Striders

After joining the Houston Striders in March 2006, it didn't take me long to realized that Striders ROCK. If you've read this blog for very long, you'll see the unselfish things they have done for me and many others. Steeeve said it best when he stated, I'm proud to be associated with such a great group of people. Below is a fine example:

Last week I benefited AGAIN from being a Strider. As you may know, Consuela recently moved to Florida. She returned to Houston last week to finish the sell of her home and move some final items. Consuela had several things for sell and sent an email out via Stride4fun. One of those items was a refrigerator, which I was in need of. Initially, I just asked some questions about the appliance. It turns out this was a nearly new refrigerator and in PERFECT condition. A few days after our initial correspondence, she sent me an email stating she had others interested, but wanted to give me the first opportunity. I replied, "Please don't let me hold you from a potential buyer. The refrigerator sounds perfect, but money is tight and I need to find something a little older and cheaper." By the end of the day she replied, "I know what its like. How about this? $XXX for the refrigerator and you pay me $25 a month until its paid off." I didn't know what to say. Her counter offer was MUCH cheaper than I can find an used refrigerator ANYWHERE. Long story short, I told her I could pay the lower price in full and would be happy to have it, yet understood if she wanted to make more money on it.

Here's the root of this email. The Houston Striders are teaching so much more than running. Most important to me, I've learned the gift of friendship and giving. Consuela told me that she would rather help a friend than make money. In today's world, that's unheard of. Much like the surprise garmin, I'm lost for words. Thanks doesn't seem like enough.

I'm ready to be needed. I've been on the receiving side of a lot of kind gestures... now I want to return the kindness.

Camaraderie is what being a Houston Strider is all about. This club serves its members and the running community on many levels and surprisingly, running is merely one component. Its deeper than any outsider will ever know.

Oh yeah,
STRIDERS ROCK!