about the team operations part of it.  I’ve stayed off of the running path altogether nearly every year, finding a few pounds along the way I might add.

That all said, the grind and the challenge of it remain.  I’ve said it before and I mean it, although that could change after this next May when I run the Indy Mini, running a Ragnar Relay and organizing the team are by far the hardest thing, at least athletically related, that I have ever done but yet almost instantly, even if I lay low after each one for a bit, look forward to the next opportunity.

So with that, Runnin’ Not Walken is going to Ragnar Relay Michigan in 2019!

Happy February!

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I saw this the other day and it got me thinking and I just had to share.  It’s a pretty simple message but it’s the kind of thing that can turn into a pretty inspirational message for our efforts here, maybe even a mission statement: To Be A Light of Hope & Encouragement for Runners Everywhere!

Admittedly, over the last 4-6 weeks, I promoted a good amount of runners, many of whom I’ve known before and were easy to write stories on but you can only do that so long.  If this is something that’s going to continue over the longer term, we need to slow the pace down a little bit on that a bit unless you all start sending us ideas for a lot more to feature.

So here’s a bit of what to expect over the next month or two:

  • 2-3 featured runners per month
    • Hopefully featured in February and March:
      • A reporter turned world runner
      • A group of runners running a Ragnar to raise awareness for a genetic syndrome in children
      • A multi-year run streaker
      • An elite runner who has faced and fought a rare cancer and looking to get back on the track while raising money for her foundation to support rare cancer research
  • A few updates on Runnin’ Not Walken and how are efforts to raise money and awareness for NeighborLink Fort Wayne are progressing.
  • An update or two on my own running journey as I aim towards a healthier lifestyle as part of my training for the Indy Mini in a few months.
  • Hopefully more positive stories or inspirational reminders that we can be better, we can promote the positives in the world to drown out the negatives, and just overall be there for our fellow runners.
  • Speaking of being there for our fellow runners, I’d like to start in March, to nominate and support 1 runners cause.  We’ll come to an agreement on what that  cause is and then all who agree to take part, will donate $5-$10 per person with the hope that this builds and we can bring more and more folks into the fold.

So with that, as you are trying your best to not over do it while you’re watching the big game today, think of ways that you can be a light of hope and encouragement for others.  If there’s someone you know that should be featured, send the info our way at runnersdoinggood@yahoo.com .

Thanks and Go Rams!

Sincerely,

Gabe

 

 

 

 

Reflection Friday…

It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop – Confucius

Happy Friday!  Today is January 25th and the first month of the year is almost in the books.  It is remarkable how quickly time flies nowadays.  As we bring this month to a close, or anything for that matter, it’s always a good time to look back, reflect on where we’ve been, and where we’re going.

So first off, how are those New Year’s Resolutions going?  This blog is a part of mine.  I wanted to write more and make it about mostly about others, with some on the running team, our efforts, and a little bit of myself sprinkled in.

I also wanted to run more.  This is a running blog and it’d be pretty bad if the author wasn’t running.  Since starting Runnin’ Not Walken in 2015, the winter months have been my nemesis.  I have experienced a good amount of running throughout the year.  Not the mileage I have seen some of you inspiring runners put in but for a guy who didn’t count himself as a runner, it was a good amount and I’d lose weight.

In full disclosure, I’m 6’2 and about 215.  I have a wider frame so I hold it pretty well despite some softness around the midsection.  My wife often comments on how strong my legs are and my doctor has put me through some leg exercises that I’ve passed with flying colors but admittedly, I would love for my weight to be less and running has done that but consistency has been the key and lack of it over the last several years.  I’m actually really good from March to November but anything I lose, I find it in those 3-4 months and it’s been a roller coaster.  My goal is to lose 25 pounds.  If I can do that, I’ll be in the best shape I’ve been in a decade and maybe my fastest for the Indy Mini and Ragnar Michigan this fall.

So as far as my running has gone, I’ve run 8 times in the last 2 ½ weeks.  It’s been low mileage and largely on the treadmill but I’m moving.  I HATE the treadmill but a good 2 mile run is a good 2 mile run an I’ll take it.  I’ve not gotten to the point where I love 5 milers but I do enjoy a 2 miler whether I’m indoors or out.  Time is a bit limited with kids, work, running team organizing, etc. so 2 miles is perfect at times.  So consider that resolution still a success.  I’ve not given up or quit and part of that is that still intimidating goal of 13.1 on May 4th.

