Dopey Test Run #3 - DONE!

Dopey for Dopey!

2, 4 , 6, 8...who do I appreciate?!  My FEET...My FEET..HURRAY!

I've never had greater appreciation for my feet as I do today.

Dopey Test Run #3 in the bag:

• Wednesday - 6 miles
• Thursday - 8 miles
• Friday - 12 miles
• Saturday - 21 miles

Grand Total = 47!
(Dopey Challenge is 48.6) 

Great Big Thank You to Some Amazing Kids!
This week's great AHA came from today's run. As I started my trek I realized the roads were filled with Scouts. Not just a few kids here and there but thousands of them. I mean kids of all ages, their Leaders, their Parents, their support crew and Cops to help guide the traffic at key intersections. 

As I ran past these kids, I realized there were some who were actually really young. I stopped and asked one of the leaders what are the ages of the kids doing this event. The man replied:  "6 - 18. They are all from various clubs like Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, and Girl Scouts." Then I asked how far they were walking. The man replied: "13.1 miles."  I couldn't believe my ears - 6 and 7 year olds walking 13.1 miles - why that's a half marathon!

When I reached my 17th mile I saw another troop leader and I asked "What do these kids get for completing today's walk?" She replied: "This is the 39th anniversary of the Old Cutler Historical Trail Hike. When they finish they will get the Old Cutler Trail Patch. But this is really just their first big hike. They have another hike that is even bigger." "What's that?" I asked and all the while thinking to myself...what 13.1 miles isn't enough of a challenge for these youngsters? She said: "33 mile hike from Pompano Beach to South Beach. They have a sleep over mid way AND they have to carry their own gear - tent, food, drink, clothes, sleeping bags - whatever they feel they will need for the hike." I asked: "Even the 6  and 7 year olds?" She proudly said: "Yes!"

I was in awe! Unbelievable! Here I am feeling like I cannot go another mile and these kids were "DOING THE DISTANCE!" And you know what...most of them were happy. They were out there with their families and friend singing, walking, laughing - living large!

I looked at the lady and said: "Thank you for motivating me to keep on going!" It has been such a pleasure to run along side you guys. I have to run 20 miles today and at times I just wanted to give up. But each time I came across a bunch of your folks, I just felt so inspired to keep on going. It is truly a please to have you out today sharing your passion for excellence! Thank you!"

Moral of the story...NEVER GIVE UP!

When I signed up for the  Dopey Challenge I wanted to take myself to another level. At times, I felt like it wasn't possible; between family, work, injuries, and life it was difficult to complete the miles. But today I learned it doesn't matter!  You can run, walk, or crawl...as long as you smile while never giving up!

All you have to do is BELIEVE! And the Light within you will guide your every step.

Namaste!

Dopey Challenge - Living Another Dream!