A month full of extra effort and meaningful miles, Run Cajun Run helped make a sans Mardi Gras February just as epic as a year with one. What started as a conversation in the gloom, inspired by recent fundraising efforts and CSAUPs by other HIMs turned into something that I, for one, will never forget.
Run Cajun Run ‘21 combined elements of F3 that make it such a critical element to so many of our lives. The accountability and comradeship through physical challenge, the opportunity for philanthropy to a great cause, and the ever present “mirror” that permits both public and private self reflection.
There are a number of shout-outs and thank yous that could be sprinkled throughout this backblast, but I don’t think anyone did any of what he did for himself. So in lieu of those call outs, I will say a sincere thank you to everyone who partook in any way shape or form. The success of this month was what it was because of you.
As we ran this month we were faced with a number of challenges. Some of those challenges were physical, some of those challenges were environmental, some of the challenges were familial obligations. Whatever the case was, these are challenges that we faced. There are probably unsaid challenges as well, but whatever the case…we faced them. In hindsight, were they really challenges?
I mention these challenges because the recipient of our donations this year, Son of a Saint, does a tremendous job of helping fatherless young men face challenges head on. Through mentorship, opportunities, connections, and training, Son of a Saint helps these young men grow through meaningful mentorship. The parallels in spirit to Son of a Saint and F3 are so close…it made the partnership this year a no-brainer. The difference is, the challenges of the young men in Son of a Saint are the likes of which I can’t even fathom. Surmounting their challenges isn’t just a decision to “take the red or blue pill”. Rather the challenges they face are much deeper with origins beyond their control. I know our donation will do some good in helping them advance their young men to and beyond those challenges.
My last word as Co-Q of this year’s Run Cajun Run…as the miles fade away in your memory, as your legs get back to normal, don’t ever lose sight of opportunities to be impactful to those around you (and even beyond if the opportunity presents). Don’t be afraid to leverage yourself to help others, and certainly don’t be afraid to push yourself beyond your limits.
Just because it started in the gloom, doesn’t mean it ends in the gloom. Keep the light shining.
If you are interested in results…RunCajunRun.com
