Along with tomorrows’ sunrise comes with what I know will be the most challenging & emotional run to date. I don’t know how this run will end up but what I do know is that from that first step back in june 2012 and up until I cross the finish line (no negative thoughts allowed in the vast empty space between my ears), the inspiration gained from others and the support I’ve received from all, are beyond any words I can convey in the limited space of the internet. Likewise the list of people to personally thank would be endless, so instead of inadvertently leaving someone out, I’d like to thank everyone that has been part of this journey. There have been no bit players amongst these miles. The time, effort and miles that have been logged are only a small piece of the puzzle. I’m just a fraction of this equation and I hope that I’m able to inspire rather than disappoint when all is said and done. The pressure and excitement are equally balanced and I wouldn’t expect or want it any other way. My heart has been pounding for over a week and I feel like a kid that’s going to Disneyworld. I hope that the rides they have are as much fun as the trip getting there was. Most races are just “long runs” but I’d be lying if I said that about this race. This one matters a lot to me. Maybe it shouldn’t. It’s just a race. They’re just miles. There are so many more important things going on in our world. In the grand scheme of things this isn’t even a blip in time on this pale blue dot. But for one day (maybe even one day plus 6 hours) this blip is ours to embrace, conquer & tell stories of to the next generation. I feel a certain sense of honor that I’ll be at the starting line with so many accomplished runners. Some who have finished this race a multitude of times, some looking for a few revenge miles from previous attempts and others that are newbies. All of whom have put in the miles and sacrificed time away from loved ones to “git ‘er done.” If this event meets with a favorable result then I’ll feel I’ve earned the right to run these trails with such amazing athletes and not only because I was able to pay a entry fee. THANK YOU to all of the volunteers in advance and will now say sorry for any grumpiness that I might spit, sprout or spout as the miles and stars multiply. I’d like to thank everyone involved in being part of TEAM POKEY BLOKE: crew: Nancy Kiggins, Joseph (jr) Kiggins, Jennifer Carlin, John Kiggins, Angie Morman, Bob Ligget and our teams’ PACERS: Wendy O’Connnor & Cathy Faye. Without you this would not have been attempted. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANKS YOU!. I hope to make my wife, family, friends & our running community (runners, volunteers & organizers) proud. I dedicate each run to someone. This mileage belongs to my wife Nancy Kiggins. She has given me nothing but unwavering support in this attempted dream. She has been by my side EVERY step of the way. She is my real finish line. Her arms around me are the only medal that I need draped around my neck. This isn’t about “ JUST DO IT”, it’s about “JUST DID IT.”
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 12:03:53 +0000
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