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Day 9, 10, and 11 - The Run on Hold
By Scott | April 29, 2007
232 miles run so far.
As most of you that have been following the run to this point are aware, I have been trying to get through some pretty severe (to me) pain in my lower left leg. I don’t know if it is simply a horrible shin splint, tendinitis, or some other undesirable injury. What I do know is that after a few short and one full rest day that this is not something that is going to go away in one or two days time. I am currently back home in Omaha and will be at work tomorrow to talk about the possible approaches to finishing up the run. While my hope was to complete this in a more traditional sense by going day after day, mile after mile until I finished, it has slowly become a reality that it will not happen this way. Of course, one could say, “What in the world is traditional about running 480 miles across a state?”, and I would not be able to argue that point. One thing I can promise is that it WILL happen. I’ve said it too many times in the last week and a half that sometimes we have to adjust to life’s curve balls and that is what I intend to do. My father Jack has also so wisely pointed out my own words to the Girls and Boys Town kids, that life is a marathon, not a sprint. It is an awful big piece of humble pie we have to swallow sometimes.
Just before leaving Hastings for Omaha tonight, I received a package of letters from some Girls and Boys Town kids. The timing was perfect considering I was heading for home in a matter of minutes and the reason why. For a guy who has spent the better part of today thinking I am letting people down, the letters only helped to strengthen my resolve to finish what I started. They also showed me once again, just how important the work is that is being done at Girls and Boys Town. I continue to be humbled by our roles in this world and just what it is that we are here for.
This is not a failure and I am not quitting, of that you can be sure.
Thank you to everyone who has shown such support and encouragement to this point. I hope you will stay in touch for more information on the completion of the run. Please, if you do nothing else, continue to follow the mission of Girls and Boys Town and if you are in Omaha, stop by the campus and see for yourself first hand the work that is being done.
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run |
25 Responses to “Day 9, 10, and 11 - The Run on Hold”
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April 29th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Scott; My Wife and I will be at the Booster dinner this coming Thursday. If you are going I would like to shake your hand for all that you have done for the Home. Bob Curtin “58″
April 29th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I know you can do it, and I will help you as much as I can. When you’re ready to start again, I will be with you every mile of the way. Good luck dad. I hope you start feeling better soon.
Love you,
Jordo.
April 29th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Scott…ok..Scooter..We think we’ve earned that privelege.
Stand tall and walk proud our friend. You have created so much recognition and awareness for BGT…we are still having neighbors come by asking about you. And we are SO proud to tell them what you HAVE accomplished and what you WILL accomplish.
Your T Shirts will be worn with pride by all who attend the party next month here in BS for the HHS mini-renunion…
We look forward to your future updates and want to be around to cheer you as you cross the “finish line” wherever that might be.
Congratulations Scott on what you have allready done and what you will do in the future.
Ron and Candy
April 29th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Scott- This is another example of how “things happen for a reason”…there is a reason that your run has to be put on hold temporarily! Keep your eyes open….
You are an amazing human being, and have inspired so many. To be honest, when I re-read everything on your website from the “Reason for the Run” to the “Dedication” to re-reading all the heartfelt words from everyone who know you I became sad for a moment thinking man I don’t want this “Landmark Run” to ever come to an end–it’s such a bright spot of my day reading & catching up on your run and how things are going. I know the brightness comes from YOU- your perseverence, your positive spin–even on the set backs…
So, keep us updated, I’m sure everyone is anxious to hear “what’s next!”
Love you and still rooting you on from Minnesota!
Annette
April 30th, 2007 at 3:54 am
Hey Scooter~ I want to congratulate you for making it so far….232 miles in ONE week is no small feat….I think it’s safe to say that there are very few people on this earth who could do the same….and even fewer that do it with your heart, soul and commitment. Your attitude is so inspiring and I’m confident you will finish. There are a lot of prayers being uttered on your behalf and I’m sure it’s only a small matter of time before you’re back out there continuing this part of life’s marathon. Love you:)) Mel
April 30th, 2007 at 5:42 am
Scott,
Like you said in the beginning–life is a marathon, not a sprint. You have shown great courage, determination, and common sense. You will complete this epic journey!
We are proud of you and grateful for your vision and strength. This is where the kids of Girls and Boys Town will learn their biggest lesson–how to continue in the face of adversity. They will learn from your spirit and from your heart.
Keep up the race. You have started something special.
John Mollison, BT Class of 1964
April 30th, 2007 at 6:53 am
Scott,
Good job! 232 miles is a whole lot of running. I think you are smart to not risk permanent injury so you can finish the run another day. Don’t worry; you’ll have lots of time to finish the run. Remember, the old saying that “experience is expensive.” What you have learned on this first outing will help you when you finish it the next time. The Wright Brothers didn’t fly the first time they went to Kitty Hawk but they didn’t quit. The rest is history.
Don’t despair, you’ll get it done.
Tim
April 30th, 2007 at 7:18 am
Hey Scott,
I echo what Jordyn has to say above. There are a lot of kids at RHS who would love to get out there with you and run. I think you’ll find there are many people who will join you for a few miles when you are “on the road again.”
Dan
April 30th, 2007 at 7:27 am
Great Job Scott! I personally think Scott likes it out west and wants to just keep running the Gothenburg area. Or it may have been the hamburgers, brats, beans and beer bread that I served him for supper when he stayed with us ( hard for anyone to make it down the road with a meal like that)- so Scott I promise if you stay with us again when you start back up I’ll serve you lasagna just to help get you down the road. We enjoyed having you stay and wish you only the best on finishing this difficult task.