As far as this blog goes, I still enjoy it but I’m getting to the point where it requires some help.  There’s only so many runners within a group and I’m starting to run out of them that I can easy pick on, choose to highlight.  I’m reaching out to quite a few runners that I find absolutely inspiring and stories are features are coming but it is taking a little longer than I anticipated.  I probably should have spread out my posts a bit I suppose.  Either way, those individuals are inspiring nonetheless and just coming across them helps push me farther personally and I can’t wait to share those stories with you as well.

2019 has me very excited and we’re just a month in.  It’s going to be a lot of hardwork but a lot of fun too.  Here’s to keeping the momentum going!

Work Hard. Do Good. Love Wins

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Life’s most urgent and persistent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ – Martin Luther King, Jr.

I just had to share this because when you make changes, sometimes there’s worry that creeps in on whether you’re doing the right thing or not.  As a whole, our team, even those that aren’t coming back, are excited for us because of what lies ahead in 2019 especially because of our new relationship with NeighborLink Fort Wayne and Team NeighborLink.

From all that know anything about them, the consensus has been that they love everything that NLFW does and no better example could be made than this past weekend when the snow flew pretty well here in northeastern Indiana.

I used the MLK Jr quote above because I think it’s appropriate, both from a timing standpoint as well as from what they do.  They are on the look out to help others and it’s genuine and I think that’s the kicker.  They do what they say and say what they do.  That’s uncommon in this world it seems.

I was personally inspired by them.  Our snowblower officially died a week ago and I had to shovel my drive during the previous snowfall and while I was doing that, all I could think of was that when I get a new snowblower, I want to make sure it’s good enough that I can help others with it.  That week, I went out and got a new one that was about the same size but with a bit heavier duty engine that could handle a heavier workload and then last weekend’s snowfall happened.

My wife and I are blessed to live in a small neighborhood on the county’s edge but a lot of our neighbors are north of 65.  The wind was blowing 30 mph and the snow was drifting pretty good so I got out and did my drive and sidewalk but also the walks and drives of 5 other neighbors and when I was done, it felt great to help out and I thought to myself, “would I have done this before?”  I’d like to think I would have but admittedly, I hadn’t.  They’ve already had an impact on me and we’re just getting started.

It’s why I want you to learn more about them and join us in our support of them.  That weekend, they were able to put the call out and got responses from folks that enabled NLFW volunteers to clean more than 40 drives for folks in need.  It’s not a huge thing but it’s impactful.  If an elderly person doesn’t have to shovel snow it saves them from a potential slip and fall or other weather related health concerns as well as saving them from having to pay for services to do it.  It’s just a genuine act of caring and ultimately those are the things that lie at the heart of what Neighborlink Fort Wayne is all about.

It’s hard not to get excited and inspired to do well by such a wonderful group.  Please check them out at www.nlfw.org and if you’d like to give please visit https://www.nlfw.org/project/15772

Like I’ve said from the beginning, it’s going to be a great year!

Thanks,

Gabe

 

Run-Gooder #9 – Michael

It was early 2015.  Team Runnin’ Not Walken had about 8 or 9 of our 12 spots filled.  I reached out to Michael and his two brothers, Adam and Ryan via Facebook to see if he had an interest in joining us on this crazy Ragnar Relay adventure that we were going to be attempting for the first time.  I reached out again a few weeks later and never heard anything back.  Adam would join the team as a driver and Ryan would run with us as well.

Fast Forward to June of 2015 and the vans are all loaded and we’re pulling out of town and I looked at Adam and Ryan and ask, “so what’s Michael up to?”  I never heard from him.  They laughed and said who knows but it was probably a football related thing.  Hilariously, within 20 minutes, I got a text from him….”Hey so that thing that Adam, Ryan, and you are doing, I see I have a Facebook message from you about it!  I would have come if I had noticed it!  Next year!”  We all had a good laugh about it and off we went for that first Ragnar adventure.

True to his word, he hasn’t missed a year since and if it weren’t for that missed Facebook message, he’d be the only other runner, besides myself, who has run all 4 years so far and would be well over 50 total miles run for the team.

The cool part about Michael’s story with the team is that he was most definitely not a runner.  He was athletic for his size but he wasn’t exactly “Tinker Bell” out there.  Michael played started at center for an NCAA Division II football team.  At his peak, he was all of 6’5 and 290 lbs.  He didn’t exactly scream “runner” at that point.  When he joined the team, he was done with football and dropping weight but I bet he was still every bit of 255 and maybe a tad higher.  He only went out and ran 10:30 miles.  Yes, he might have been a college athlete and a good 15 years younger than I was but I was running 10’s and I was 50+ pounds less.

