My 2 day Journey with Reza

Well running from Iowa to Chicago is an experience itself but I think I need to start on explaining Reza. He is almost part Cyborg (half man, half machine). He runs 80-100 miles a day everyday and only stops to eat and sleep a little bit. I have never met anyone that is so focused on a goal nothing will stop him. Along the way he sprained his ankle (thanks crappy QCA roads) and ran 75 miles before he finally said something to me along highway six about 7:30 pm. He only stopped because we got out a map and calculated his distance and was somewhat content and because he ankle was so swollen he couldn't run anymore. He woke up @ 3am and continued to run on his ankle the next day. He ran 45 miles by 10am on friday. His ankle in tons of pain and would have Gabe and I work on it on the side of the road just so he could continue a little bit more. This proved that he was human and his love for the movie Borat which he constantly quotes along the way especially "High Five, Very Nice"! He loves salsa music and actually speaks some decent spanish (he is from Iran). Everyone he meets is truly his friend and even ones that treat him bad he just blows it off when myself or any other human nature should be upset.

Now my running experience. Never in my life would I would have expected to run almost 40 miles the 1st day. I have never ran over 20. The second day I only ran about 15 miles due to Reza's ankle problem. The biggest thing I learned is that you can push your body to levels you never thought were possible. Reza also gives you energy and power, just being next to this man is truly inspiring. Reza also runs while carrying an American Flag during the day, which Gabe and I would carry for him to give him a break and there was something magical about it and would make you run faster and not want to stop. The biggest thing I think I found out is you truly see human nature. And despite how selfless you are and try to make the world a better place there are people that will always try to bring you down along with there pathetic lives. I also witness minor racism along the way just because Reza is from Iran. Yet overall most people were willing to go out of their way and meet Reza, and offer a helping hand or make a donation.

Then there is his film crew, Kevin Marycarmen, and Jasmin. They dropped everything in LA to follow Reza and film him, take pictures and help update his journey on his website www.runwithreza.org But they do some much more than that. They often wake up @ 3am with Reza and get into the truck and drop him off for his runs, they grocery shop, cook, and drive the RV as well. Yes they even run and ride a bike along side of Reza as well. They too have the generous heart of Reza and as much as I don't think they realize it, they are truly making a difference as well.

All I can say is that it was truly and experience of a lifetime. I am truly ready to Run the Chicago Marathon now and look forward to meeting up with Reza and his crew on Oct. 11th. I thank you all for the experience and it was truly an honor.