In the face of adversity, the strength and love of the running community shows that it is second to none. My wife, Mitzy, my mother, Ginny, and I recently experienced this firsthand as we navigated the chaos brought on by two hurricanes—Helene and Milton —in just two weeks. The stress of watching a river inch closer to our home during Helene was overwhelming, leading us to a last-minute decision to evacuate for Milton, traveling over 700 miles to Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The journey itself was fraught with challenges. As we joined countless others fleeing the storms, the traffic backups felt endless. Adding to the chaos, my mother experienced hitting a blown out tire traveling at 70MPH, which resulted in significant damage to her car. The stress of the situation took its toll, leaving me on edge as we arrived in Winston-Salem. Despite our worries and fears, the moment we stepped into Alicia Ryder’s house we felt an incredible sense of belonging. She made us feel at home. Though our hearts were heavy, we were welcomed with open arms by friends and fellow runners, many of whom we had just met. Fun fact, Alicia has been instrumental in my journey to becoming a better runner, coaching me through countless hellacious training sessions and ultimately helping me qualify for the Boston Marathon. Her support during our evacuation was especially meaningful, reminding me that the running community extends beyond race day.
One of the highlights of our stay in Winston-Salem was participating in a challenging hilly race. The course wound through a picturesque park, testing my endurance with steep inclines that seemed relentless (Coming from Florida, the closest thing we have to hills is overpasses and bridges). As we tackled each hill, we found motivation in the cheers from local supporters and fellow runners, reminding us of the resilience we all shared. The race was not just a test of physical strength; it symbolized our determination to rise above adversity, a sentiment that resonated deeply given the devastation our area had faced. With my wife finishing third AG, my mother first AG, and Alicia first overall female, it was a celebration we needed.
Returning home, we knew that Seminole/St. Petersburg had been hit hard, with neighborhoods flooded and lives disrupted. Witnessing the damage firsthand was heart- wrenching. Yet, it was also a reminder of the importance of community. In Winston- Salem, we found not just solace but a network of support that reinforced our belief in humanity. The resilience of the people we met taught us that love and helpfulness thrive in shared passions.
After our runs, we indulged in great food, enjoying the camaraderie that accompanies shared experiences. Every laugh and moment of connection reminded us that we were not alone. While there were tears born from fear and uncertainty, they were often met with comforting words and gestures from our fellow runners. The community came together to ensure we felt welcomed, fostering a spirit of hope that buoyed us during tough times.
As we returned home, the memories we created during our evacuation vacation remind us that while storms may come and go, the bonds formed through shared experiences, laughter, and compassion endure. The running community is more than just a group of people who enjoy a good race; it’s a family that stands together, ready to uplift each other in times of need. In every mile we run, we carry with us the warmth of those who showed us that even in the toughest times, we are never alone.
Our journey through the hurricanes underscored a profound truth: the love and support found within the running community can light the darkest paths. And as we lace up our shoes and hit the pavement again, we do so not just for ourselves, but for the many who remind us that together, we can overcome anything.