Run for the Wounded Warrior Project? The Titan 5K

Something special happened here in Keansburg three years ago.  Something almost magical happened.  After watching a late night infomercial on how wounded soldiers assimilate back into the world following injury on the battlefield, an idea was born.  As small community with our own vices and imperfections, one man voiced an idea because he knew something had to be done. He wanted to find a way to give back to these soldiers who gave so much for our country, our freedom, but at the same time wanted to make everyone involved feel that same deep need he felt at 3am- that something had to be done. 

How can you make someone understand how you feel?  How do you get the importance of this cause out to all?  Why this and not some other do-gooder event?  The answer is in the tag line of the Wounded Warrior Project…  “The greatest casualty is being forgotten.”

Everyday life allows us the liberty to not always remember that there are servicemen and women- SOLDIERS- protecting that right.  We lose the consciousness that there people losing their limbs, lives and their own way of life to protect ours.  Then, after suffering loss overseas, they come home and may not know how to return to the mundane chores of civilian living.  They have changed.  However, their “home” may not have.  How do those soldiers step back into a life they knew, the person they were, before enlisting, before they were forever changed by the actions and consequences of war? 

This is where the Wounded Warrior Project comes in.  This organization is the answer to that question.  They work with not only the physical scars, but also the mental scars and the emotional pain that soldiers face when they come “home.”  The Wounded Warrior Project helps to ease this transition.  Whether it is with prosthetic limbs, physical therapy or counseling, the WWP serves to meet the individual needs of the soldier.  Their mission statement is to “Foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.  

Then, the Titan 5K for the Wounded Warrior Project was born.  Our baseball and softball programs along with the athletic department and several other dedicated volunteers pulled together the first road race in the Borough of Keansburg’s history. 

Before the 2011 event, a 5K was something I’d heard of, but was completely off of my radar- those things were for runners.  I am certainly no “runner,” and the thought of it was so intimidating that I skirted the run and elected to volunteer wherever I was needed- running our water, taking photos, serving food, cleaning up- helping however I could.  I was proud to be there but felt a little hollow that I didn’t actually RUN, like so many others did.  

Our first year was successful!  We used the expertise of a seasoned runner to design and measure the course, set up the morning’s layout and give professionalism to our little 5K.  The stage and sound system, the food, t-shirts and celebration after were great.  The next year was poised to be even better.

This race, in honor of our wounded warriors changed something in me.  I wanted to motivate my students and my friends to feel what I felt which was the need to give back and the importance of the freedom that these soldiers sacrificed for.  I would start a running program and attempt my first ever 5K!  

After only a few weeks of eating smarter and walk/running, I began to feel like it would be possible.  Then it turned into months and I felt ready to register as a “Runner.”   Even though my scuttle is still very very slow, it is still running and gives my the feeling of accomplishment at the end of every workout that I can do this too. 

Again, the Second Annual Titan 5K was a grand success!  In two years we have donated $18,000.  For a small town- with very few “runners,” success like this has to be magic.  I can only imagine how others have been positively affected by this 3am insomnia-driven idea.  From the other couch potatoes inspired to the soldiers receiving the care they deserve, the TITAN 5K is special.

Please, consider coming or donating to the Third Annual Titan 5K.  It will take place on May 11th at the Keansburg High School.  Registration begins at 7:30am and the race kicks off at 9:00am.  You can pre-register online through the district website:  www.keansburg.k12.nj.us or show up on race day!

This event has changed me.  Maybe it’s what you need too?

Video about Titan 5K:  http://youtu.be/_pP5Ww05DR4