“Guiding a Visually Impaired athlete is my way of giving back to the sport(s) that I have received so much joy from participating in. As an Endurance athlete, the different disciplines that we participate are done selfishly; you train and compete by yourself. As a Guide, you are able to give back to the sport(s) by giving those with vision loss a chance to do what brings us so much joy, and that we sometimes take for granted. After my first guiding experience, I went home and told my wife that I am completely OK not ever doing another marathon by myself. However, I will do whatever I can to make sure that I participate year in and year out as a guide for visually impaired runners!”

“As a totally blind man hoping to focus on my abilities, I believe I can and want to run to my peak potential. Without a guide, every pothole, crack, curb, branch or even other runner could end my run. Every slight direction choice, adjustment, and verbal warning when avoidance is not possible are the essential gifts which give me freedom to run. The only greater gift is the kindness and choice of my wonderful guides to make this possible each and every time we become a team.”

“Every day of my running life, I thank my many running guides. Without them, my running would be a solitary slog on a treadmill. With them, running is a chance to make new friends, to race, to be a part of a great community, and to laugh, cry, and learn about people I would never have met without sport. In short, because of my guides, running brings joy and freedom.”

Having run close to 40 marathons, things were getting a bit stale. Being able to participate as a guide absolutely reinvigorated my passion to run.  I am now able to enjoy the sport I love more than ever, while making it possible for a visually impaired athlete to do the same. WIN-WIN.