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.

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

Fundraiser!!

You know,

I originally thought that after I decided to retire the apron-making

that I would have some time for rest.

But then I realized that I am Kellyn Gowen,

and I will only stop freaking the flip out when I'm dead.

I've had some difficulty balancing the many shades of Kellyn recently.

I have changed shifts at work.

I am slowly and sadly accepting the fact that I am moving in 3 months.

I am trying to recuperate from 2 weeks of Mardi Gras.

I am actively trying not to go insane from planning a toddler's birthday party.

This is just my personal life.

Aside from that:

I am feeding my body what seems like endless carbs to fuel 15+ milers

and paying really big grocery bills to support this.

I am coming to terms with my new running shoes that are badass, but sinfully fugly.

(Yes, fugly)

Preparing my mind for a PR half marathon in 10 days. (1:50:00)

(fingers crossed)

Planning a fundraiser that I know will be great, but fear it will flop.

Punching numbers together to ensure I have enough to even stay in Boston.

Punching numbers together to ensure I have enough money to drink in Boston.

Punching numbers together to ensure I have enough to buy Boston paraphernalia:

- Obnoxious 26.2 sticker for the whip

- Boston Marathon jacket, that I'm sure is entirely overpriced.

- Sam Adam 26.2 brew in honor of the race

Meanwhile, I'm trying to keep my cool because I like to convince people that I'm "laid back"

(somewhere, my husband is snickering at that comment)

It's all sorts of intense in the noggin. 

Luckily, I look cool on the outside.

Not.

BUT

The fundraiser IS going to be fabulous.

Come one, come all,

We will be kickin' it at Beef O' Brady's on Himes in Tampa

March 7, 2012

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You can give us a head's up that you're coming by RSVPing HERE

Door Prizes will include:

Spa Package from Touch Aveda Salon and Spa

Bella Petrella Sauce Basket

2012 Indy 500 Tickets

Ladies Accessories

There are also a few hopefuls:

Yankees Paraphernalia

Liquor and Spirits

I will additionally have my world famous aprons for sale,

along with some adorable baby hats.

ALSO - We have a cake being donated from the most amazing cake-maker ever:

Elise's Pieces 

If you all have not seen her creations yet,

consider coming just for this. 

If you have anything you would like to donate, please let me know!

This is how it works:

You can come into the restaurant at any time of the day to eat and drink.

15% of your ticket will go to the Hoyt Foundation!

I will be there, probably chasing my unruly monster child.

Anyone can sign up for the silent auction.

I will place a minimum bid and the bidding will go on all day.

Evening time should be the social event.

Come see the Shuck's in action during our trifecta of fun:

Wings, beer and friends. 

I will announce the winners of the door prizes at the end of the evening.

You do not have to be present for the name drawing.

And hopefully,

all of this combined will create one solid last effort to raise money and awareness.

So join us in the most delicious fundraiser ever! 

Who knows, maybe I'll even buy you a drink.

Speaking of which,

I would LOVE to get a chance to meet everyone before I debo out of Tampa.

I will be having happy hour cocktails at SoHo Tavern on Thursday night.

SoHo Tavern has been so incredible to me in my efforts,

and we should return the love and drink lots of their cold beer.

This will be the 1-month countdown to the big race.

Join me as I celebrate those who race the daily life marathons,

as I prepare to run one for them. 

Livin' on a Prayer

I've been trying to figure out what to post about.

I could go through mile-to-mile of the 12 I ran this weekend.

It was following a 3-hour birthday celebration at Chuck-e-Cheese

and fueled on a breakfast of greasy pizza,

which is impressive... 

but sort of a snoozefest. 

I could walk you through how much I loathe mid-week runs,

but get incredibly excited to go to bed early on Fridays so I can run my heart out the next day.

But I just did, and that's not much of a story after all. 

But there is a celebration to be had.

It's not an obvious celebration, but certainly worth celebrating.

This weeks marks the half-way point of my training. 

I downloaded a lot of Bon Jovi songs to aid in my celebration,

and my heart is fist pumping. 

Seriously though,

it's pumping really hard.

My heart, that is.

In 69 days I will run 26.2 miles with a ton of people who are are legit runners.

Who wear running sleeves that aren't actually attached to their shirts,

and have running shoes that even look fast,

who run and don't have to stop for the bathroom,

or some, I have learned, actually just don't stop.

These people actually had to run another marathon in record time 

in order to even be considered to participate in this race.

AND don't have to listen to Jon Bon Jovi to do it.

Unbelievable.

So, I'm half-way there.

