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The Return - Day 10 Mission Accomplished
By Scott | October 29, 2007
I started this run back on April 19th with the sole intention of completing it in the span of 15 days. Back then, it seemed like a reasonable expectation. 32 miles a day over 8-10 hours a day, spread out over 15 days. No problem right! That’s what I thought. Things went smooth for several days early on, in fact they might have gone too smoothly. I cruised, I smiled, I ran each day like I didn’t have to run another 30+ miles tomorrow. In hindsight that was a huge mistake. After 7 days and 200+ miles a pain began seeping into my left ankle. Day 8, the pain became greater. Day 9, Day 10…. you get the idea. I’ve never had the experience of not being able to bear weight on my legs, but this was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I would be horrible in child birth. Thank God I am not a woman :-). I came to the conclusion after 3 days of trying to walk the rest of the run that I was not going to make the progress I needed to make even given the luxury of extending the trip as necessary. I called the first leg of the trip off after 232 miles with the statement that:
“This is not a failure and I am not quitting, of that you can be sure”
First and foremost I made that promise to myself, then my kids, Girls and Boys Town, and most importantly the kids of Girls and Boys Town whom this was for in the first place. I would have had a heck of a time knowing I had made a promise and not followed through on it.
On October 20 I set foot back on the road near Gothenburg knowing that I would finish this run, regardless of what it took. I came to grips with the fact that less than six months ago I had stopped momentarily and would have to take a different approach to finishing. This meant I would have to SLOW DOWN, enjoy the sites, enjoy the days, ENJOY THE JOURNEY. Don’t they say, it is the journey that matters, not the destination? I said it myself the first time around. Life is a marathon not a sprint. It is not meant to be rushed every minute of every day. I broke that rule in April. Not this time. Don’t get me wrong, I still ran, and I ran most of the time, but I did walk when I felt like walking. I stopped and took photographs. I sat down and rested when I felt like it, and best of all, I ATE when I felt like it. Now you tell me what is so crazy about that?
I was blessed with 10 absolutely beautiful days to run in (actually 9 1/2). These were the kind of days that make you want fall to stick around forever. The temperatures hovered in the 60’s, clouds rarely made themselves present, and the wind was almost always at my back. You’ve got to be kidding me. Why didn’t I think of doing this in October in the first place? I LOVED every minute of it. I did not want to stop at the Missouri River. I wanted to keep going in to Iowa and as far as my feet would take me. Reality hit and I know that my “real life” beckons for the time being, but you never know what the future holds. NO, this is not out of my system and YES, I would without question do this again and again.
I began the day at 192nd and Dodge, a mere 4 miles from Girls and Boys Town. I approached the campus around 11 and saw a familiar face peering from the pine trees that line Dodge Street. She said congratulations! More than that, she said “there are a whole lot more down the road”. Right then and there, I realized just how memorable this day would be for me. As I approached the campus entrance, I was greeted by the village Chief of Police, Chief Crowley and was escorted to campus where 200+ students and co-workers were waiting my arrival. I simply could not contain myself. I cried and laughed and was just HAPPY. I am not sure anyone who was there will know quite what there presence meant to me, but I do. I was especially thrilled to see so many of the students lining the street, after all this run was as much for them as it was for me. You simply have to see these kids and meet these kids to know just what Girls and Boys Town does for them. No words can explain. We had a little ceremony at the Boys Town pylon on campus and I and some of my volunteers had the pleasure of eating lunch with Girls and Boys Town Executive Director, Father Boes. The time between 11 and 1 is a time I would like to etch in my memory. It will certainly occupy a space in my mind as long as I live.
Unfortunately, the Missouri River was still calling from 10 miles down the road, so I had to get moving. I spent the next couple of hours winding my way through the maze that is Dodge Street before finally reaching the river and Lewis and Clark Landing. Unlike the arrival at Girls and Boys Town, the finish was just me, a photographer from the World-Herald, and the river. It felt good to take a breath, look to the north and south, and realize that I had reached my destination with Iowa and a future endeavor perhaps waiting in the east. That will have to wait for another time.
There are so many people I need to thank. Most of you know your contributions.
Jordyn and Kolby — You are my inspirations and my reason for doing the crazy things I do. I Love You
Mom and Dad — You never asked questions, you just knew I could and would do it. That speaks volumes.
