An Ordinary Guy Who Can Do Extraordinary

Have you ever met someone that completely changed your life? In other words, have you ever met someone that was famous? It’s not every day that we meet people who do great and remarkable things. I’ve only met artists in the past like, Dahvie Vanity from the band Blood, on the dance floor at the Juggernaut in Gallup, NM. It seems that many great people travel through the Navajo Nation, and through Gallup, NM, and that we don’t even know it. For instance, on April, 1, 2019, I met Robbie Balenger, he is running across the United States in 75 days, making 3,200 miles, and it will be one epic run.

When I heard about this, I thought why in the world would someone do that? Or even run the entire country while it is still cold out there? I know that spring is here, and the land is slowly blooming. However, it is still cold at night, and even early in the mornings. So, the question is why is Robbie running across America? He is taking on such a huge feat, and he hopes to show others that it is possible to run on a plantbased diet and be a catalyst for change.

Robbie is an ordinary guy who found an extraordinary hobby. He was a former restaurant manager who found a passion for running to relieve stress. He has now completed a number of endurance races, from marathons to 50-milers. He discovered the benefits of a plant-based diet in 2018 and is running today to spread awareness about setting goals and eating right.

My name is Gerrison Joe, and I am 31 years old. I reside in Greasewood Springs, Arizona. I am Navajo, and my clans are Red Running into the Water and I am born for the Towering House people. My maternal clan is the Meadow people and my paternal clan is the Red House clan. I enjoy running because it is the only sport that I love on the Navajo Nation. I don’t consider myself a competitive runner; I am just an ordinary guy who enjoys running and fitness.

I come from a legacy of runners in my family. My father, Emerson Joe, and my younger brothers run at home. Years ago, my late-uncle, Edison Joe ran along with my dad. Even my grandpa, Kee John Joe, ran when he was young. As a young boy in school, I never enjoyed sports. I used to see my dad and late-uncle run in races and marathons on the reservation. It wasn’t until after high school, that I began to run because I suffered from anxiety. Running is good for the mind, spirit, and body.

An Ordinary Guy Who Can Do Extraordinary Things

Today I love fitness and being healthy because I need to keep my body strong as I get older. Diabetes affects some people on the Navajo Nation, and it continues to rise. I have family members who are battling the disease, and I feel terrible about them suffering. It seems that the food choices we make and our lifestyle plays an important role with diabetes. For example, people who drink constantly and have a poor diet can often find themselves dealing with the disease.

So today I am grateful that I met Robbie Balenger. We need people like him to inspire us every day, and to let us recognize that being healthy is the best choice. Ever since I saw him walking along-side the road from Greasewood to Ganado, Arizona; he grabbed my attention and woke up my senses. Last month I broke-up from a relationship I was in. I was completely devastated and heartbroken. I lost interest in school, my life, and even my fitness routine.

I needed that one light that would awaken me, and to let me know that when you fall, you can always get back up to a new beginning. Something inside of me told me that I would meet a remarkable person, and he would uplift my spirits. Robbie has motivated me to continue with my life, and to continue my education. It’s not only about running, and being healthy; he can show others that anything is possible. Just like running across the Unites States in 75 days, all we can say is, “Run, Robbie, Run!”

Robbie Balenger running

Check out the Robbie tracker at www.plantpoweredmission.com Learn more about Robbie and other elite dairy-free athletes at www.switch4good.org Follow Robbie on Instagram @ robbiebalenger