Having a running police escort was very cool.

Running up 14th was tough.

The world’s eyes right now are focusing on London as it gears up for the World Olympics. Less known however is that in 2013 a different, yet very similar world event is about to take place. The Special Olympics is a lot like the World Olympics, but in a lot of ways it is better.

When I think of the challenges the athletes in the Special Olympics have to go through to just to get to their “starting lines” it really makes me humble. In a small way I can kind of relate. Back in September when I weighed 305 pounds all I could think of is getting around the block without fainting. My vision of what I could accomplish was very limited. In that first run I wasn’t thinking about a ten minute mile pace, I didn’t even know what a form or formation was, and I DEFINATELY didn’t think I’d ever be holding a torch!(which by the way is very heavy and awkward to run with) I still have a long way to go in my journey, there is still more weight to lose and more runs to complete, but today was for sure a highlight along the way. Don’t get me wrong I am not trying to say I truly understand what is like to be someone who competes in the special olympics, but I do think it is good to relate, and I hope in a very small way I did my part to give that opportunity to those future athletes that will represent our country in the next Special Olympics.

A special thanks to Ofc. Matthews for the pictures. I don’t usually get pictures of me in a run, so that was very cool.