23 HIMs of F3 Isotope jumped at the opportunity to push, run with, and cheer on Ava & Matias at the Amazing Grace 5K. Here is their story:
There are a lot of things that YHC loves about F3 and Speed for Need and they all involve supporting and loving on others. Fundamentally, male community leadership is about pushing others and yourself to do awesome stuff. That starts at home and it starts with family. Oh the families…
Step back to last years' Amazing Grace 5K. We had the honor and privilege to meet and push Michael in the Speed for Need racing chair. Well, Michael and his dog. His mom started the race pushing and his dad finished it. It was obvious from the start that he was tough and he was driven. But more than that, his family support was overwhelming. Such love and commitment to fight with him. That love and drive was on display again this year. Just one year later, Michael not only walked the 5K but sprinted to the finish. And he had his family around him, pouring into him all morning. Awesome.
We had the honor and privilege this year to push Ava and Matias. Let's start with Ava. She rode a couple weeks ago at Isabella Santos so it was clear from the first email that her and her mom were pros. All over it. The whole family was. Even Ava's sister, Zoey, was ready to roll. She was jumping in the blue chair faster than we could get Ava in pink. It was the support of her sister riding that gave Ava the confidence and smiles to race. Leading Speed for Need races has the perk of getting to spend a little bit of time to hear about the riders' journey. God is so good. So much love and support surrounding this little bundle of joy. Such an awesome family with smiles all around. Awesome.
It was Matias' first time riding with Speed for Need but he couldn't get the jersey on fast enough. That smile and thumbs up were seemingly on all morning. And it was incredibly heartwarming to watch his mom carry him across the finish line as she finished her walk. Then the whole family embraced. The love of this family unit was apparent from the moment they arrived. They were by his side as we started the race. They ran beside us during. And they were there at the finish as we put the finishers medal around his neck. Awesome.
All of these families have clearly embraced the journey. Not without challenges and setbacks and really hard stuff. But when love is present, it allows for healing and it promotes drive. Thank you Michael, Ava, and Matias for sharing your stories and giving the men of F3 and Speed for Need the opportunity to be a part of your awesome journeys. And thank you to the Nagle family and the Amazing Grace Foundation for your relentless support of this community. It is so incredible to watch as you support Grace's mission with love and passion.
Fortunately, the awesomeness didn't stop there. It never does in F3 Lake Norman. The pax are always searching for more. From Lego bringing his most recent FNG to be named (Welcome FNG Jimmy now known as F3 Scrat) to the many first-time Speed for Need Drivers (Hoodie, Mr. Holland, Kosar, Uncle Coco, Turncoat & The Count?). YHC loves the outpouring of love and leadership from the LKN pax. You guys are second to none and we are blessed to do life together. Hope you enjoyed the morning as much as YHC did. Love is here for sure.
Of course, it doesn't stop there. Speed for Need is back at it and pushing again in F3 Lake Norman on December 7th at the Huntersville Holiday 5K. Jump in and lead gents. The dynamite exists just beyond the 1st and 2nd Fs.
Until the next time…
DH