Dedication

I know some (maybe most) people think running 50 miles is just plain crazy. I guess there’s always been something a little “different” about me. Apparently this is common among ultra-runners. Anyway, there were times in my life when my being “different” didn’t go so well for me. Times that were filled with self-doubt. What was I going to be? How was I going to make it? For almost 15 years of my life I was fortunate to have a friend named Stanley Eldridge. I can remember worrying about what I was going to make of my life and I would go on and on telling him my worries. Then, during one of these rants of mine, he put his hand on his chest, looked at me patiently and said, ”I am Stan.” He then put his hands out to me and said, “You are Dan. That’s all you ever need to be.” Stan believed in me when I didn’t. He gave me hope when I felt hopeless.

While I am raising funds for the women and children of Congo, I am dedicating my training to the memory of Stanley who passed away in March. Stanley taught me not just that life was beautiful but, more specifically that my life was beautiful. He would always say, “Look at all the things you’ve done, Dan. Its a beautiful thing.” I think of him all the time when I run and I feel like he’s right there with me. I never knew anyone like him and I’m sure I never will. Thank you for all you gave to me, Stan. I love you and miss you.