#RNRSEA and MyTeam Triumph Puget Sound - Running For Those That Can't

In my last post, I mentioned that I wouldn't be running the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle half marathon as a goal race. I had initially planned on it being a run for time and a shot at a PR, but when one of my best friends from high school reached out and asked if I wanted to be a part of MyTeam Triumph Puget Sound, an organization that one of our good friends, Tracy Hale started, I couldn't say no.

MyTeam Triumph is a ride along program created for those with disabilities who would normally not be able to participate in endurance races like triathlons and foot races. The participants with disabilities are known as "Captains" and the athletes who have the honor of pushing and pulling the Captains on the course are called their "Angels". 

To tell you the truth, I probably would not have ever thought of being an "Angel" had my friend Jovanna not contacted me about it. It is one of those things that you see that is very touching and think about how great it is it but don't think you can ever do it. I remember seeing Team Hoyt when I ran the Boston Run to Remember last year and thought that it was so great that Rick, who has cerebral palsy, has experienced so many races with the help of his dad pushing him. It is so inspirational. I never thought I could actually be one of those people pushing the chair. I didn't even know it was possible, and now this is my chance.

Being a part of MyTeam Triumph Puget Sound also has a very special meaning because it was started by a friend of mine, Tracy. 

I met Tracy over 10 years ago through my friend Jovanna. She was an awesome friend and very similar to me when it came to being active. She loved the outdoors, running, and just plain having fun. She was up for all sorts of adventures. Hubby and I managed to go backpacking with her in our favorite place, the Enchantments twice! We summited Mt. St. Helens together, snowshoed, went wine tasting, ran the Nike Women's Half Marathon, danced the night away at our wedding, camped, and many other fun times were had with Tracy.

When me and Hubby moved to New Jersey, we didn't connect much, as things change when you move across the country, but I have always cherished the memories we had together. It will be 3 years in July when she lost her battle with an inoperable brain tumor. I still can't believe that she is no longer with us. She passed away way too soon and too young. Makes you realize to live life to the fullest. She definitely did in the time she had.

I am not surprised that she started MyTeam Triumph Puget Sound. She was the type of person that liked to help others. I am doing this for her and want to help with what she started. If you are in the Puget Sound Area and interested in MyTeam Triumph Puget Sound, you can check out their site here. Now I will be able to help a "Captain" experience the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll half marathon and also help Tracy. I'm pretty excited because I will be running with my good friend, Jovanna, and also my sister. I'm looking forward to being an "Angel" and running for someone that can't. If you are running the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll half marathon and see us, please say hi.