A few weeks ago I participated in the Blue Ridge Relay in Western North Carolina. The event was amazing! There were over 200 teams – from 4 -12 people in size – all running 209 miles from Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia to Asheville, NC. I ran with a group of 11 other guys from the Davidson area, most of which are part of the Davidson F3 group. We had a blast! There were two van loads of people each with six runners. There were 36 legs of the race so we all had 3 legs to run. I was runner #9.
The first six runners began the race and we met them at the Transition Zone between legs 7-12. At that point we were on and the first van got a break. We hopscotched like this until the end when Runner #12 brought us across the finish line.
It was a privilege to run with these guys. We encouraged one another, cheered for one another, looked for each other when someone got lost or didn’t show up at the expected time. We made sure folks got rest, helped out with the driving, shared food and water (and clothing when needed). It was a Team Effort. Everyone wanted to see the TEAM succeed and reach the finish line. People were concerend about their individual runs, sure, but they were motivated to excel for the sake of the team’s success. I really got to know the guys in my van – runners 7-12. We bonded over that 32+ hour period and I am grateful for each of them.
In a couple of days (September 29th) I will be running the 50-mile run in Davidson that I have named “50 for Freedom”. I have had an amazing team to work with to help plan the event, publicize, and spearhead the fundraising. I could not have done this without Jenny, Julie, Pat, John, Scott, Linda, and Thomas. They have supported me, sacrificed, and given of themselves in extraordinary ways. They have done it for the sake of the team – so that together we might achieve this audacious goal of raising $50,000 for Lily Pad Haven – to help end human trafficking.
If you would like to learn more about this event click http://lilypad-haven.org/50-for-freedom
I would love for you to come out and join me Saturday and become part of a Team Effort to raise awareness about human trafficking and to bring it to an end. Hope to see you there.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Go, Robert!!!