What was remarkable too was that he showed up to Ragnar Chicago 2016 with literally no running gear.  He had tshirts and shorts but he was running in his football shoes.  That year was the hottest we’d ever ran in and due to his two-a-day experience it wasn’t a bit deal to him.  He told me that if he felt like he needed to walk a bit, he did.  There weren’t any coaches to yell at him around.  He brought that easy going and fun feel to the team that year and ever since and it’s been a blast to see his evolution since.

2017 he ran again and performed even better as he threw some 9 minute miles in the mix but he trained even more for Ragnar Michigan and decided to get some running shoes and the results were flat out impressive.  On his first 5k that he had to run, he averaged a 7:50.  That was two miles at a shade over 8 minutes a mile and the last mile was all downhill, which resulted in a 7:03.  I’m not sure what he’s weighing in at but all I can say is that he’s amazing to see out here as he’s cruising down the road.

His enthusiasm has only continued as he’s committed to running Ragnar Michigan and is working towards being in even better shape for this coming fall.  Unlike several on the team who have decided to up their game by running a half marathon, Michael is aiming towards running the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati in May!  I’d say it’s safe to say he’s gotten the running bug and our team is better because he has and continues to join us for our crazy annual adventure.

 

Thursday Thoughts

Just a couple ideas or thoughts for this Thursday, January the 17th….

Running and training in the winter is hard.  Training any time is difficult but when you throw snow and 20 degrees…No Thanks!

My motivation is low right now.  I should be better and I was excited about running the Indy Mini is a big deal.  I’m feeling a bit of pressure to start early but see the above…

The fundraiser to benefit NeighborLink has started but we’re still at zero.  Be on the look-out for a video to pop up tomorrow.  The first dollars will be going in….

I’ve had 2 new Run-Gooders agree to profiles in the week(s) ahead.  This has been one of the true blessings of this blog.  There’s some pretty amazing people out there….

Speaking of amazing! If you know of anyone who’d be a great profile as a Run-Gooder, send them our way!  It’s not as easy as it seems but there’s some truly unique runners out there….

What’s a good late afternoon snack to ward off hunger so I don’t choose to eat instead of work out after work?

Running late is better than running early but the differences aren’t that much…..

13.1 still seems huge.  I can’t wait till it’s less worrisome.

And one last thought…..

Eating a burrito before a long run = bad idea…just saying.

Thanks for playing along and have a great day folks!

Sincerely,

Gabe

 

 

Run-Gooder #8 – Amanda

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” – Fred DeVito

After corresponding and finally getting to meet her, the above quote made me think of her.  Matt’s better half joined Runnin’ Not Walken this past year and she was a great addition to the team and I believe, qualifies as a Run-Gooder, especially when you hear her story.  So here it is….in her own words:

“All my adult life I have been struggling to live a healthy lifestyle with a family of 5 on the go. Running was never in the picture. I was an elliptical gal and wanted nothing to do with running outside.  Once my husband started running, I decided, “what the heck, I will give it a try!!!” I have been running for 4 years now.  First, I started with only 5k’s and then quickly grew to half marathons.  With my 40th birthday approaching I have a goal to run a full marathon.  My favorite person to run with is my husband, Matt. He always knows when I need an extra push.  He is my personal cheerleader!  Most of the time he is far ahead of me, but I can always count on him at the finish line screaming at me to push through to finish strong. What I most enjoy about running is the accomplishments that I have personally done. I never in a million years thought that I could run for 3 hours without stopping.  That is a huge sense of pride.  While running I love the clear thinking that comes along with it and I feel like I can accomplish anything.”

Talking with Matt, I knew that Amanda would be nervous.  We basically split up the team between men and women and Matt is a big personality and knew me from years ago but Amanda didn’t know anyone in the ladies’ van.  She also had never run a Ragnar and the concept had her pretty nervous.  I even slotted her into an assignment that included the Ragnar Leg which is the hardest, most badass run of the race.  It was 9.1 miles that included a pretty good ascent up a hill for the first 2 ½ miles.  We joked that when we met her at the top of the hill that she’d not be happy with me.  She was actually smiling and cruising as you can tell here:

The rest of the race, she rocked it.  Jenn, featured on our blog earlier, talks repeatedly about how Amanda was just a beast out there, never slowing down, was just such a strong runner, and that it was just fun to watch her go.  Also, between Amanda and Matt, they’ve now basically recruited a few of us to join them at the 500 Festival Indy Mini in May so it’ll be great to be seeing them more in ’19.

