Runner of the Month: Andrew Stinson

Andrew turned 19 years old the day before the Polar Bear 5k race and what better way to celebrate a birthday than with a physical accomplishment? While he has been a past participant being pushed in a jogging stroller, this year presented an incident of a forgotten stroller. What happened next was, in the words of his Mom, “just amazing!” Andrew decided he would walk and tackle the challenging course under his own power.

Born prematurely at just two pounds, Andrew has cerebral palsy and has endured over 50 surgeries in his life. He knows the physical and mental ups and downs of surgery, rehab, recovery, and the desire to be active and part of the community. He normally uses a wheelchair throughout the day, so walking a 5k with hills and gravel roads on an unplanned whim shows the spirit of a hero. So he and training partner Chris Howard decided they would take a walk, listen to the Beatles, (Andrew’s favorite band), and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Coming into the finish line there was an enthusiastic, supportive crowd cheering him on; he probably doesn’t know what an inspiration he was to so many people watching him accomplish this physical feat of perseverance.

A text message sent on Sunday asking Andrew how he was feeling (meaning physically), came back with one word: “proud”.

We at Green Events are totally inspired by Andrew and we are so glad to have athletes of all levels, abilities, and ages out participating and pushing themselves at our events. Hats off to you Andrew! We look forward to seeing you at future events and we wish you good luck in your upcoming Rock and Roll half marathon in Liverpool in May.

Volunteer of the Month: Larimer County Dive Rescue Team

A polar plunge into Horsetooth Reservoir can’t happen without the support of the Larimer County Dive Rescue Team (LCDRT). This group is always willing and enthusiastic to be onsite for our annual polar plunge and it’s been said that your plunge doesn’t count unless you high 5 all LCDRT volunteers out in the water. You might not have noticed but at the end of the event many of the LCDRT also took the plunge (without their yellow suits)!

 The team’s primary mission is the rescue and/or recovery of people and property involved in water related accidents. Over the years, the LCDRT has worked hand in hand with Larimer County Emergency Medical Services, Larimer County Sheriffs Department, Poudre Fire Authority and many other emergency agencies in Larimer County. With a reputation for professionalism, expertise, experience and unsurpassed training of its members, the LCDRT has proven to be a VITAL part of the community it serves.

 LCDRT is the main beneficiary of the Polar Bear event. To keep the team operating, they must rely on the local community for donations and support. Local support is paramount to the LCDRT existence and ability to properly train and equip its rescue professionals. A portion of all polar plunge entry fees are donated to LCDRT. If you would personally like to make a donation to the team, please click the button below. Every single dollar helps!

Ambassador of the Month: Melody White

Self-described as a “Professional water girl & turd herder, worm farming, veggie growing, dirt digging, tent sleeping, beer drinking, red meat eating, animal loving, snow skiing, bass fishing, nap taking, home canning, world traveling, triathloning … crazy trail & road runner … not necessarily in that order.” Melody is a gem of the Fort Collins running community. In addition to her incredibly demanding job and travel schedule, Melody is constantly volunteering, dressing up in costumes, and participating in events across Northern Colorado and all over the country.

You will find her at most, if not all, the Green Events races participating and volunteering as well as pacing at our three half marathons: Spring Equinox, Human Race, and Fall Equinox. You will know her pace group when you see it because it is usually the largest and loudest with everyone smiling and laughing. While Melody is working hard on her own running goals (25 mile trail race), she also never forgets about new runners and helping others on the journey to find the joy in running and community.