« Day 5 - Some Days Are A Struggle | Main | Day 7 and 8 - Patience and Adaptation »
Day 6 - Rough Weather
By Scott | April 24, 2007
Day 6
Miles Ran (walked) today 7
Total Miles 185
Miles to Go 295
Periods of rain and thunderstorms before 1pm, then periods of rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. High near 50. Windy, with a east northeast wind between 30 and 32 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
After reading this, you can probably guess where I am right now. You guessed correctly. I am in my hotel room in North Platte watching the flags try to hang on to their poles. I got a 7 am start and managed to lug 7 miles before the rain and wind became too much. After some careful self evaluation and a check of the forecast for the rest of the day, I decided to call it quits for today. I’ve been experiencing some pain in my lower left leg, so if there is any such thing as perfect timing for severe weather, today was it. The plan for the rest of the day is to rest, relax, eat, rest, relax, eat, and top it all off with a massage tonight.
I cannot express what your words this morning have done for me and my resolve to finish this run, whether it is on May 3 or May 13th. You should know that by YOUR actions YOU are also teaching and showing everyone reading this blog what is so special about Girls and Boys Town. Yesterday, I asked to hear from Family Teachers and boy did they respond today. I am losing count of the number of Girls and Boys Town employees that have sent words of motivation, humor, and encouragement. I thought I would share some them. Every comment is special and comes from the heart of the person(s) that sent it.
From a former Boys Town Youth
“The best way to deal with what lies ahead is to roll up our sleeves and face it head on. No more buck passing or scape-goating. No more glossing over or covering up. No more games. We need to confront our mountain one step at a time, one day at a time; this is what you are saying to each and every kid who is thinking of quiting. Thanks Scott.”
From Girls and Boys Town Family Teachers
“You are truly an inspiration, not only to all of our youth here at Girls and Boys Town, but also to all of us Family Teachers! Thank you for reminding all of us, that when things get tough, God can and will give us the strength to continue if we are willing! We pray that God will give you strength and put His arms of protection around you as you continue on this grand journey!”
More Family Teacher Comments:
“Our family is amazed at what you are doing. We have a house full of runners. One of our girls has a great chance at making state in the mile and two mile. We hope that your day goes better today, even though the rain will be difficult. Just keep running and thinking of all the kids that are pulling for you.”
Quote Sent From a Co-Worker
“That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.â€
Abraham Lincoln
I have received many quotes. Some I’ve seen, others are new to me. I have loved every one of them. When I have time, I am going to try to compile all of them for a quote update post.
From Josh Mackey of KOGA 94.1 in Ogallala
“Keep your head up and stay strong. Your passion for this run, for Girls and Boys Town, and for your family really shined through this morning on the radio. I only hope you and others can see that the feat of running from Henry to North Platte in 5 days is an amazing accomplishment. Let the good thoughts of others rinse the struggle from you, and be sure to keep the ice on. KOGA country is pulling for you. ”
There have been so many more, I wish I could take the time to thank every one of you personally. I hope this suffices. One of my other reasons for doing this run was so that I could learn more about Girls and Boys Town. Too often, we come to work, grab our paychecks and go home. I can’t begin to say how much the continuing support has taught me. It is very humbling and only goes to show how much there is to be learned from others.
I’ll leave you with one more quote which I think is very appropriate considering the last couple of days. It is from my friend Ron Richards, one of the single biggest supporters of this run. I am lucky to have met Ron and his wife Candy.
We had an interview with the North Platte Telegraph yesterday Here is a link to a nice article.
“Things that were hard to bear are sweet to rememberâ€
Seneca
How true…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Donate to the the Girls and Boys Town After Care Program
Purchase a Landmark Run t-shirt
Topics: Landmark Run |
19 Responses to “Day 6 - Rough Weather”
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.
April 24th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
We were hoping that you took some time off with the bad weather today. We are talking with the boys about how much of a sacrifice this is for you. Often they will come home complaining about having to run a mile in gym class, you have put it into context for them. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Amy
April 24th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Scott -
Just read about your run/journey on omaha.com. What an amazing adventure! You definitely make everyone from Hastings proud! I ran into Jack & Jane a couple of months ago when I was in Hastings, and they said you had taken up running - - I had no idea how serious they were. I wanted to share with you one of my favorite quotes - - just in case anyone says you are crazy for doing this:
“If we listened to our intellect, we’d never have a love affair. We’d never have a friendship. We’d never go into business, because we’d be cynical. Well, that’s nonsense. You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.” - Ray Bradbury
Best wishes on your run. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Scott W. Damrow
April 24th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
May the rest be a comfort to your body and provide you soul and spirit a chance to rejuvenate. Tomorrow will be better day!
April 24th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Scott,
Get some well deserved rest and take care of that leg. You have been and continue to be a great source of inspiration to me as a runner. If I could go half as far, half as fast and have half as much motivation I could be a great runner like you. Best wishes from the Hart family who all love running and are drawing inspiration from Nebraska’s ultramarathon man,
Brett
April 24th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Scott…I truly applaud the attitude you have displayed today!!!! I can only imagine how hard it is for you to “stop” for a day. But remember, even the Lord took one day off.
Hope you can truly relax, get some rest and replenish your body and spirit for the trials that lay ahead.
You have already succeeded…everything else is in the details.
Ron and Candy
April 24th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Scott, your mom told us about your quest to run across the state of Nebraska! Wow!! You are amazing! It is for a wonderful cause. We’re proud of you down here in Missouri (word gets around). We’ll keep watching for your victorious finish! Relax today and get refreshed for the rest of the journey. We’ll be thinking of you!