Father Boes — Thank You for your support and your willingness to spread the news of the run to the kids.
Judy — You have know idea how good it was to say what I was thinking and be greeted with the possibilities. This started with you.
Andy and Denise — You called me things like crazy, but you always made yourselves available when I had some nutty idea to run to Lincoln or try to run the Wabash Trace to the Missouri border. I’ll still do that you know! How’s next weekend sound? You have no idea how grateful I am to call you my friends.
Jamie — What boss would join his employee for 18 miles? Not many. Of course you’ve done more than that, but hey, it was a monumental achievement for you, wasn’t it? I think we all owe it to you for the beginning of the GBT bike craze. I called it rehab.
Kristi - You were a vocal leader at the headquarters building and I was happy to have you in my corner. You may be the single most selfless person I know. I hope you know, you are one reason I am able to call this a success.
My co-workers in IT - I think a person is lucky when he can call his co-workers, friends. It makes it a whole lot easier to come to work. It is especially nice to have a few people that don’t mind putting you back in to place on occasion.
Paul Staso — Paul is an amazing human being who I went to for advice. Paul is, himself a runner and has completed a solo run across the United States. His endeavor to be the first to ride and run the same route in the same calendar year was cut short, but Paul also is undeterred in his efforts to help kids with his creation of the P.A.C.E. Fitness Foundation. Paul has a knack for timely encouragement and wisdom. He is one person I would try to emulate in a heartbeat.
Thanks to everyone else who has offered their prayers, encouragement, and constant support. There are simply too many to mention.
Most importantly, Thank You to the kids at Girls and Boys Town. Words cannot express how blessed I’ve been to do this on your behalf. Keep your feet moving forward, chin up and your eyes on the prize in all that you do.
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run |
11 Responses to “The Return - Day 10 Mission Accomplished”
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October 29th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
You are blessed. You are a great inspiration to many.
I am happy to have known you. Keep on dreaming and believing and making them all come true!
Nadra
October 29th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Yipee!!!! SCOOTER WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!! I’m sure Dad has been bawling for the last 24 hours everytime he thinks about what you’ve accomplished..but to be honest, I have too:)
CONGRATULATIONS!! Mel
October 29th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Well done Scott! Well done!
October 29th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Scott!
Excellent job! Good for you! you are really blessed to have so many people around you who care for you.
Congratulations!!
AMY Rea
October 30th, 2007 at 5:30 am
Well done Sir!
Congrats Scott…never a doubt.
What an incredible accomplishment!
Ron and Candy
October 30th, 2007 at 6:41 am
Congratulations on your accomplishment! But even more than that for being a fantastic role model for the kids! Way to go!
October 30th, 2007 at 7:35 am
WELL DONE! Congratulations Scott. You kept your eyes on the prize and have been blessed with a journey that has touched many lives. Your accomplishment is one of the heart… not the legs. I believe there are many more mileposts in your future and I look forward to seeing where your steps take you. Keep reaching for the horizon and know that the footsteps you’ve placed across Nebraska are forever imprinted in the hearts of many children and adults… and no Nebraska wind will ever blow those footprints away! Congratulations my friend!
October 30th, 2007 at 7:35 am
Mr. Giddings,
There is really not much to say besides congratulations. You did it and we are all very proud. I think we all knew you would accomplish this wonderful goal. You have also inspired many including those closest to you.
I also would be remiss to not thank you for your kind words.
Please take a moment to really grasp what you have done.
Now get back to work!
-Jamie
October 30th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Scott: Way to go! Even though I am 800 miles away, I enjoyed journeying with you throughout the Landmark Run. Thanks for the regular updates. I admired your dedication and love to Girls and Boys Town and to the goal you set for yourself. This is something we all can learn from. You are truly an inspiration. Keep making a difference!
- Dick Herman
October 30th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Scott,
As many here have said, we had no doubt that you would finish what you started. Your lesson to the youth here (and obviously to ALL of us) is a strong one - persevere; overcome those obstacles and you will come out on the other side a stronger individual. Thanks for sharing your journey and congratulations.
-Kevin
October 31st, 2007 at 7:26 am
Congrats Scott!!