Why I Run

It occurred to me today on my run

that some people may not really know why I joined Team Hoyt. 

Sure, they may have heard about my brother passing,

and known this race is in his honor,

but I wanted to explain how it is so much more than that. 

I joined Team Hoyt in 2011 because I grew up with a brother with a disability. 

It was my every day. 

And I certainly don't mean that in a bad way; in fact, just the opposite. 

Growing up with a brother with a disability meant that I was given the advantage of learning that we all have our differences, our own special obstacles, 

and regardless of what they are, 

we all deserve kindness and respect.

People with disabilities have come a long way.

This is mostly thanks to the fight of so many of their family members. 

My brother, for instance, escaped having to go to a special school. 

His mind worked just fine, and so my parents fought for him to be in public school with us. 

Dick Hoyt and his wife were told to put Rick in an institution. 

Instead of staring at four gray walls, he's now seen the world. 

The point of me running this race,

and doing so right after having a baby,

is to spark attention.

But don't be confused in that I want the attention for myself. 

I dont' want the attention on my brother passing either.

This attention is to hopefully direct you to the world of disability awareness.

Inclusion. 

A world where these people feel accepted.

This inclusion brings comfort, confidence and prosperity.

I saw this in my brother. 

He grew up in a world where he was treated no differently by his family and peers. 

I know this world is possible, and so I run to bring this possibility to other people's lives. 

I run for Ryan; to celebrate his incredible existence.

I run for the Hoyts; to celebrate their fight for disability awareness.

I wish every day that I could visit these courageous people and be a part of that difference. 

But I am raising my own family, and so I leave it in the hands of the Hoyt Foundation. 

They work so hard to make sure that so many lives are touched and brightened. 

You too can be a part of it!

To make a donation to the Hoyt Foundation, please click HERE.

Feeling Good

One of the greatest feelings in the world is the feeling of accomplishment. 

I'm not sure what it is about this week, 

but it has given me high hopes that this crazy path I chose to go down

is actually going to happen, and in good fashion.

When I was pregnant, the idea of juggling two kids, training and fundraising seemed doable.

Then I was all of a sudden juggling two kids, training and fundraising,

and I honestly felt that I wasn't going to be able to pull it off. 

Dollars weren't coming in like they did the first time around. 

People didn't seem as interested. 

My body was out of shape.

My head was tired.

I was trying to work out an impossible schedule. 

But somehow, and like most things generally do,

everything worked itself out. 

I started training smarter and exercising my core instead of just my legs. 

That turned two miles of slow jogging and walking 

to running long distances in sub 10-minute miles. 

This gave me a stronger body and a clearer mind,

and I believe that played a huge role in boosting my confidence in fundraising.

Now I am hoping to organize a fabulous fundraiser with a local company here in Memphis.

My fingers are crossed, but with how great things have been going, 

I imagine that everything is going to fall into place as it should. 

Today we enjoyed a beautiful run in 60 degree weather.

Special thanks to my sidekick girlfriend for keeping me entertained on the road.

As I find myself in this great happy place,

I hope that my teammates and anyone reading this finds theirs. 

Cheers, friends!

(And cheers to you, too, Ryan)

If you need help finding your happy place, 

I think you can find it here.

What Team Hoyt Is All About

Team Hoyt is not the simple math of Dick and Rick plus a few charity runners.

It's so much more than that. 

It's bringing disability awareness to life.

It's giving hope and spirit to those who need it most.

It's about Rick Hoyt participating in thousands of races.

It's about Ryan Shuck being the Mayor of Soho. 

So when Kathy, Team Hoyt's office manager, sent us this incredible article,

I knew I had to share. 

Meet Lucy, who will become the newest member of Team Hoyt. 

At the age of 64, our friend knows nothing of her biological family.

She has developmental delays. She cannot speak.

But boy does she have heart. 

She spent her first 30 years in an institution,

but now lives in Rehabilitative Resources, Inc., 

which is one source of where a generous amount of Hoyt Foundation dollars go to.

She could be mad.

She could be spiteful.

But instead she is kind. She is hopeful. 

She dedicates her time to others, 

especially sick children.

And her dream? 

To run with Team Hoyt. 

We're making her dreams come true.

This is Lucy.

This my team.

This is why I run.

Birthday gift to self: Pay it forward

SHARING IN SOUTHBRIDGE

By Kim Ring TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

SOUTHBRIDGE — No more than 4 feet tall, Lucille "Lucy" Lambert, through small gestures of kindness, celebrated her 64th birthday doing for others in what has become her hometown.