April 24th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Dear Scott-
This is an amazing experience that I am watching daily. You are doing God’s work, and have my utmost respect and admiration. I will be with you in spirit, and in hopes, of you touching as many people as you can on this journey. You are one amazing man, whom many of us look up to and strive to be!
Keep trudging this incredible road-
ALl the best-
Bernie McGrenahan
April 24th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Hey Scott,
Hope that the day of rest was a good one. I have been telling Libby and Noble about your run and showing them where you are on a map. As I was explaining to them what you are doing, Libby stopped me and said, “Dad, Mr. Giddings must be really strong…and a good runner. I bet the kids at Boys Town love him.” Of course, her words are a dramatic understatement. Your strength is more than what’s in the body. Thank you for being a model of “strong” and “good.”
Peace be with you on the roads tomorrow,
Dan
April 24th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Hi Scott,
Get some rest and start fresh. The current storm might last another day or two. But that is fine, you will persevere.
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.”
Walter Elliott
In our prayers,
JR, Laurie and Tami
April 24th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Scott, I am so glad that you have gotten a break to rest eat and relax!! oh and can’t forget the massage!! Just so you know you have been very inspirational to me, I never really understood your running until today and reading the well wishes you have gotten.
Yes, I see you come and go from home, and think their he goes again, but it’s more than just running for you… goals and dreams are beautiful things, and as I sit here I think of mine and how I can make them happen.
So in a nut shell you might think that you haven’t touched many people but in fact you have and you should be so very proud of how far you have come. Your so very right, no matter if it’s a day behind schedule or a week, you know that you have done your best, touched many people’s lives, and have been an inspiration!! Take a little time, take care of your leg and pick yourself back up and… RUN… FORREST, RUN…..
I promise the next entry won’t be soo mushy, just wanted you to know that I care and wish ya well! Lisa
April 24th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Hey Scott! I’m a firm believer that “things happen for a reason”…so, there WAS a reason that it rained today and that you had to take a break (maybe even if it was just to rest your leg, re-read your e-mails, or get a massage
I’ll try to send some of our nice weather down your way…if the sun doesn’t make it, just know that I’m thinking of you and soon you’ll be back on the road! Keep on Trucking! (Remember that phrase?! Wasn’t that like from the 70’s?!)Smile!
Your biggest fan in Minnesota,
Love you,
Annette
April 25th, 2007 at 10:12 am
I hope your day of rest (7 miles, lol, most humans don’t walk that far in a week) helped your left leg pain. Very smart in listening to your body (and the weather) to rest it.
I hope your Wednesday is going well ! GO SCOTT !!!
April 25th, 2007 at 10:17 am
Scott,
We wanted to let you know we are sending a “Because We Care†package. Hopefully it will lift not only your blood sugar level. I think I heard somewhere that “The sun’ll come out Tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar That tomorrow There’ll be sun! Just thinkin’ about Tomorrow, Clears away the cobwebs And the sorrow ‘Til there’s none! When I’m stuck a day, That’s gray, And lonely. I just stick out my chin And Grin, And Say,—–Oh The sun’ll come out Tomorrow. So ya gotta hang on ‘Til tomorrow, Come what may. Tomorrow! Tomorrow! We love ya Tomorrow! You’re always A day A way!â€
If you are anything like me you will now have that song stuck in your brain for the rest of the day while you kick up a little dust—onward and eastward Dude!
Pam, Jan, Sue and Doris
April 25th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Scott ~
I admire your commitment, dedication, and perseverance. These are qualities that we try each day to instill in the kids at Girls and Boys Town. Your experience allows us to help them keep perspective on what the possibilities are when you plan out the steps toward reaching a goal and the benefits of continuing to put one foot in front of the other to make that goal come to fruition. Thanks for all you are doing to model this to not only the youth here, but to us adults as we all continue to move forward in fulfilling the mission of Father Flanagan!
Sincerely,
Debbie Orduna
Community Two
April 25th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Scott,
You are doing such a wonderful thing to benefit Boys Town and help our youth on campus. Keep your head up and keep striving to reach your goal! You are an inspiration to all of us!
God Bless,
Shannon Ostdiek
April 25th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
How you find the mental and physical strength to do what you are doing is amazing to me! I commend you for your mission and for carrying on Father Flanagan’s dream. I’ll be hoping and praying that the Nebraska weather is kind to you and you have smooth sailing the rest of your journey. We will continue to follow your progress and look forward to your safe return and a much deserved rest.
God speed,
Curt & Sheila
April 25th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Scott- you have taken on quite a challenge! Your commitment is inspiring and I so appreciate what you are doing for our youth . I wanted to pass on an Irish prayer for you… it’s kinda fitting. “May the roads rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the rain fall softly upon the field and the sun shine warmly upon your face and until we meet again my the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand.†Take care-Colleen
April 25th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Oh, an unplanned day off must be frustrating - I recently injured my foot and have been so impatient with the inability to train. Also, I am driving to Scottsbluff this weekend and am dreading the distance - I cannot IMAGINE running it and I LOVE running! Truly, your dedication is inspiring.
April 25th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Here are a few more quotes for you…
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill
“In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins- not through strength but by perseverance.” H. Jackson Brown
“Willpower is character in action.” William Mcdougall
Hope you are getting better weather!!
the phone guys