Chopperguy's TNT Blog

And the journey begins...

We met up at Fountain Lake at 7:30 this morning, where we all got to meet one another and we even had time to talk a little. From there, we went over a few of the details, given our name tags and I was awarded the Highest Fund Raiser tag to wear. After that, Art gave us an inspirational speech.

We took off for a quick little warmup around the lake, which was just shy of a half mile, and my legs were actually under me. I did a bit of running, but speed walked it for the most part.

From there, we were to run at an easy pace for 15 minutes out, 15 minutes back. We hit the top of the hill, where our distance and time begins, and I was ready to go. I started at a slow pace, and gradually picked it up. Next thing I knew I was actually running. And it felt good. It's been years since I've actually run for a really good reason. I've been doing a bit of running the past few months, to include walking the San Jose half marathon, and a run for the Families of the Wounded.

So there I am, running, then I hit the wall. Run a bit, walk a bit, run a bit more, but I find myself walking more. My mind kept telling me, "The further you go out, the further you have to return". So there I was, just about a mile and a half out, in 15 minutes. True I was able to run 2 miles on the treadmill in just over 15 minutes, but actually running? Yeah, I can do this. I ran and walked on the way back, and my mentor stayed by my side for the last mile. I felt as if I didn't want to stop running, but I just couldn't do it... yet.

I was never a runner growing up, I was a swimmer. Now, at least I know I can do it, once I get my running legs back under me. You see, 5 years in the Army gave me my legs the first time, and knowing I'm running so one day families won't have to suffer like mine did, and kids won't have to suffer like my step-son did, will give me my running legs once again.