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This year’s JAG 28 Birthday Walk will be VERY different, and not just because of COVID-19.

May 10, 2020 By Thad Forester

Walkers at stop 2 in 2018

I’ve led this event since the beginning.

I start training for the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk each Jan or Feb. Since I stay active throughout the year, I’m mostly concerned with prepping my feet and hips. Fortunately I’ve never had an injury during this event–from 30 up to 36 miles, I think it’s b/c I always train.

In fact, I always felt like I had an extra push each year on event day. I contribute that mostly to the energy from everyone–they are there b/c they chose to be, not out of obligation. Why would someone choose to walk this distance continually, even coming from many miles and states away? It’s b/c they want to honor my brother Mark and support his foundation.

This year was no different. I started walking with my trusty 20 lb weight plate in my GR2 in January. Then, when social distancing hit in mid-March, even better–I got to get in a quick few miles during the middle of the day. I even started playing tennis with a local high school player. He’s good and I really enjoyed playing with him.

Then, on March 21, I went for a forehand. When I pushed with my left foot, “POP” and I hit the ground probably sounding like a wounded wild animal. Ironic how I was going on earlier with him about staying active and feeling young…

At first I thought someone had hit me with a bat. As I was falling to the ground, I confirmed no one was behind me. My next thought was my lower leg snapped, like a Tyrone Prothro moment, but I quickly felt and knew it was my third option–achilles. I cringe every time I think about it happening.

Crutches, scooter, peg leg and shower seat

These last almost two months have been interesting–I use a shower seat, hobble around and watched my wife do the weed-eating and edging. Yard work has always been my job.

I had surgery April 9. My achilles is healing just fine and I got my final cast off last week. I can now put a little weight on it and will progress daily until I use no crutches by the end of the month.

Since I can’t walk, I won’t be doing Mark’s birthday walk this year. That’s tough to accept. But, my plan is to get ready for next year’s walk. In fact, I have a GoRuck Star Course event in Huntsville in Oct that I have to get ready for. It’s 26 miles.

For all my friends that will be walking in Mark’s honor Saturday, I say thank you. You’ll be all over the country and I look forward to the pictures. Thank you for continuing to support Mark’s foundation even when things are virtual. I hope this makes it easier for many more to participate.

For those who want to sign up and walk the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk, go to this link and sign up. Then, post pictures on social media Saturday.

This forced down time has allowed me more cuddle time with little Will

Filed Under: Events, Life of Thad, The Mark Forester Foundation Tagged With: achilles, memorial birthday walk, training

Ep 056 – Lauren Tinker | Price of Freedom Race: Behind the Scenes

May 7, 2018 By Thad Forester

lauren tinker

Since The Mark Forester Foundation’s annual race and 28-mile birthday walk is May 19, I wanted to have family friend and race director Lauren Tinker on the show.  Lauren shares why she wants to lead the races each year and what Mark Forester means to her.  She and her family dedicate countless hours throughout the year to make this race happen.

Tinker also tells us about last minute emergencies and miracles, and praises the many people who sponsor and support our foundation and her efforts.

We end by talking about the JAG 28 Birthday Walk, which takes place at the same time as the races.  Since she’s not around for the walk and I’m not around for the race, we both had questions about each.

Up until two years ago, the Price of Freedom Race and Birthday Walk were our only fundraisers each year.  In 2016, we had our first Mark Forester Charity Golf Tournament, which has been a great fundraiser too.

Here is a listing of all the events taking place on May 19, 2018:

Half marathon
-5k
-10k
-Double-dip (both 5k and 10k)
-1-mile fun run
-JAG 28 Birthday Walk

For more details and registration, visit The Mark Forester Foundation

*My podcast is on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause and get insider access!

Copyright 2018 Thad Forester
http://www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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Filed Under: Patriot to the Core Tagged With: memorial birthday walk, no pain no gain, price of freedom race, sponsors, the mark forester foundation, volunteers

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