Inside the house where she lives with her roommates are bright paintings adorned with positive sayings.

And while some might pass them by without a second thought, the four roommates who have lived here together for almost a decade take the words seriously; their mottos seemingly "pay it forward" and "everyone can do something."

Lucy has developmental delays, she doesn't speak but uses some sign language. Her walk is awkward and her diet limited by the cleft pallet she was born with. She is tiny, shopping in the children's department for clothing to fit her very petite frame. She spent most of the first 30 years of her life at Wrentham State Hospital, but she can't share any memories, good or bad, of her early days. She knows nothing of her biological family.

When she turned 64 on Wednesday, she could have marked her birthday by going out with friends or relaxing at home, but true to the spirit of her "family," she got up and went out to do something for others.

Rehabilitative Resources Inc. Assistant Program Manager Victoria Amaral accompanied Lucy on what turned into a busy day of giving. They stopped at the bank, where Lucy withdrew money from her savings account, and then they shopped for coloring books, which they took to Harrington Hospital in Southbridge so sick children might have something to occupy their time.

Even though hospitals, especially the ones made of brick, frighten Lucy, she managed to gather her strength and go inside to present the gifts, Ms. Amaral said.

Lucy not only loves children, she also loves animals, so during a stop at Second Chance Animal Shelter in East Brookfield she dropped off towels that are used for the cats and dogs.

Program Manager Malerie Germain said Lucy is well known in Southbridge, where she frequents Dunkin' Donuts — dipping Munchkins in her beloved coffee.

She stops in at a local deli where the soups are something she can easily eat. She attends services at Central Baptist Church and bakes for church functions.

In honor of her birthday, Lucy also penned thank-you notes to the people who provide her with services such as bringing her mail and taking away the trash. She also sent a card to a church member who is sick.

And there were plates of cookies for the police officer and firefighters along with coffee for her friends at Santander Bank.

While the firefighters were out on a call, Lucy left the cookies, which they found and appreciated, a dispatcher said.

"They were very good and they were really enjoyed," she said.

Lucy shares the home, run by Rehabilitative Resources Inc., with two other women and one man.

They take part in local activities, visit Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary and have art classes on Tuesday nights. Lucy especially enjoys entertaining and during the warmer months can usually be found sunning herself on the porch. She attends a day program during the week.

She uses a Kindle set up with programs to help her cognitive abilities and rides an adapted tricycle to keep her knees in shape.

Someday she hopes to get a tricycle she can use outside.

Recently, Lucy took part in some road races and is hoping to join Team Hoyt where she could be paired with a runner who would push her in a specialized wheelchair and they'd work as a team.

One of her roommates bakes dog treats for the shelter, and they are working on a plan to help local veterans.

While the four have always done good deeds, they ramped up their efforts after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, when folks were being asked to "pay it forward," in memory of those slain.

After some brainstorming about ways Lucy could help others on her birthday, she and the staff decided on her day of giving. She didn't completely forgo a party, though.

She celebrated with neighbors, some of the home's seven staff members and friends Tuesday night, Ms. Germain said.

The reaction of those on the receiving end of Lucy's generosity were surprised and appreciative, Ms. Amaral said.

"A little act of kindness goes a long way," Ms. Germain said.

Contact Kim Ring at kring@telegram.com. Follow her o

Running for Ryan Returns

Prelude:
I promise this to be the last post that reflects sad emotions; however, some things just have to be said.

Writing this blog post has been a most dreaded, yet highly anticipated task for me. 

The past two months have filled my life with more confusion and feelings unknown, 

that I was actually looking forward to writing them down to help myself understand.

Ryan passed away unexpectedly on May 12th. Mother's Day.

What's strange is that the day itself seems so distant, so fuzzy, 

except the moment that evening I found out the news.

That's all extremely clear, and it's painful. 

Maybe it's due to movies and television, 

or perhaps because I am one to love drama,

but I've actually pictured how I would react to the news of a death.

And it was nothing like I'd pictured. 

It's actually not at all how I imagined.

In fact, I remember telling my husband that night how badly I wanted it all to be over. 

As if after the funeral it would all just disappear and I could carry on.

But that was not the case at all. 

Instead, I think about it every day. It's even inescapable in dreams. 

And if there is a moment in which I find myself carrying on, 

I find myself in a pool of guilt. 

(Which I realize is just as acceptable a feeling as it is ridiculous.)

There was one moment when I was driving home from a particularly hard day at work. 

