All I do is Win! But You Were 17th?

I guess I have some explaining to do huh? It’s in the bag, the Triple Lakes Trail Race 40 Miler is finished. Officially I finished 17 of 42 runners who started the race, with a finish time of 8 hours 30 minutes. Those, as they say, are the stats. So, how did I win? Look, I’m a 47-year-old guy with a full-time job and family, and while I can hold my own on the course, I don’t run for medals, PB’s, or even age group wins. When those things happen, they are nice (I have an ego just like everyone else!), but THIS is why I run.

Kris H.

One evening when I was out on the trails training, this guy is passing me and asks for directions as he normally runs the “other side” of the trail system. We strike up a conversation and turns out we have a lot in common. We both love running the trails, we both like running ultra-distances, and we will both be running the Triple Lakes. Insta-friends, just add running. On race day, around mile 24 near one of the out and back sections during the race, Kris is passing me and notes that I am about a mile behind him. He goes on to finish the 40 miler, with a PB AND snags 1^st in his age group. Congratulations Kris!!! That’s cool, but that’s not the coolest part. As I am finishing my last half mile of the race, who is running back on to the course to check in on me? Kris! After 40 miles, he took it upon himself to RUN, back on to the course to check on me because he expected me at the finish sooner. Two people who barely know each other, caring and bonding because of running.

Matt L.

While drinking my coffee before work on Monday, I check my Strava feed and I see this:

Matt L. gave me a Kudos and left that message. And I can remember the day that I saw Matt out on the trails with his son and said something to the effect that “Start them young and they’ll be running the trails soon enough.” And asked his son if he wanted to run one day. I am so humbled and amazed that one small interaction can have such an impact. People like Matt keep me motivated and seeing kids out on the trails and excited about it, inspires me. Matt, you and your son made my day Monday and I thank you for that. I am sure we will get the chance to run together soon.

Ron T. and the Disabled American Veterans

I don’t know where to start in regard to Ron. I have never met this amazing man in person. We are Fitbit friends and Ron reads my blog and often comments on it. RON is amazing and an inspiration. He started running later in life at the age of 59 and is preparing for his first full marathon at the age of 61! If this isn’t a testament to what a special man Ron is, then check this out. Each year I pick a race or two to raise money for a different charity. I chose the Disabled American Veterans for this race, and of course, Ron donates. Again, he is amazing. BUT, as the race is approaching, I continue to beat the drum for the cause and I get home one day and check the fundraising page and there is a new donation… from Ron! Ron donated twice! This is a man I never met! We have raised $850 so far for the Disabled American Veterans, and a significant portion of that is from people that I never met physically. Wonderful people, like Ron. Ron, thank you for the donations, the support, and the friendship. I want to shake your hand one day, and then… go for a run.

Glenn C.

Mile 31. Ahhhh, mile 31. Deep inside the pain cave. When I got to the aid station at mile 31, I had been fighting leg cramps for about two miles. I knew my beautiful wife would be there, and I was looking forward to seeing her. When I arrived, one of my daughters were there too, so it was just the lift that I needed. I restocked my vest and then sat down to clean the debris out of my shoes for the final push. Thank goodness, my “crew” was there, because when I sat down, as soon as I bent my legs, they cramped. Every which way but loose. My wife took my shoes off, emptied them and then put them back on. Thank you honey! I rocked in the chair and used the momentum to stand back up, and then noticed this gentleman who seemed to be in pain, talking to his wife.

I went over and asked him what his name was and he said “Glenn”. I said “Glenn, I’m Joe, are you ready to go finish this thing?”. Glenn said “Yes. Let’s go.” Here’s a funny thing about life, many times, you find the help that YOU need when you’re helping others. We had nine miles to go, and I was going to help Glenn finish this damn race. Well, the first four miles, it was Glenn who helped me. We were trying to run and then walk. Every time we would start to run, about after a quarter of a mile, my legs would start to cramp. I told Glenn to go on ahead that I would be fine, that he didn’t need to stay with me. Glenn said, he preferred to stick together as it was helping take his mind off of his knee, which was hurting pretty bad. But I know he could have gone on without me.

As happens in these types of races, from the lows comes the rebound. After about 4 miles, my cramps started to subside substantially and I was ready to push a little harder, but Glenn’s knee was now really acting up. It was Glenn’s turn to give me the old “You can go on ahead, I’ll be alright.” I looked at Glenn and said “Buddy, we are finishing this thing together. If I go ahead now, maybe I’ll be the fifth fastest old guy to finish instead of the seventh, but this is so much better than that.” If I left him after he helped me, I would have that regret the rest of my running days.

Here’s the thing, ten years from now, I won’t remember what place I finished this race, but I will remember Glenn from Asheville, who has a beautiful wife Michelle, and a 4-year-old daughter Sloane, that they need to get home to. I will remember Kris, bounding down the trail in reverse to check up on me. I will remember Matt and his son and the message that he left about the day that I took a minute from a long run to chat with them. I’ll remember how Ron donated TWICE to help disabled veterans. And I’ll remember my wife, children, and friends being at the finish line.

All I do is win. And I thank god for that every day.

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