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It seems to me that so much hype and attention goes out to the professional athletes and the winners of a race. While this is certainly well deserved, I personally am more motivated and inspired by the CAF, Operation Rebound athletes. These men and women have stared down death in the face. They come home mentally, physically, and emotionally injured.  Yet they overcome their new physical challenges and gain strength from their experiences and a new sense of living life to the fullest. They journey on to new challenges, new goals, and seek other ways to fulfill their sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

It was an honor to be part of their relay team. We had a wonderful time and I left the race feeling inspired. This course is known to be one of the hardest half marathons on the circuit. I believe it was as I was running that run course. Duane was the cyclist for our team. He lost both his legs in Vietnam when a grenade struck his troop. With his legs blown off, he managed to pull one of his soldiers out. He was the only survivor from his troop. Here is his inspiring story.

In the early morning hours of 15 May 1967, Duane’s company was attacked by enemy mortar and small arms fire. Close combat quickly ensued and Duane was hit by an enemy hand grenade that blow off both of his legs below the knee. Though severely wounded, Duane dragged himself and another injured Marine to safety. For his actions, Duane was awarded the Silver Star.

Upon returning to the U.S., Duane was told by doctors that he would never walk again. However, Duane defied the doctors by walking without the aid of a cane or crutches the first day he received his

Duane Wagner, U.S.M.C. prosthetic legs. He then began riding a bike every day and soon became an elite long-distance cyclist. In 2008, Duane became a member of CAF Operation Rebound and now serves as a mentor to many newly injured veterans, supporting their efforts to become active again after experiencing a traumatic injury. Duane does not consider himself disabled. “It’s just an inconvenience”, says Duane. Duane continues to demonstrate that losing his legs won’t slow him down.

I really enjoyed my time in Vegas and made some great new friends along the way. Keith and Kimberly with New Balance took great care of me and I enjoyed my time with them. I also got to see the Hoover Dam, which was amazing. Here are some pics from the weekend.

Here I am with the beautiful Tallie, The team operation rebound mascot and service dog. She even warmed up in the water  with them. So cute. How loyal she is!