Frank travels around running races in FULL FIREMAN GEAR to honor his brother firefighters. He has added an American Flag with the Thin Blue Line in honor of all Police Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Frank is a member of Team RWB and supports our military. I've followed Frank on Facebook and watched how many people Frank has inspired. Well, Frank's car died on him today. In Columbus, on the way to the Air Force Marathon expo. He had someone drive him here with as much gear he could bring. He needed a ride from the 5k to his hotel. I was honored when he called me and we worked it out for me to help him out. This guy helps so many, it was a no brainer for me. I was looking forward to running with Heidi. The girl might not train to run, but she likes to participate. She's been around the Air Force Marathon events for the last 6 years now. When she found out they had a 5k, she wanted in. She ran it last year. I knew it would be good for me to have another run that was nice and easy. Heidi ran almost 4 minutes before she asked for our first walk break. 20 seconds passed and I got us running again. I told her lets try to run 2 minutes then take another break. She liked that idea. And that got us through 1.3 miles. run 2, walk 20. then I heard the undeniable about to cry sound. Tough love daddy kicked in. "Don't cry. Just work through it." We walked a little more often. But she didn't cry! The running community, as always, kicked in and helped a runner in need. "Get it girl!" "Go Little Eagle!" "Your dad is old! you can beat him!" Heidi fed off of the other runners cheers to her. She would perk up and take off. My thought, "Pacing!! Gotta learn to pace!" I was proud of her. Then we hit mile 2. I said we only have 1.1 mile to go. The pre-teen eye roll was precious.
Just precious. I had to laugh. "Are you ready to run?" I would ask, "No!" she replied. "Great, Lets go!" If I ran she would run also. Then she'd walk. I gave her a few seconds and again, eye roll, "Let's go!" So we turn the final corner and see the finish line. We see Brittney and Savvy waiting for us and what do you know, Heidi can run and smile! This is not a face I saw much during the race. But I was proud of her for finishing strong!
I waited at the finish line for Frank to finish. I got a little worried after time went by and no Frank. Lightning and rain had started. Frank finally arrives at the finish line. Turns out Frank was out doing his thing, HELPING people. 2 Veterans needed Frank's help and encouragement. 1 double amputee Veteran was in the race and this was his first 5k with his prosthetic legs. Which kept falling off. I can't imagine, going through a race and your prosthetic legs falling off. Frank helped pick up a leg and handed it back to the veteran. Another Veteran, around 75 years old was told he wasn't supposed to ever walk again. This guy had a walker and was walking his first 5k. Now this isn't a "hilly" course, but it has some elevation change. Enough to throw off a guy pushing a walker. This veteran fell down before mile 1, but refused medical help. Frank helped this veteran up who would again fall down before mile 2. Frank stayed with this man until the SAG Wagon picked them up due to weather conditions and drove them to Finish Line. On our way out, we saw the double amputee finish the race. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. We dropped Frank off at his hotel and wished him luck for tomorrow. This experience, being with a different pace group than what I'm used to and seeing Frank give up his race to make sure others finish safely, has brought up a lot of thoughts. There were some people who were giving it their all and struggling to cover 3.1 miles. But they did it. They made a decision to try. To better their life, better their health. I was super proud of my daughter! She has been shown you have to work, you gotta push yourself. Medals don't come easy and they're not given to quitters. She has learned twice this week, you don't cry, you work through a problem. That life lesson is invaluable. I'm proud Brittney and I give her this opportunity to try. Parents set the example kids follow. Frank's personality to help others all the time is admirable. We should all be a little more like Frank. I offered to bring him anything else he needed, but said he was all good. The veterans who struggled mightily today, I will think of when I think I'm struggling in Louisville. So many of us take our health for granted. Eminem has a famous song that says "Till my legs fall off", well guess what...That didn't stop a veteran today. He pushed through. He accomplished his goal. Final thought, this should be my 6th year running either the half or full AF Marathon, and its killing me to bow out knowing I have a bib. I remain calm knowing my goal lies ahead in 23 days. Good Luck to all runners tomorrow. I pray the weather forecast changes overnight as its looking ugly.
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