Windows were down. Music was up. I was breathing sighs of relief.

And that alone had me questioning how I could possibly enjoy a moment like that.

Or the moment I was on a boat on Lake Michigan watching fireworks,

and couldn't help but feel completely saddened that I got to see something so spectacular.

I'm sure these feelings will come and go for months. Years. 

I'm sure every scooter that passes me on the street will make me stop and look again.

I'm sure I'll still get upset when someone complains about turning another year older 

when they should really be grateful. 

I'm sure every time my son asks when Uncle Ryan is coming back down from the clouds

it will completely break my heart. 

I'm absolutely sure that I will never forget who my brother was and what he meant to me.

I'm not positive what I believe as far as where Ryan is now. 

But I do believe that in some way or another, 

we are still connected. 

Whether he is perched on a cloud and looking down on us,

or reincarnated into some other body,

or perhaps some energy in the atmosphere,

I feel certain that he approves of me taking his passing as a lesson in my life.

A gift that teaches me and those around me to appreciate what we have here on earth.

To not complain. 

To take care of our bodies and minds.

To be kind and help others.

To take advantage of every single breath we are given.

See the world. Feel loved. Experience life fully. 

To not "live every day like it's your last,"

but rather, just live every day.

Ryan's passing will always be painful and confusing to me. 

Really, I was always confused as to why he had to struggle. 

I remember telling my grandma when I was young that I wanted to switch lives with Ryan. 

And her reply didn't come back to me until the day of Ryan's funeral.

She said,

"Kellyn, that is a nice thought, but you don't want that. 

You were meant to be you. And Ryan was meant to be Ryan. 

You both are special in your own ways."

She was right. 
We both were meant to impact the world differently.

Ryan was Ryan. And he's absolutely irreplaceable.

And in light of the song playing,

perhaps he was a King, and I'm a Lionheart. 

He left behind a strong message, 

and I'll see to it that that message is heard.

Luckily, I'm not alone. 

Ryan's friends and half of SoHo approached my family right after Ryan's passing. 

Together we formed The Ryan Shuck Foundation.

A foundation in which we will actively honor and pay respect to Ryan's life,

and in doing that, help those who share similar struggles.

You see, I think Ryan left this life and went onto the next because he was ready. 

He had experienced what takes most people nearly a century to do.

He understood his struggles. He understood himself. 

He also understood that you live this life only once, and he lived it well. 

His favorite song in high school was Bon Jovi's "It's My Life."

He would pull into the garage, park for (I'm not kidding) an hour,

and listen to it on repeat. Seriously, over and over.

It drove me and Nikki crazy. 

In fact, it was the first laugh we shared when I got to Tampa for Ryan's funeral.

Anyway, the lyrics read:

I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd

You're gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud.

It's my life. 

It's now or never. 

I ain't gonna live forever.

I just want live while I'm alive.

It's my life.

Maybe Ryan knew that he wasn't going to live to be 85.

Regardless, he understood and embraced the life he had been given.

The Ryan Shuck Foundation will be for those who aren't as fortunate as Ryan.

For people with physical disabilities who need help finding the spirit that Ryan possessed.

To embrace life and live it fully.

To feel confident in thriving in the world.

Running for Ryan is still very much alive,
and I cannot express how proud that makes me.
Ryan had quite an impact while on earth, 
but to know he will continue to shake the planet makes me speechless.
(well, clearly not all that speechless.)

September 8th will be the first annual 
Running for Ryan 5k in Tampa, FL.

This year's proceeds will go to the Hoyt Foundation, of which Ryan and I felt very connected to. 

The 5k website will be up this week to register, but here's the jist of it:
1) Register to run 
2) Gather other registrants and create a team
3) Find sponsors and gather donations
4) Run race
5) Get a super prize for fundraising the most cheddar
6) Drinks buckets of Coors Light at MacDinton's afterwards

And we thought that we wouldn't see Ryan again... 

Running the Boston Marathon

It wasn't until I was on the plane ride home with my sleeping child in the seat next to me

that I finally got the chance to think about the weekend that I was departing from.

The 50 new faces who shared their gut-wrenchingly heartfelt stories

and the immediate connection I made with each of them.

The way my heart hiccuped when I noticed that Rick Hoyt had slipped into the room

and knowing that I was about to meet my hero.

The moment I was swept up by 3-time Boston Marathon winner Uta Pippig

and knowing how lucky I was to not only have her as a coach, but as a friend.

And finally, hearing my brother tell me the night before my race that he was proud of me.

I wept like a child.

