"Running is totally pointless." That's what my friend told me after I told her I ran a few miles that day. I've never been much of a runner myself but since I got to college, running and I get along more than I ever imagined possible. It's a great feeling, especially when you're actually done running. That's the thing about it. People often run for fundraisers because it feels so good when you've crossed that finish line. You raised money and ran for a good cause. I finally went to one of those running fundraisers for a news story. You could feel the motivation and strength just standing there watching all those people run just to help a cause.
I met Suzann Smith who use to hate running. I immediately laughed with her when she told me that. I told her I dreaded the mile run for gym class all semester long, but I never had a problem stretching for sit-and-reach or anything like those tests.
I met Smith at the Key Largo Fitness Center, Running For Robert. Robert Canine served as a Staff Sergeant in the Army until last May when he came home severely injured. He lost both his lower legs. He got a special home from Homes For Our Troops. Canine wanted to give back to the organization. He has a goal to raise $100,000. The Eagle's radio host Tom Bradley helped Canine put together a fitness-filled fundraiser. I'm so amazed when people like Bradley do such kind acts like these. It makes me believe that deep down, the world is good. Canine was so easy to talk to: gracious, kind and happy as a clam to be a part of a great cause. I asked him two questions that didn't really make sense to him and that really weren't relevant to the story. I feel like those questions came out of thin air. I'm going to stick to this: if I'm not sure where I'm going with my question, no one else will either. I'm getting better at asking questions and narrowing my focus, now.
Smith joined a group that all runs just because it's good for you. Team Slogger, they call it. Slowly but steadily they run together. I thought it was perfect! Just my kind of running! I love when I go out to cover a story and find people I want to be friends with and/or join their group. They had t-shirts with this slogan on the back, "Unintentional ineffective attempt at running. Not actually running, not quite jogging, but sometimes faster than walking. Please stop asking, we are really trying, honest!" Now that's some good old honest, amusing truth for you. She and her teammate Steve were a fun pair to talk to. I tried to look around and see what kind of glances runners would give me. Smith and Steve's seemed to be the most welcoming.
This was a heartwarming story and fun to shoot. I hope more stories like these cross my path again.
Here's a link to learn more about Robert:
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