2019 – A Journey of Compassion and Connection
On November 6, 2019, my day began like any other. I was scrolling through my news feed when I stumbled upon an article about a veteran running for 22 hours in honor of Veterans Day. The shocking statistic that 22 veterans take their own lives each day hit me hard. As someone who had only recently taken up running against medical odds, I was inspired and moved by the idea of someone running for such a prolonged period.
Over the past few years, I had defied my doctors’ predictions and completed several half-marathons. The one thing holding me back from attempting a full marathon was the daunting prospect of enduring the hours of monotony. The thought of running for 22 hours seemed inconceivable. The veteran I read about was raising funds for Victory Gym, a cause I had only recently learned about at Don’s service. The more I read, the deeper the connection I felt to this individual, his cause, and the event itself. It tugged at my heartstrings, compelling me to become a part of it.
I decided to make a donation and reached out to Ben, the veteran running for 22 hours, to ask if I could join him. Ben’s response, while carefully worded, allowed me to participate. He explained that he already had a support group and didn’t need additional help, but he welcomed my company as long as I understood that his pace would be slow to endure the full 22 hours. Given that my running pace was already quite slow, I was excited to accept the challenge. I anticipated that the support group would be smallest at the beginning due to it being a workday, so I requested the day off to join Ben from the start, hoping to accompany him for at least six hours.
Unfortunately for Ben, several of his plans unraveled, not the least of which was his support group was cancelling and falling apart. I told him repeatedly “Ben, I’m here for you – as long as you need me, I’ll be here.” We ran, we chatted, we bonded for life. Ben has a full account in his blog here.
Looking back, I don’t know what messages the universe was sending me, but I was clearly tuned in more than I realized. Friday morning as I left to meet a total stranger to run alongside him for a few hours, even if he didn’t need my help, I posted on Facebook:
Time to make a new friend and do crazy shit. #InspireGreatness
Who new? Who new I’d really be making a new friend for life, and not just an acquaintance for 30 minutes. Who knew I’d actual inspire anyone or anything?
When Ben posted that blog several weeks after the event was over, I was just overwhelmed with emotions. I knew we had connected, I knew I’d helped him out, never did I expect that it would have so much impact. My Facebook post at the time reflected my astonishment:
Thank-you all for all the notes of encouragement, it’s very surreal for me! 🙂 Those of you who know me (which is most of you) know that I didn’t share this for the likes or the comments, but the heartfelt story, which I would have shared if it was any Steve… maybe even a Bob. 😉
I was blown away reading this blog and the impact I had… I just showed up to support him and his cause. It’s funny to read from his perspective – the wonderment of why in the world some total stranger is going to take time off and come run for a cause he’s not been involved with. I guess it would be strange, and many of you just know “that’s Steve”. 😜
I never intended to be a part of the story. This wasn’t my event and wasn’t my cause. When the news crews were there, I tried to be out of the shot. Ben even ordered me at one point to get my ass alongside him and run WITH him on camera. Hahaha. I just wanted to support a cause that touched me, and to support the person who was doing it. Who knew that would have so much impact?
Thanks again to all of you for the love and the encouragement. Maybe I’ll get to do it again someday, Ben is continuing to encourage me to do an ultra-marathon next year. 🤣😂🤣😂
Love to you all! ❤
Since that day, Ben and I have stayed in touch and become brothers for life. Ben’s blog post coined a new phrase, which my family and friends would echo every time I helped someone out – “Everyone Needs a Steve”.