Finding Hope

Back in 2011, I remember Priority Health, my employer at the time, asked if anyone would like to participate in the Grand Rapids Riverbank Run. This is the premier running event for Grand Rapids, MI which has 5K, 10K, and 25K distance events. They were a sponsor, they'd cover the registration fee, I would receive a free Priority Health Jersey, so I naively volunteered and signed up for the 5K without any training performed. I recall struggling tremendously through the event having to walk multiple times. I also remember thinking, ‘I could never do a 10K or 25K, those people are crazy.’

For the next 10 years after that 5K run, I would slowly let my weight and health slip away further. Everyone will have their own rock bottom or wake up call, but for me, that was when I hit 250 lbs and my doctor warning me of my elevated cholesterol and blood pressure. I would attempt to walk on a consistent basis but motivation quickly faded each time. The photo above on the left is my driver’s license from January 2020. As you can see, I was in rough shape. In addition to warnings from my doctor, my parents have a history of Type II diabetes and strokes. I began to accept this as my inevitable fate.

But last year, everything changed, I found Hope. I was introduced to a running group called Hope Water via my neighbor. Some people spend their whole lives attempting to find their tribe, their people. I can confidently say, I’ve found mine. This group of enthusiastic runners and walkers inspire and motivate others to get active and participate in events such as a half marathon (13.1 miles) or full marathon (26.2 miles), all while raising money to provide clean water wells to Sierra Leone, Africa.

Within this group, I found the Hope and encouragement needed to make a lifestyle change, and last year I went from couch to marathon. You are always one decision away from a totally different life. Not only did my physical fitness improve, my lab results and blood pressure went back to normal, as well as, my mental health having reduced anxiety/stress. These people taught me the dedication, discipline, and determination it takes to stick to a new routine.

A lot of people in my LinkedIn network are fellow programmers and statisticians also working sedentary jobs. However, our bodies were not designed for this modern environment. We were not designed or evolved to sit in a car for an hour commute plus 8 hours of desk jockeying. We were designed to move, swim, run, hunt, and travel (by foot). For me, running is a form of meditation, it takes me away from worry of the future and regrets of that past; and centers me to the present breath or movement. I appreciate my job for its intellectual challenges and allowing me to provide for my family, but we have to take responsibility for our own physical and mental health. It is my hope that by documenting and sharing some of my journey others might be inspired to make a change. No one can do it for you, you have to want it. Prioritize the time to exercise. Remove the excuses. If you have an injured knee or foot, take up swimming, walking, biking, or an elliptical. Find something that works for you. We often talk about work-life balance. But if your work and busy life deteriorate your physical and mental well-being, something is out of balance. Let’s change that, together.

This Saturday, May 14th, I’ll be returning to the 45th Annual Riverbank Run to do the 25K distance. A distance I couldn’t wrap my head around 10+ year ago. If you are willing and able, please consider donating to my HopeWater fundraising page: https://www.hopewaterinternational.org/fundraisers/1496 so that we can provide Hope to others by providing them clean water. If I can get 25 people to donate just $25, we will be well on our way to installing a water well like you see here.

We only have one life, one body. We might as well use it to it's fullest potential and see what it is capable of, and also help others in the process. Don't let the day pass you by, everyday is a new opportunity!