Ask people why they run — we did a couple of months ago — and you’re likely to get a variety of answers relating to health, fitness, or mental well-being.
But for a select group of runners, the answer isn’t about themselves, but about others.
Arron Baker with her running buddy, Alexis. (Photo submitted)
They are part of a worldwide group call #WhoIRun4 — — and they literally share their runs with a buddy they found online. But it’s not just any buddy — it’s a person with a mental or physical handicap, a learning disability, or a life-threatening or terminal illness.
“I Run 4 Alexis,” said Arron Baker, a runner from Independence. “One of the reasons I run for her and other buddies is because God gave me the gift of mobility. I take advantage of that and dedicate those runs and races to her and others.”
After each run, Baker sends her buddy a note on about how he run went — what she saw, who she ran with, how she felt about the experience. Sometimes, she’ll take a picture and share that. Alexis, or her parent, will write back talking about how the little girl’s day has gone and other details about her life.
Baker said it’s a mutually beneficial pairing.
“She’s my motivation when times get tough out there on the roads,” Baker said. “At first, it was just with running, but now she’s my inspiration in everyday life just like my own kids are. I’m incredibly blessed to have her in my life, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting her and her amazing family.”
The organization — sometimes abbreviated as IR4 — has a Facebook page and a website, in which it encourages runners and buddies to sign up to be matched. Right now, according to its website, it has a waiting list of 4,000 runners, who are waiting to want to be matched with a buddy.
“One of the primary goals of IR4 is to introduce strangers who can expand each other’s support networks,” the organization says on its website. “Because we’re fostering close relationships between runners and buddies, we require all runners to post (on Facebook) at least three times weekly, and their buddy’s parents to respond and/or ‘like’ those posts. Of course, we understand that life happens and some weeks we’re all unable to post as often. As long as you’re in regular contact with your runner or buddy, we do not strictly enforce this guideline. However, if you’re not willing or ready to post regularly and get to know your buddy or runner, please do not commit to one.”
Kris Staverman, a runner from Erlanger, signed up her son, Bryce, for the program. Bryce was born with most of his cerebellum missing, and thus cannot control his fine and gross motor skills. He communicates through his iPad.
“Through the program, I have learned how love knows no boundaries — the people in IRun4 never focus on disability, but on abilities,” she said.
Bryce’s buddy is Michael Shoultz, a motivational coach who lives in North Aurora, Ill., and who previously worked with special needs children. He’s not actually a runner — the organization allows for other athletes to sign up for a buddy. Shoultz works out and engages in other activities, Staverman said.
Bryce Staverman
“He always involves Bryce as motivation — even his trainer has used Bryce to motivate him,” Staverman said. “Bryce loves roller coasters; the very first picture Michael mailed to us was one of him on a roller coaster. I knew then this was a match made in heaven. …
“Michael travels the world, so I always show Bryce where he has been, and he truly loves seeing every place he goes. We communicate strictly through Facebook and look forward to the opportunity of meeting Michael, although (we have) no plans right now. We have sent shirts to Michael, and Bryce has the same one. Michael has done the same thing. It’s great that they match each other. When Bryce had a superhero day at Dixie, his buddy dressed as a superhero that day too.”
Some runners wear special bibs at races to signify the organization and who they are running for. Sometimes, they send their buddies something from the race — the medal they won or the bib they wore, and oftentimes pictures of the run.
Michael Shultz, wearing a matching shirt for Bryce.
Runners do it for a variety of reasons — to give back to the community, to run for something other than their own desires, or for extra motivation when the desire to get up before dawn and run may be lacking.
Other do it for more personal reasons.
Amie Sexton of Independence has a younger sister with cerebral palsy.
“She is what motivated me to sign up for a buddy,” Sexton said. “It was so exciting when I finally received my match, Owen.”
She said Owen was born premature and has cerebral palsy.
“It is by coincidence that I was paired with someone who had the same condition that I knew so well,” Sexton said. “We share pics and comments on Facebook. It has been a wonderful experience. My little buddy is from England, so I have not met him in person yet.”
Paul Long writes weekly for the NKyTribune about running and runners. For his daily running stories, follow him at dailymile.com or on Twitter @Pogue57
