“There’s more to life than running.”  That’s a statement I’ve been told more than once.   It sure is true, and I found that out this past weekend. 
Early Saturday morning – about 4:45am early – it was time to wake up, get some things packed up, shower and head down to Brainerd, MN for a 9:00am meeting.  This meeting was going to last all day, which I already knew coming into it. 
About a month before it, I got a call from the director of the project we’ve aligned this running team with – Project New Hope.  He had told me about this October 16^th meeting that was going on with the board of directors and invited me to come be part of it.  It was only me, two or three others who were not on the board, plus the actual board members for PNH.  I can tell you this much…I’m not a meeting type of guy, at least not ones where you sit there, hear people talk just because they like to, and get nothing out of it.  The actual meeting time on Saturday was from 9:30am to 4:30pm with an hour lunch break, and about a 15 minute break in the morning and afternoon.  That entire time, it didn’t even seem like a meeting.  Mike, the guy who headed up the meeting kept it running smooth, but more so kept it interesting for everyone that was there. 
He went through a lot of stuff in that time frame, about how boards operate, how to see the big picture (eagle vision) and dreaming big when it comes to what you want to accomplish as a team.  A lot of people, especially my age, would not want to be part of something like this.  They’d find it boring or make up an excuse not to go.  Not all…but the majority would.   For about three weeks, I was looking forward to this day.  Yes, you can call me crazy again, but I was looking forward to a meeting! 
It might make a difference when you know you’re going to something that no matter what is explained about how to run a board of directors…just the chance to meet that board was important to me.  I want to know who my team is involved with.  I want to talk to them face to face and really wanted to hear about this organization, who they were, where they’re going and how they’re planning on getting there.  I learned all of this and more on Saturday in Brainerd.  And I definitely don’t look at it as punishment sitting in on a meeting for that long.  I looked at it as an honor to even be thought of as a guest.   To be invited by director Bruce Billington meant a lot.  Really the only punishment I got that day, was having to sit next to Bruce when he was there for the afternoon session.    We took a personality quiz and he tried to steal my answers.  I know he wants to be just like me, but that’s no excuse.  So not only did I learn about Project New Hope in this meeting, but I also learned about myself at the same time. 
It really was educational, but at the same time pretty relaxed and fun.  I think I’ll always have that around Bruce and his board that makes up this organization.  That’s a great group of people there! 
I’m glad I got the chance to be part of this.  It’s a project that’s on the move and with out a doubt, in the right direction.

On Sunday, I had it planned to meet with a couple that is part of another group that is very very very supportive of the troops, war vets and especially the families of the fallen.  Patriot Guard. 
If you haven’t heard of this group before, look it up.  These two that I met with are also in line with BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse)  and Tribute to the Troops.  Jim & Colleen met me at Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN that afternoon.  They bought me lunch, which I appreciate so much.  It was buffet style too, so I was forced to eat a lot, by being threatened if I didn’t, SOMEONE would smack me.  I think four plates were good.  That’s what it ended up being anyway, so it must have been.  I didn’t get smacked. 
 I had only chatted with Colleen on the networking site Facebook before, never met in person.  I’m extremely glad it worked out to meet with them, we had a good time.  A good talk, got some pictures taken, and yes, for the first time ever – rode on a motorcycle.  I’d driven or ridden on a scooter before, not quite like the bike they had.  It wasn’t a very long ride, due to the wind and freezing cold temp, but it was worth it!  I’ll get another one when it’s warmer out sometime.  Jim gave me the ride, which was pretty cool.
After the food and ride, a quick chat in the parking lot, it was time to head back home.  I was a little too wiped out to do much when I returned last night, that’s why this isn’t posted until now. 
I’ll finish up by saying; if you get the chance to meet anyone associated with the Patriot Guard (the bad ass bikers with the big hearts and the American flags) don’t miss out.  Do it!  They’re some of the greatest people I’ve met, especially with this running for the troops that we do.   They’ll support you every step of the way.  And they’ll have your back no matter what happens.  It’s a great feeling.
One other thing – when you get the chance, check out this organization’s website: www.projectnewhope.net  It’s who I support every step of their journey too.  An organization dedicated to serving war vets and their families.  I believe it’s something my friend would appreciate.  Whether you or anyone else spreads the word about Project New Hope is up to you.  I know I will keep doing just that.  They do great things to help others.  Why wouldn’t you let others know?  Everyone loves something that’s free right?  It doesn’t cost the vet or their family any money to go.  Just their time, but I know this…it will be time well spent.  Spread the word, help Project New Hope help others. 
Thank you!