June 13, 2012

In her own words: Why I run

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The Run 4 the Homeless event will take place on Saturday, June 16. Hundreds of runners will gather to support the Mission by running 3.1 miles near downtown Lincoln. Every dollar raised goes to support our efforts to shelter and assist the homeless in our community. But, as one runner illustrates below, the real reason people participate in the event goes much deeper than just giving dollars.

The Run 4 the Homeless 5k is just days away, and I’m excited to lace up my running shoes for the three-mile trek along the Salt Creek Trail with my race buddy and a few hundred other Lincolnites. Since getting into running a few years ago, I’ve run a couple of local races and have even signed up for a Color Run down in New Orleans this fall. But the Mission’s Run 4 the Homeless remains my favorite race of all, because it’s the only one that gives me the opportunity to connect my favorite physical activity to the charitable cause that’s nearest to my heart.

Now, I don’t have an inspiring personal story about a struggle with homelessness or addiction, and I have no family members or close friends who do, either. But I have met and read about dozens of amazing individuals who have, and they’re the reason I love the Mission’s 5k so much. This is the only race I can run that directly benefits those people.

I run the Run 4 the Homeless for the woman who lost her memory in a car accident and wound up as a guest at the Mission. She doesn’t even know who she is, but she spends all her time encouraging other women at the shelter to believe in and love themselves better.

I run for the dozens of little children I see laughing in the halls every time I visit the Mission. I can only imagine what it must be like to be so young and have no real home in which to have sleepovers, build forts, or bake cookies with mom.

I run for the man who spiraled into a cycle of self-abuse after his wife and daughter were killed. He blames no one but himself, and yet he’s faced—and overcome—more pain and hardship in his life than anyone I’ve ever met.

The guests at the mission . . . it’s in their stories that I find the most powerful motivation to run. I know that every dollar raised will help give these people a place to go and will help introduce them to the love of the Father. And on Saturday morning, every step I take will go along with a prayer on their behalf. They are the strong ones, and they are why I run.

McKenzie

Category: Events