Sharise and Dan Scherer
Gothenburg
April 30th, 2007 at 7:32 am
Scott,
I was glad to hear that you have had some excellent counsel (on this board and off) that healing is the correct path to take. The journey you have undertaken is more than just the trek between your landmarks. So many people believe in your ability to complete this challenge and want you to do so wisely. Take care, heal, then run. The road will still be there waiting.
(You didn’t think I was going to say “the road is long….and many a….” - nah, that would be too corny.)
Kevin
April 30th, 2007 at 7:36 am
Hello From Montana!
When we spoke on the phone the other day I could hear in your voice the strong resolve to complete this journey, and that commitment resounds within the words of your most recent journal entry. Your accomplishment so far of covering 232 miles on this “Landmark Run” is fantastic, but I am certainly impressed more by your heart than your running. The Girls and Boys Town are fortunate to have such a messenger as you, and I believe the perseverance that the organization shows on a daily basis to help, encourage and care for young people is reflected through your efforts on this trek. You are making an impact with each step, and when you continue and complete this run you will be able to look back on a journey that touched many lives. Best wishes as you prepare for the remainder of your endeavor.
Paul Staso, P.A.C.E. Run 2006
April 30th, 2007 at 7:41 am
Scott,
I was glad to hear that you had excellent counsel (on this board and off) advising you to take the time to heal. Your journey has actually become much more than the path between the landmarks and all of us support and respect your decision to complete this trek in a healthy manner. The road will still be there waiting and we all know you will deal with this challenge admirably.
Kevin
April 30th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Scott:
You have motivated and still motivate a lot of people (including myself!) to partake in something greater than yourself. You may never know the lives you touch at Girls/Boys Town or somewhere along the 232 miles you’ve run so far.
If you get a chance, take a look at the comments I’ve received on my blog about you. You have people all over the country who are praying for you and encouraged by your performance so far.
Keep it up!
Jay
April 30th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Tell us how we can help, Scott.
As Kevin mentioned, “He ain’t heavy” is way too corny, but just tell us what you need from us and I am there.
(Incidentally, I won’t be fast, but I am good for 10 miles this weekend if you want some help keeping this going while you heal up…)
Denise
April 30th, 2007 at 8:38 am
Hi Scott,
Smart decision, but not an easy one to make. You’ve been an inspiration and will serve as an example of perseverance to us all. I look forward to seeing you back at GBT. Take care. Ray
April 30th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Scott, your back home now and you need to rest that leg!! I know you can and will finish that run… so you didn’t do it all at one time, what matters is that you have the drive to finish when you are able and will do so.
What you have accomplished is huge and you shouldn’t feel down at all, you know with family and alot of friends behind you your dream WILL become a reality!! Job well done my friend!!
April 30th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Dear Scott: You have done the only intelligent thing you can do, and that is to take the time to heal. Let’s see what miracles happen during this time “off” for you. I think there will be many! We pray you’ll be “fit” again soon, but take all the time needed and do not rush. We love you. Ann & Bill
April 30th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Hey Scott- Checking in from Southern Illinois we talk about you daily at the coffee shop my partners are finding it hard to believe you are going to run that distance and have me bring the updates of your progress. You have touched so many and you’ve just begun the remainder of your joinery, stay strong many of the people pray daily for you. You know “Winners never quit and quitters never win†and you were a winner before this all started. God Bless You and keep you strong - - John Corrigan ‘68
April 30th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Scott–I am proud that you began this journey–but even more proud that you listened to the needs of your body. You set a great example showing kids and adults alike that human beings have limits and always must be willing to adapt. I know you will finish–I would be glad to do a marathon leg with you if that will help.
Marni
April 30th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Scott,
I understand your desire to complete your goal. However, listening to your body is the correct decision. In reading all the messages its obvious that you have inspired so many people with your courage, heart and desire while spreading your message.
If it would not take anything away from you completing your goal I would like to propose that we organize a date when all of those you have inspired continue where you left off in a relay fashion with you taking the anchor leg to the river.
What better way to accomplish the mission of spreading the word of the Boys and Girls town than inspiring people to get up and take action. Showing all the kids at Boys and Girls town that lots of people care.
I’m willing to take my leg. When do we start?
Pete
April 30th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Scott, I stand by my earlier comment: ” What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” the quote comes from Neiche but it is words to live by. I am proud of you and would be proud to run next to you and help raise awareness of the Mission of Boys and Girls Town. Pain is our friend, it lets us know we are still alive. Take care of yourself and resume the quest you under took when the time is right. You Have the love and support of people you have yet too meet. Your friend, Rob
April 30th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Scott,
I think that Pete Mason’s idea is a great one. I know many, many people who would be on board. When you decide what it best, let all of us know.
-Dan
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:28 pm
232 miles is an incredible accomplishment Scott, and you’ll finish this up when your legs heals up! Look at all of the great awareness you’ve raised for Girls & Boys Town! KUDOS !!!
May 6th, 2007 at 11:57 am
The only failure would be in not having tried! You gave it your all, and we respect and admire you for that effort. We will absolutely be waiting for news of your healing, and decision to begin again where you left off. In the meantime, you continue to be even more of an inspiration to the young people at GBT, showing them that obstacles do appear in our plans, but that they can be dealt with with dignity, grace, and continued efforts in achieving the end goal.
From,
Pat Olsen
May 6th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Scott: You should be very proud of the 232 miles - what a terrific accomplishment. To quote a classmate, Pat Olsen, the only failure would be in not having tried. In life we are sometimes thrown a curve ball; however, with your determination, there is no doubt in our minds that you will achieve your goal. You are a terrific young man. Take care and God Bless You. The Big Springs mini-reunion gang will be wearing your t-shirts. Patty and Rich