Another runner who has inspired me – imagine that…LOL. Kevin Brosi is such an unassuming man and I have only really talked to him once beyond “hi good job” in passing on the course. But considering the over 12 marathons he did in 12 days (it might have even been 15 in a row) he did with a very bad knee that had to be operated upon early January 2013.

He had to walk alot during those marathons and you knew deep in your heart that even that hurt like hell but he didn’t reflect it in his outer being. He continued to be supportive and helpful and caring for others as he limped along.

He never complained or used it as an excuse. I found out about his damage and scheduled surgery from someone else, not even from him. That elevated him in my mind even more. He wasn’t out there after sympathy or compassion for others. He was out there to accomplish a mission and you know it was tearing him up to not be able to run like he’s used to. But he didn’t let it deter him from being out there “competing” with others.

From some of the additional photos I’ve posted here, you’ll see how important Kevin is to other runners in this wonderful family. He helped create our Stonewall – our own Alamo – along the race course over all those days. Then in Houston we all held a sign that said “we miss you Kevin”  to cheer him up and let him know that “out of sight, out of mind” did NOT apply to him at all.

And he’s come back strong to run the Cowtown marathon last weekend. Congratulations on your return Kevin.

He exemplifies the courage and toughness that all these ultrarunners have and that I wish I could emulate. They are tough and Kevin’s amongst the toughest – doing over 300 miles in 12 consecutive days on a completely trashed knee is the hallmark of courage for me. Something that I hope I can emulate when the going gets tough in my runs. I will never be of the caliber that Kevin is but I hope I can have some of the courage and toughness that he has.

Learn to endure, not complain, look for the positive and no matter what, just keep going! As Winston Churchill said – Never give up! and Kevin didn’t. I’m so glad he’s back and doing well. I am very happy to have met you and to be able to recognize your courage and perseverance. You are a true gentleman, Kevin!

Terrie

Today is a happy memory in the inspirational category for me. Even though I’m late today because I had to give a class last night I have great memories of these two honorees today. I decided to put them together because although they have inspired me in many ways since I first met them, that one Saturday in February was the greatest inspiration and they both got me through that day – without Renee especially I would NOT have been able to complete my 50 miler.

I first met Greg and Renee probably at Thanksgiving but I met so many people then that I’m not sure who I met then and who I met over the Christmas races.  They have both been so amazingly friendly that I have been grateful to them every time and no matter how many marathons in a row they had done, they were always smiling and encouraging me on.

Then came Rocky Racoon 100 miler and Greg completed that – anyone who completes a 100 miler is a hero in m y book and not only did he do it but Renee crewed/paced him. She ran at least 40 miles with him and guided him when he couldn’t think any more (and didn’t want to think). So, together they got Greg to the finish line! Completion of a 100 mile run is something I think should be tatooed on a person’s forehead as a badge of honor forever. But that’s just my opinion. I now know alot of folks who’ve completed 100 milers (and achieved many other accomplishments) that I feel so fortunate to know all these strong people – strong physically but more importantly they are strong in their character and emotional/spiritual demeanor too.

Well, the week after Rocky Racoon was the 50 miler. Remember how scared I was. I had posted about it on Facebook and Renee sent me a message that touched me even though I didn’t totally understand what it meant until the day of the event. She said she’d asked if she could start late (she was doing a 50 K after having run 40 plus miles with Greg less than 7 days before) so she could be out there with me. Well, this was a loop race so I thought that was very nice of her to want to see me although I didn’t quite understand what starting late had to do with that (I’m a novice about alot of these things so I was sure there was something I was missing..LOL).

