The Wicked Running Register October 2012 • Priceless
EST. JAN 2010
A Change in My Running Journey Rich Tabbut
I have been a competitive runner since 1974 when I was in Middle School. The vast majority of those I started with no longer compete due to the fact they got injured. What about those who never could compete because they are physically unable to do so? I worked as a volunteer at the finish line at the Kidz Race(s) in July as a member of the Wicked Running Club in Salem, MA. I gave high fives to many of the finishers because it encourages the kids to love the sport, as I always have. Afterwards I received an e-mailed picture from the mom (Mary Liz Nogueras) of her son Jayden, thanking me for the high-five at the finish. I discovered that despite the fact that Jayden has a chromosome disorder, cerebral palsy, and many other disabilities – he loves to run! His father (Jose) is a member of the U.S. Coast Guard who recently was transferred from Virginia to Cape Cod. They were inspired by the example of Dick and Rick Hoyt to start myTeam Triumph – Cape Cod. myTeam Triumph is an athletic ride-along program created for children, teens, adults and veterans with disabilities who would normally not be able to experience endurance events such as triathlons or road races. “Angels” (runners) push “Captains” (disabled athletes) in racing chairs so they can experience the thrill of participating in athletic events. I find it very inspiring when those who face adversity choose to tackle it head on and find ways to help others.
Their first race event took place at the Run to the Rock 10K in Plymouth. I volunteered to be an Angel. Mary and Jose borrowed racing chairs from Team Hoyt and formed 6 teams to do the race. Many of the runners are active duty members of the Coast Guard who put their lives on the line to save people as a regular part of their livelihood. It was decided that we would push Marie, an adult with cerebral palsy who cannot walk and has never had the opportunity to participate in a 10K road race. It was an exciting opportunity for us, as well as for our teammate Ali. The racing chairs have a hand break on the handles and 2 brakes on the back wheels that you use your feet to engage. We started 2 minutes before the start of the regular road race. It was a very humid morning. Five racing chairs started and I couldn’t move, one of the back brakes flipped on accidentally. We got moving shortly afterwards and discovered within a mile how hard it is move an adult up a long steep hill. At first we tried running, but got totally exhausted part way up the hill. Our first lesson was to walk part of the big inclines and recover on the down hills. We discovered it is difficult to make sharp turns, especially on steep declines. Ali and I worked together to slow down the chair prior to making those types of turns. My legs were very sore afterwards! As there is with all things worth doing, times that it seemed very difficult to keep going. Marie’s never-ending smiles along with Ali’s enthusiasm, music, and encouragement carried me to the finish.
Many runners along the way offered their assistance and the crowd was wonderful as well. My wife Maureen discovered that I am a descendant of several of the original Pilgrims who came to Plymouth. As we approached the finish at Plymouth Rock, I found inspiration from my belief that I would be literally in their footsteps. Please remember that endurance events could not take place without the dedication of the volunteers who put them on. I thank the Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth and myTeam Triumph – Cape Cod for giving me the opportunity to participate in this event. Seeing the smiling faces of our Captains & Angels at the start and finish is the biggest reward of all. These memories will warm my heart during the coldest nights. myTeam Triumph – Cape Cod is raising funds to purchase their own racing chairs. If you would like to donate to this worthy charity, please see their website: http://www.mtt-capecod.org/ index.html