Do you ever feel like you’re trying to make a difference, but you keep banging your head into a wall and nothing good comes of it? I have days where I could feel that way, but fortunately, I have Chris Fales to look to for inspiration. If you don’t know who Chris is, he literally carries the flag for Train 4 Autism. If you ever feel like you’re trying to make something good happen, but all your efforts might be for nothing, you can draw inspiration from Chris, too.
Chris, like me, is an autism parent and a proud member of Train 4 Autism. He runs marathons and ultramarathons carrying a big Train 4 Autism flag. I don’t know what goes through his mind, but sometimes, there must be smaller races where he wonders if it’s worth it.
As an example, there was a 50K (31 miles) on March 8, 2009 that he ran and carried the flag. The race wasn’t huge, maybe a few hundred participants max, and in a race like this, the field spreads out and you’re running by yourself for the most part. The course has miserable hills. Aside from elite trail runners, nobody can maintain a run up those hills. They have to be walked. So, he walked up those hills, carrying that flag.
Chris and the flag.
The day got hot and it was dusty and exhausting. But he finished the race, carrying the flag. Maybe his mindset is similar to mine, that it doesn’t matter if he sees immediate results — he’ll run his body into the ground if it there’s a chance it could help in the fight against autism.
Well, when Chris crossed the finish line that day, he was pretty spent. It was not an easy race. I should know — that’s where I saw him for the first time. I’m kind of shy and didn’t talk to him. I was pretty spent, too, and I wasn’t even carrying a flag! I don’t know who he talked to that day, and it’s very possible he made the long drive home thinking he didn’t reach anybody.
But I saw the flag, even though I didn’t tell him at the time. Later that week, I contacted the race director to find out who he was. She gave me his info, I dropped him a line, and the next week, I met up with Ben Fesaigaga, the founder of Train 4 Autism. I had Operation Jack in mind, but I thought I was going to have to start a charity. Train 4 Autism already existed, so all I had to do was run 60 marathons in a year! I ran the idea by Ben when I met with him, and he was on board.
From there, the rest is history. I don’t carry a flag, but if you didn’t already know, I’m trying to run 60 marathons this year to help raise awareness for Train 4 Autism. I’m doing my best to grind it out and raise awareness for Train 4 Autism. Some days, I feel like I’m running myself into the ground and getting nowhere. Other times, I see progress seemingly come from out of nowhere and I know I made a difference. But I’m not having any long-term doubts about my efforts like I have in the past. I can just look to Chris as a role model and have an increased sense of faith and confidence in what I’m doing.
If Operation Jack works, then Chris accomplished a ton for Train 4 Autism by carrying the flag in Malibu. Even if it doesn’t, there’s no telling how things will play out in the future. I know I found Train 4 Autism through Chris and I’m definitely in it for the long haul. Operation Jack is the flag I’m carrying. There’s no telling exactly how it will benefit Train 4 Autism. But even if I don’t get the feedback I’m looking for, I’ll keep pressing on. I am dedicated to the cause and I believe in Train 4 Autism. I’ll proudly keep fighting the fight in my son’s honor.
Jen Morgan says
Way to start my morning off with tears in my eyes! It just goes to show how you can make a difference without ever knowing it… just keep on keeping on and eventually someone is going to write about you being there inspiration just like Chris is yours.
Ally Phillips says
You have made a difference! There are newspaper articles about you and you’re inspiring people all around the country. In my book, that’s a success.
Katie Abdolhosseini says
That was a beautiful post. I want you to know that both Chris and you ARE making a difference! Sending lots of good and positive thoughts to both of you 🙂 Keep up the good work!
Melissa G says
That was such a touching blog entry. When I think of Chris running with that flag in solitude, I think of Jesus seeking solitude to pray. I know it’s not the same thing, but it does bring to mind the idea that being alone isn’t the same thing as being lonely. Pushing through obstacles and continuing on the path for what is right, despite the momentary lack of support, is a remarkable sign of courage and perseverance. Thank you for sharing Chris’ story.
Jenn Fellrath says
I heard Chris on a running podcast which led me to Train4Autism which led me to OperationJack.
You never know when you’ll make a connection with another and where that will lead to.