Saturday came and I did the first loop (in the dark) with the whole gang. Then a couple of more loops went by and by about mile 20 I was convinced there was no way I was going to be able to complete the 50 miles. Then I saw Renee as we were passing near the start/finish line. She said she’d been looking for me and she’d see me in a bit. I was still clueless but, of course, happy to see a friendly face. Next thing I knew she was near me and was pacing me. That’s what she had meant. She was actually going to run with me. That had never happened to me before and I didn’t know how to react (I’ve always been such a loner because I’m so slow). I was happy but worried that she’d be bored (etc) trying to slow down for me. But I have to tell you that those 5 miles she worked with me and helped me, giving me a hand down “My Nemesis” and asking me how I was going to prepare for the various aid stations and just talking to me was a life saver. I got my enthusiasm back and felt that I had energy again. I actually thought maybe I could do it. She was phenomenal and so understanding. She was so helpful that I should give my medal to her (but I’m so proud of it I’m  not going to and I hope she understands) because I would not have finished without her. Then, on top of that she had to finish her own 50 k and do it before dark because she didn’t have a headlamp. I knew she was concerned about that and encouraged her to go on alone. She was torn but I wanted her to make good time.

When we started the second lap, Mr. 100 miler joined us – I was simply amazed that he could even walk to say nothing of run but he came along with us. Then we were able to get Renee to go along and do her own race so she could finish (I was indebted to her the whole time after that). I encouraged Greg to go too because I sure didn’t want to hold back a “guy” – one that could do a 100 miler and be out running the next day. But he stuck with me. I was so surprised and honored that he cared enough about me to want to help me get through this milestone.  He was so kind and caring and gentle. He was telling me some about his experience and I was enthralled with all he told me about Rocky Racoon. But he got me through another 5 miles and thanks to these two great, giving  people I was able to get to the point where Parvaneh took over for the last 20 miles. I would still be looking for my 50 miler medal if it weren’t for these two fabulous people.

They don’t know me yet they went out of their way just 7 days after experiencing pain and exhaustion to help me reach a goal that they could tell was so important to me.

How special and unusual is that? I don’t know how to thank them enough but certainly hope that I get the opportunity to some day

Thank you Greg and Renee! I appreciate your friendship and your help so very much!

Terrie

Colonel (Ret) Martin Tittle was my boss for about 3 years and I have to tell you that this man personified everything I could possibly want to be. He has all the qualities and characteristics you could list as desirous traits. And I mean ALL of them.

You’ve read about some pretty remarkable people in the past 10 days but Col Tittle is the composite of all of them.

He was never ever without a smile for anyone and everyone. And when you’re a leader in a military organization that mixes military and civilians, that’s not easy to do. And it was never a forced smile either. He was sincere whenever he looked at you and asked you how you were – he really wanted to know – not the perfunctory “how are you” while sliding away before you had a chance to really tell him how you were 🙂

Col Tittle is THE most positive person I’ve ever known. There was no problem that couldn’t be solved. And the cool thing is that he wasn’t a “Rah Rah” cheerleader type – the kind that makes you want to throw up they’re so positive. He was sincere and when you talked to him you just knew there was going to be a solution even if it took awhile to find it and get there. You knew he would be there with you – right along side of you – as you searched for the path and then traveled it.  You always had him there partnering with you. And even though you felt as if you had your best friend with you, you also knew and respected the fact that he was the leader – he never had to flaunt that or remind you that he was the boss. It was inherent in his being.

Charisma is not a word I would naturally associate with this man but depending on your definition of charisma, he might just fill the slot – everyone liked him and respected him. It was amazing how he could pick up the phone and smooth the ruffled feathers of someone and then let them know that he was on their side too.

What I found most remarkable about Colonel Tittle was his response to adversity. This goes beyond the pale. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy and radiation (and all the attendant side effects) and yet he NEVER missed one day of work. Unbelievable! He was miserable and most of us would be in bed going “woe is me” and just trying to get our energy back and he was there in the office working as hard as ever. He knew it was important from both his perspective as well as to give the proper appearance to the troops – a true leader. He acted as he felt he was “supposed to” but did not expect the same from us – that’s an interesting dichotomy when you think about it. It simply was his work ethic. But he never told you when we were whining about having a cold or something minor  “well, you know I came to work every day no matter what I was going through”. Often times you’ll get that from people. He was more than happy to let you take whatever time you needed either for mental or physical recuperation. He knew the importance of that. And he knew that not everyone was so invested in their job and he didn’t expect everyone to give 110% like many other leaders do. But as a result of “not expecting” it he got it – and even more. There isn’t anything that we wouldn’t do for him. Truly amazing man.