But perhaps the most exciting part of it all,

and what should come as no surprise at all,

was the 26.2 from Hopkington to Boston.

In what would be revealed as record-setting heat,

the hottest city in America on that day,

on one of the most challenging courses in the world:

Team Hoyt lined up to make our victory lap.

Sweat. 

Good god, lots of sweat.

Tears. 

In my case, uncontrollable sobs.

Pain. 

A jammed toe, two funky knees and cramps.

Dizziness. 

Hydration took on a new definition.

Nausea.

Flooding your body with water, gatorade and Gu mixed in with 90-degree weather = gross.

Fear.

Watching people fall to the ground, rushed by ambulance and unconscious is frightful.

Question.

About 4,000 registered runners deferred this year's race.

But never ever once did I think about quitting.

This was the day I dreamt about for 6 months straight.

The moment I had been waiting for.

This was my victory lap

to celebrate the $10,275 I raised for the Hoyt Foundation,

to remember the 175 aprons I made to pay for my hotel room and plane tickets,

to honor my brother on the 29th anniversary of his accident,

to make my family and friends proud,

and to fulfill my heart to an extent that I didn't know was possible.

Next to childbirth, this was the most difficult and painful thing I've ever endured,

and yet, so incredibly enjoyable. 

The first 13 miles were hard. 

But I had my running partner, Jenny, with me. 

We pushed each other, reminded each other to hydrate.

I checked on her torn glutes, and she made sure my knees were holding up.

But high noon hits hard when on shadeless asphalt,

and running turned to jogging, 

jogging turned to awkward fast-steps,

fast-steps turned to walking.

We had our occasional burst of wind.

Teddy Bruschi.

Boston College.

Running into teammates.

But nothing would give us as much determination 

as when we actually found Dick and Rick on the course. 

Although slowed down to a walking pace,

they were in an extreme mindset. 

We followed. 

Then more teammates found us and joined.

Before we knew it, there was a strong group of 10 of us,

giving Dick and Rick their much deserved space,

but backing them up like an army.

For 6 miles, we walked (in my case limped)

and watched as our heroes marched on to their 30th Boston finish.

But they weren't just our heroes,

the entire crowd was moved, 

or oftentimes were waiting just to see them pass.

I knew how much they meant to me, 

but didn't entirely comprehend how much they meant to the community until that hike.

These two are what the Boston Marathon stands for.

Determination. Perseverance. Inspiration.

We made all made our final hike up to Boylston,

most of us at that point plagued with cramps, exhaustion and pain,

and then something amazing happened.

The other runners parted,  

and without a soul 100 yards in front of behind of us,

we all flew down Boylston to the finish. 

Together as Team Hoyt.

The crowds went wild. 

I crossed the finish line with Dick and Rick Hoyt on their 30th Boston Marathon.

It was a moment that I will never forget and will cherish forever.

Running the Boston Marathon with Team  Hoyt was not a chapter in my life,

it was a stepping stone to a new life.

I will run in my Team singlet in every race I run.

This will be my last blog post.

Until October 2012...when I start training for Boston 2013 as a Team Hoyt entrant.

The weekend in pictures:

Join us at Beef's!

What do you get when you mix: 

Wings

Beer

and Shucks?

A shuckin' good time. 

That's what!

Mix in a little Hoyt

(ok, they'll be there in spirit)

and we have got a party!

Come support the Hoyt Foundation 

as we work together to better the lives of disabled youth!

15% of your food and drink ticket orders go to the Hoyt Foundation!

Come hang out with me and this kid:

Who knows, 

maybe even our favorite amigo will show:

So come eat some wings, drink some beer, say hello to me

and make a big difference! 

March 7, 2012

Beef O Brady's

8810 Himes Avenue

Tampa, FL

ALL DAY!!

(but we'll be rockin' and rollin' in the evening)

Come, or I'll come get you:

(I know, very intimidating)

Thanks to Beef's, my family's second home for many moons!

Baby Hats!

So a very good family friend was incredibly kind

and donated a TON of baby hats to sell for this cause.

These are totally cute,

and totally give me a baby itch with all their itty-bitty cuteness!

SO, if you have a little nugget

or if you know someone with a little nugget

OR if you know of anyone who has a little nugget on the way,

can I say that this would be a fabulous gift for them?!

Who'da'thought that we could make an impression on these little ones so early?

Here they are! All are $15, plus $2 for shipping.
email me at kellyn.gowen@gmail.com or facebook me.
Only accepted PayPal transactions.

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