Running With The Marines

I had one of the most awesome experiences of my life recently.

Early this week I spent 3 days at a conference in Fort Worth, Texas. The conference itself was a wonderful experience. My company set up a booth which I manned for three days. I got to meet a ton of vendors and social service folks that work all over the state of Texas. I met some great people.

The real highlight of my visit though was an unexpected one. There happened to be some Marines staying in the same hotel as the conference. These young leathernecks were attending some type of training program at the hotel. Being a former Marine myself I got a kick out of making small talk with some of America's 'few and proud' I ran into in the halls and lobby of the hotel.

One evening I was invited to attend an 'exclusive' gathering with some of the vendors and social workers from the event. I decided to skip the gathering and get a run in at the hotel exercise area. I went into my room changed into some workout clothes and put on my running leg. I then made my way to the hotel fitness area. On my way I passed a bunch of Marines who appeared to be getting out of their class/training for the day. I remember letting out a "What's up Devil Dogs?" remark as I made my way through a sea of jar heads. I got the usual 'ooh rahs' that often accompany such a remark from several soldiers.

Once I got into the fitness center I got on a treadmill to attempt my daily 4 mile scamper. Within 5 minutes of my run they entered. A group of Marines came in and occupied the remaining treadmills. One by one they fired up their machines and we were off. All of us began running in unison. A deep feeling of pride began to swell up inside me as our strides syncopated upon the treadmills. Other Marines poured into the area to check out what was going on. I started to hear cheers as we ran. I could barely hold back the tears as the miles/minutes began to tick away.

I felt energy and power that I had not felt in a long time. I think that many of the Marines must have thought I was a wounded soldier? There they were to help me bring it home. As you may or may not know? One Marine vow is to "never leave a man behind".

As my run drew toward the end I got numerous remarks of 'way to go' and 'you are f**king motivating', the pride I felt was genuine and moving.

I just want to send out very special Holiday 'thanks' to the young people that serve in our military. I will definitely be thinking about you and your partners that are serving state side and abroad.

Thank you for helping motivate this old Marine.

Sincerely;
Ty Wilson