He is a man of faith and I’m sure that that sustained him no matter what happened and we should all look toward his example. Many profess to be “of faith” —- until things don’t go so great in their lives. I believe that that’s whey he got stronger.

All I know is that I wish he still were my boss (nothing against my current boss- it’s just that Colonel Tittle is one of a kind).  I do know that when things get tough, I call upon his courage and determination and try to go deep within to find the qualities I so admire in him.

Thank you Colonel Tittle for being in my life and being such a brave and kind man!

Terrie

One of the really fun parts about this “Top 30” process is that most of the people I write about don’t have a clue that I’m talking about them. Some never find out and others find out later – days or weeks perhaps. But I’m not writing so that they know. I want the world to know what they have meant to me. Yes, it would be nice if they knew how much they have influenced my life but I try to thank them in person when I see them (if I know them).

What made me think of that is the guy I’m honoring today. He’s my “roommate” at work (I guess it’s more politically correct to call him an “office mate” but “roommate” is so much more fun. And anything we can do at work to make it more fun is terrific (speaking of which, if you don’t think work is fun and you want to get away from your desk on time register for my Free teleseminar titled “Get Out Of The Office and Get A Life” this Thursday – sorry for the shameless plug but it really is relevant).

Chuck is the first guy I met when I got to my new job here in San Antonio 9 years ago. Although I didn’t actually greet him first I met him first. “What?” you’re probably asking. I remember walking up the steps to our building and turning around and seeing this big wonderful smile across the lawn welcoming me! That was Chuck. And things just got better from there.

He’s a brilliant man who can do anything and will do anything you need or want him to do. He doesn’t like people to know this but he’s just a big teddy bear and inside he’s an extremely caring person.

But what I admire and respect most about Chuck is his ability to see the big picture and respond in a much more politically correct and tactful manner than I do (of course that doesn’t take much – I think my dog is more politically correct and tactful than me). But in doing this he’s definitely NOT a pansy. He knows how to debate and turn any argument around into what it needs to be in order for everyone to eventually see the point (usually his of course 🙂 ).

He gave me this book, The Fred Factor and although he thinks I didn’t read it, I did and loved it. I encourage everyone to read it. It could change our world if everyone read it and abided by it.

But I digress….as usual.

Chuck has been the mainstay of our organization for at least the 9 years I’ve been there. He and I act like brother and sister frequently – yelling at each other (although I do all the yelling) and then 5 minutes later – or the next day – everything is back to normal and we’re good friends.  I have such respect for him that I can’t stand being mad at him for very long and now I even feel bad when that has occurred – never thought that would ever happen with anyone…LOL

He takes such good care of me, helping me out when I need extra support or actual work done even though he’s swamped. He’s always at work late and always there on the weekends – the ironic part is that he helped me get out of that mode in the past two years but I don’t seem to be able to have a similar effect on him unfortunately.

He’s always been there when I need a ride or when I’ve had a medical issue.

He’s invaluable as an employee but more importantly as a person. He’s a genius (I already said that), he’s compassionate and caring AND he’s passionate. I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before although it does apply to everyone I’ve mentioned in my Top 30 list so far. But Chuck’s passion is slick – he’s able to be passionate without being emotionally invested in the subject – and I truly admire that. For I am emotionally invested in most everything and that’s where I derive my passion from. So see, we’re actually like night and day but the one thing we really do have in common is that we have excellent work ethic and that comes from our military medical backgrounds. We think of the organization first and do whatever is necessary to make it shine. You don’t find that every day or in every person but it’s there and so obvious in Chuck. I wouldn’t trade but perhaps 2 days of the last 9 years with him. I don’t even know if I have a picture of him to put with this post..have to go check.

Chuck, you are my hero!

Terrie