1. What made you decide to join Run The Edge?
In the latter part of 2014, I knew that my Running was suffering and I needed a change, something new, something to inspire, something to light a fire in me that felt I had lost. One day an add came across my social media feed announcing Run the Edge's Run the Year 2015 opportunity for people to get fit. I was intrigued enough to checkout the website and saw that this was something that Kara and Adam Goucher had developed. I've been a longtime fan of Kara watching her during Track Events at Hayward Field on TV and I knew in my Heart that this would be that Fire that I needed to Run 2015 Miles from January 1st through December 31st, so I registered. On January 1st, 2015, I had signed up a New Years 5K on Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, that started right at midnight. By December 31st, I had Run 1,600.22-Miles. Needless to say, I've signed up for RTE - RTY every year since.
2. How has the program influenced your health over the years?
The program has helped me immensely over the years, especially since I've been living with Juvenile Arthritis (Ankylosing Spondylitis) for more than half my life. It is always said in the field of Rheumatology that physical activity is a must and that it will help people with Arthritis live a stronger and healthier life if they find that something to help them strengthen the muscles around their failing joints. RTE - RTY has given more than anyone of the Running Couches I've did over the years...the ability to define my own journey by setting my own goals to get to where I want to be.
3. You're in an elevator with someone. What's your pitch to join RTY?
I would that person that if you're looking for something to Kickstart your heart and begin your own journey, to looking directly at Run the Edges Run the Year, sign up, come up with a plan, find someone to join you and see just how far you can go. As a matter of fact, one of my colleagues at with just recently signed up for RTY 2026 because he vegan following me of FB and was quickly inspired to action. He's already been fitted for a couple of pairs of Running shoes and can't wait to get started on January 1st. And I gave him the words from my own experience..."don't let anyone tell you can't do it or that you shouldn't do it. Listen to your heart and mind and let them to lead you along your journey."