I’ve heard since the race how she can’t wait for the next one because she had that much fun.  To go from not running to casually running 5k’s and now half marathons with a full marathon as a 40th Birthday goal, that’s pretty awesome, especially considering it all has to get fit between all of the activities of life with a family of 5.  It’s not an understatement to say moms rock.  It was a pleasure getting to meet her and get to know her a bit and I’m excited that she’ll be back with the team this year.

Run-Gooder #1 – Jennifer

“Hot Wheels”with the guys

Rockin’ her “Flamingos on a Booze Cruise” Goodrs!

 

Amy Strong!

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving” – St. Mother Teresa

The following is a republishing of our first Run-Gooder, Jenn from back in early November when we were just starting out and maybe some didn’t see it originally.  I hope you enjoy it!

What is a “run-gooder”?  A run-gooder is a person that is willing too make their beating of the pavement meaningful.  It’s sacrificing hours of training, the aches, pains, and hard earned sweat that accompanies it all, all for the greater good of others in some fashion.  By that definition, Jennifer is a “run-gooder” and the first I’m going to highlight.

In full disclosure, she’s my wife and I know I am partial but I am also the Captain of Runnin’ Not Walken.  While she may be my wife, she oftentimes defers any credit saying, “that’s his baby!” when people talk about the running team but truth be told, the time involved with all of this directly affects her more than anyone on the team.  She has been tirelessly willing to listen, help, and encourage whatever was necessary to make this whole thing a success. For that, I am tremendously grateful.

Four years ago, she wasn’t on the team but supported my efforts to get this off of the ground. She had just had our youngest so it wasn’t always easy or convenient for me to be outside running to get ready for the race but she made sure that I was and the race went off without a hitch. She, along with my parents, came to Chicago to see us finish.  It was incredible and as everyone was exhausted from it all, they offered a seat in their car to go home.  The rest of the team told me to go with my family and I did.  They drove 3 hours to Chicago, cheered us on for 5 minutes, hung out for 25 more and we left for a 3 hour drive home.  It will never be forgotten.

In 2016, I talked her into coming along for the adventure.  We had a full team so I didn’t need another runner but I was all about runner safety.  She was to be a driver, along with Adam.  He ended up driving the whole race which was pretty incredible but she was like our van mother.  It was projected to be in the 80-90 degree range during that race and before each run, the first question we’d hear was from her.  “Do you want support?”  Which is when the van would stop to check on a runner.  “If so, what mile marker and what do you want?”  “Do you want us to stop after that?”  “When you’re done, do you want the same thing to drink?”   She discounts her part on the team that year but I am utterly convinced that Van 1 that year would have wilted pretty quickly without her constantly ensuring that we were well hydrated.  

If it weren’t for 2018, I would have said that 2017’s race would have been an amazing effort.  With 4 weeks to go, Ryan, my godson, was sick and determined that he couldn’t join us.  I wasn’t sure where to turn and there she was and I couldn’t be more proud of her.  Jenn is actually a far more decorated runner than I am, by far, but she hadn’t run anything seriously since when we were engaged.  While she wasn’t happy, initially, with her times, she got to a satisfactory point leading up to the race itself.  She also helped contribute to our overall fundraising efforts which tipped the scales at more than $4500 that year.  Come race day, I had the fortune of receiving the baton from her and it was awesome to see that smile coming in.  She did great and you could tell she was beaming with pride and the joy of running was back in her veins.  

Then came 2018 and if she wasn’t a run-gooder before, she certainly earned that label this year and that Mother Teresa quote described her to a “T.”  She took on all of the full responsibilities of running on the team, getting friends, family, and her employer to donate more than $300 to the team.  After a year where we lost a few family members, including an Aunt to Acute Myeloid Leukemia, when she found out that her friend Amy was diagnosed with AML as well, she knew she had to do something.

So in addition to all of the help she gave me, all of the funds she raised for our annual campaign for Kate’s Kart, she took up the responsibility of raising some money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in her aunt’s memory and in honor of Amy who was fighting like hell and winning it I might add.  

In total, for Team Amy, she raised nearly $3,100 as Team Amy raised more than $25,000 to benefit the LLS and fight blood cancers.  It was an amazing effort by this Run-Gooder and it made me so proud of what she was able to accomplish.  The only kicker was that she was in the other van with the ladies for the whole race vs getting to spend the weekend in the same van with her.  She is a true inspiration and a beacon that lights up a room with her infectious smile and constant chatter.  We are lucky that she’s on our team and I’m blessed that I get to call myself hers.