NO LONGER AN OUTSIDER: FEELING ACCEPTED
This morning was walking to the local coffee shop in Leadville, Colorado to get a morning pick-me-up. En route, I passed the Leadville Race Administrative building. I decided to pop-in and see if any familiar faces were around. As soon as I opened the door somebody said, “Hi Jason!” Within seconds a figure appeared, walking towards me. It was Quinn Cooper, a LifeTime Fitness employee who is responsible for all the logistics of the Leadville Race Series, and a multitude of other LifeTime athletic events. We hugged, caught up, and before departing I wanted to reconfirm with Quinn that I would be having Guides as I attempt to complete the Leadville 100 Trail Race this weekend. I told Quinn that I had “GUIDE” bibs and vests that they would wear. Quinn said, “Don’t worry about that. I ordered ‘Guide’ bibs for your guides.” I was silenced. I couldn’t process what Quinn’s words meant. All I had to do was just show up and run. They knew my condition, and the accommodations I neede...