This is not written by me. But I think it must be included in my running story because I think its the finest example of the kind of person who is running for veterans and for suicide awareness, as well as being a gift that maybe not everyone will understand, but it was powerful one.
I met my friend, Derry Jarvis, who lives in England on the "Wear Blue Run to Remember" facebook page. Every week he logs miles in honor of fallen soldiers due to suicide, KIA, or MIA. In the past he's carried Dexter on some of his weekly runs. Well, knowing I was suffering an injury, he offered to finish any miles I couldn't do at Grindstone so that Dexter could be fully honored with 100 miles. What kind of person would even think to offer this? When I was cut at 65.5 miles Derry got out and covered 35 on the same days I would be running this difficult race, and got the miles up to 100 completed. Knowing 100 miles were done made the pain of not finishing disappear.
It was really an amazing, insightful, moving thing to be the recipient of these 35 miles. For the first time I had a little insight into how Dexter and our other fallen heroes must feel when they see us, carrying their pictures and doing honor miles and effort that they can not do. Acting as their legs and heart. I had tears streaming down my face and imagined that they feel the way I did...so much gratitude. Selfless service, lifting where you stand...having been at the receiving end now, I am even more committed to pursuing this goal of running 100 100s for veteran suicide awareness.
The words of a song Atlas Falls, reminds me of what we do for the fallen, and what Derry did for me this weekend.
"Don't give up now, there's already so much at stake If Atlas falls, I'll rise up and carry us all the way It won't pull me down The weight of impossible days I'll stand tall I'll rise up and carry us all the way"
From Derry
"Hey Rosie… I hope you’re feeling well, rested, and recovering nicely after Grindstone!! I just wanted to let you know that I’ve now made up the missing 35 miles! I ran 11 on Saturday, 3 of those being with Evelyn, as per the video message above… then I did 10 yesterday after taking the girls to hockey… and this morning, I did 6.5 before sunrise, came home got the girls up, ready for school and walked them in, then I went and did another 7.5… finishing on a hill behind my house where I used to go sit on a bench and reflect on life after my mum died… it’s a special place for me, and that’s where the photos were taken…
I know these miles won’t count to you total, but 100 miles have been run for Dexter… and can I say what an honour and a privilege it is for you to let me carry your heroes with me as I run.
When I was in the army I was in the Royal Army Medical Corps, as a Combat Medical Technician… our regimental motto is - In Arduis Fidelis - Faithful In Adversity
This photo was taken on a hilltop which we know as Hugging Tree Hill… this oak is just perfect for a hug… it’s an effort up the hill to get to it, and when you wrap your arms around it, you can feel your own heart beating like it is that of the tree!
Please don’t think I’m some kinda weirdo tree-hugger, but this tree is in a special place for me! The view from there looks over my home town, down to the south coast over the South Downs hills, and up towards the North Downs hills. I will use my legs to run whatever miles I can whenever you need them!"
Your story was already amazing Rosie! I hope your knee surgery goes well, and you follow the doctors orders for recuperation 😂. But what great support from your UK running buddy. Nice when the load can be shared for multiple people when needed. Wishing you all the best! Hugs to the family!