Show Me Challenge Day 2 – NEVER GIVE UP
September 11, 2009
Wednesday morning started out early in Glasgow, MO as Sheldon and I were preparing for our 35 mile run. As some of you know running is not my forte, however I was up for the Challenge. All things considered it was a great day for running; it was partly cloudy and a bit humid. We ran south from Glasgow heading toward Boonville. As we were approaching Boonville, I was beginning to fade and Sheldon was still running strong. I knew something was not right but I kept pushing on, but at 22 miles I could go no further. No matter how badly I wanted to keep going my body was not letting me. Sheldon called Koach Karl and my father who were driving our support vehicle and asked them to come to my aid. I got into the Factor mobile and rested for awhile until I began throwing up out the side of the truck door. Sheldon kindly videoed me as I was just finishing, I am sure you will enjoy the video. For some reason, the fluids I had been taking in were not working through my system, and it was all sitting in my stomach. I wanted to push on after throwing up, so I walked 2 more miles but I was too weak to go on. I called it quits at 24 miles, just 11 miles short of my goal for the day. Sheldon ran on with strength saying, “If I finish we finish!” He’s a great partner and friend. Sheldon completed the 35 miles feeling great. Later that night after having rested some and eaten dinner I was thinking back over the day. I didn’t want to give up if I could keep from it. I wanted to finish my goal of running 35 miles. It had been a hard day, but I wasn’t going to quit. At 7:00 pm that night, I knocked on Koach’s and Sheldon’s hotel door and let them know I wanted to complete my 11 miles. Thinking I was slightly crazy they agreed to trail me in the support vehicle. I ran hard for the next 2 hours and well into the dark of night. I finished my 11 miles at 9:00 pm that night with a since of accomplishment knowing I had run my 35 miles. I could have never done it without the support of my team. Although the day did not going according to plan for me, I kept my eye on the prize and still conquered the challenge. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, and I will be ready knowing what I have already overcome. NEVER GIVE UP.
Link to You Tube video about Matt’s determination to finish!
Hey Sheldon,
You may not remember me from the Valley days (97′-98′), but I did think you were quite the guy then and now it looks like you’re still doing great things with your life. I’m very proud of you! This challenge factor is extremely impressive. I’ve been involved in things like these over the last several years, but never to this EXTREME! I’m truly amazed with it all. It’s been fun following your adventure and I hope to catch up some more with you once you have completed this mountain of a goal. If possible, I would love to have you come to Springfield and talk about your experiences to some of our student athletes about your hard work, dedicationn, perseverance, etc needed to get through the challenge…and maybe a story or two about how Brandon Walsh was your role model! Just kidding… Well I have no doubts you will complete this challenge and look forward to following you and your buddy through it all. Good luck and keep moving forward!
Here’s one of my favorite quotes… “Tough times don’t last but tough people do.” – A.C. Green
I always have to remember that running won’t kill me, because I’ll most likely pass out first so keep that in the back of your mind and let the run clear your mind, not defeat it. Take care…Sophie
that is awesome Matt, Keep up the run. I so need to do that next year with you. Stay strong.