Yesterday afternoon a group of wounded warriors came to West Point. They were here to participate in the IOCT (indoor obstacle course test). If you are a graduate from WP you know that this test is tough. These warriors completed the obstacle despite having missing legs and arms. These warriors showed us the meaning of being a true warrior athlete. To watch these warriors scramble under an obstacle, run through tires, jump over a horse, jump and grab a bar to climb onto a shelf, navigate across by skipping across bars, jump down, jump through a tire, run across a balance beam, scale a wall, climb a rope and run with a weighted medicine ball, than with a baton than a short sprint.
Watching these warriors was simply awe inspiring and so emotional. You couldn’t help but shed tears in the amount of dedication these warriors showed us. Despite their limitations they were determined to complete the test as quickly as they could. They showed us the true meaning of the Army’s Warrior’s Ethos.
Today I woke up and ran the longest distance yet, 9.3 miles. The last 2 miles I wanted to give in, I have been struggling with adding distance but not having my knee go out. My knee was on fire and my pace slowed down, I was about to say "I give in." However, I remembered I have nothing to complain out. I remembered that yesterday afternoon I saw a group of true warrior athletes give it their all. I told myself to shut up and keep moving out. I also remembered that today was a day to remember and not to forget. I remembered my times in Iraq and reminded myself that I am blessed to have today. I am blessed to take in a giant breath and see the beauty all around us.
So when you think you can’t give anymore, or you can’t finish your routine, just remember you have more to give because there are warrior athletes out there that have less and will accomplish more. Just remember you are blessed to share with us today.
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