And it is true that I'm living on a prayer.

I can only assume that 12 miles feels much different from 26.2. 

SO, in celebration of being half-way there, 

I present to you 13.1 reasons to donate to the Hoyt Foundation:

((13)) Team Hoyt chose me to run for their team in honor of my brother, Ryan.
I feel strongly that people with disabilities should be open to the same possibilities that able-bodied people are. The Hoyts are living proof, and I hope to give an ounce of hope to someone that they too can accomplish anything.

((12)) My training includes over 400 miles throughout the streets of New Orleans.
I'm not sure if I'm more impressed that I haven't been shot or that a pot hole hasn't swallowed me whole. You donate a dollar, I dodge bullets and leap over 400-year-old oak tree roots - fair trade.

((11)) I have given up my Friday night wine consumption and instead plan on how I'm going to better the lives of hopefully many.
I've been through hundreds of yards of fabric, dozens of spools of thread and countless hours just to get to Boston.
There I plan to visit the Children's Hospital of Boston, where I will see with my own eyes where my hard work and dedication and some of your dollars will go to. 

((10)) Dick and Rick Hoyt have finished 1,072 races together.
That includes 6 Ironman Triatholons, where Dick pulled Rick in an inflatable boat for 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles with Rick riding shotgun, then pushed him 26.2 miles.
And I thought my Saturday's were productive.

((9)) Rick Hoyt just turned 50, and his father, Dick, is 71.
I am 26... and suddenly my knees don't hurt anymore...

((8)) The Hoyt Foundation supports Easter Seals,
an organization that works endlessly to help people with disabilities to live full and productive lives.

((7)) Rick and Dick not only make me want to be a better sister to Ryan and to support people regardless of their condition, but to also to be a better mother. 
The unconditional love that they display makes me want to push, pull and wheel Gray in 1,000 races -
not because he can't, but because I would.

((6)) Being a part of this team has opened my eyes and heart to so many emotions and experiences.
From learning to sew, to battling runner's trots, to understanding the passion behind charity running, I feel I am a better person now than I was 10 weeks ago. I see people differently. And although I am gaining so much personally, for maybe the first time in my life, I feel completely selfless.

((5)) The Hoyts have reached an incredible amount of people in similar situations with their slogan, "Yes You Can."
Every time I see that slogan it is all in caps, and I think that it is that way for a reason. It should be loud and proud and used well after Dick and Rick decide that they have run their last race. So many families, such as mine, have found themselves saying, "Wow! I can't believe they are doing this. What can I do to help out?"
I think that little people like me will be able to spread their inspiring words and story forever.

((4)) This has inspired me to figure out what I want to do in the long-term of my life.
I've always wanted to help, but I wasn't sure how. I'm still figuring out the details of my grand plan, but I feel entirely at peace putting my personal needs aside to help someone else.
I think the Hoyt Foundation is a great start to what I feel will be an amazing life journey.

((3)) I believe I am creating an incredible story to tell my son.
If you know me, I'm all about telling a story... and a lengthy one at that. I thrive on details. I have a feeling that this 20-week experience is going to pave a lifetime of story and inspiration to guide my son to be an incredible friend and companion. You just can't make this stuff up. I think I'll make him proud.

((2)) I, with the help of the Hoyt's, will hopefully be inspiring others to make similar decisions in their life.
I don't mean that everyone needs to run a marathon to raise awareness for disabled people, but rather find what makes them helpful to their community or family or surroundings. Because if I can promise any advice to anyone, it's that joining hands with other people for a meaningful cause is a very powerful and uplifting experience. It's contagious in that I don't want to stop. I want to help Team Hoyt, my brother, the blind child down the street, the old man juggling his groceries to get to the car, my son when he can't figure out his buttons, my friend when she has man trouble, my mom when she's exhausted from babysittting, my friend who just had a baby, and anyone else who crosses my path. 

((1)) Ryan is living proof that a disability only holds you back as far as you let it.
This is a logic that just cannot be taught - it must be experienced. Pushing oneself comes with benefits. For Ryan, it was driving, buying his own home and owning the hell out of SoHo Tampa. For me, it will be a marathon; a marathon that will entirely benefit those who need that extra motivation to make their own life dreams happen. 

and the 0.1, which is the shortest part of a race, 

but oftentimes the most powerful and memorable part:

((0.1)) Our kids, our future.
Let's make way for unsheltered minds who don't judge and who treat others equally. May this kid and his friends not be afraid to stand up for what's right and love all shapes, size and colors.
Kindness will go a long way...

Join me in making a difference