Why I Run for Riley, Set 2
By: Jenny howell Baldwin
Riley’s cousin
I’ve never been a runner. In fact my motto before 2019 was “if you see me running, you better run faster because something bad is coming.” But all of that changed the day Riley heroically gave his life. When we heard that a run was being scheduled in his honor, my daughter and I both knew that it was something we had to do. Neither of us were runners… we had zero experience… but we were determined. Little did we know, it would become therapy for both of us. We were running alone, but also together. Every run was hard, but it was nothing compared to what our beloved family members were going through with the loss of their child and brother. We realized that we absolutely could run because of Riley. Every run hurts, but that’s fitting when you are running for someone that gave the ultimate sacrifice for those around him.
When the first run was canceled due to Covid, we kept running. When the second run was canceled due to Covid, we kept running. And when we were finally able to run that race in his honor, it was so cold we couldn’t feel our hands until mile 3. But again, that was fitting, because it was a tangible reminder that we were able to run. People like Riley make it possible for those left behind to do the impossible.
So we will keep running, as long as our bodies allow us, because Riley kept running until he stopped evil. His legacy is with us every day. May we all learn to do more and fear less. We Run 4 Riley.
By: Thomas Howell, Jr
Riley’s father
While the thought of Riley and his constant memories may not be motivation for me to get outside and go for a run (I've been doing that for as long as I can remember anyway), I do often find some peace and new memories of him that I may not have had otherwise when I am running.
Even when it wasn't Riley's idea to go for a run, I have absolutely no memories of him complaining about anything— the difficulty, how long we were out there, etc.
His home gym and CrossFit Asheville workouts were definitely his primary love, and he would attack those with his own blend of positive energy and humor, but he was certainly serious about them in his way.
Those memories of Riley inspire me every single day, even when I don't have the inspiration myself.
I love and miss everything about you, Ri.
Dad
By: Katie Pritchard
Riley’s cousin
Last year before the Mighty Four Miler I didn’t train at all beforehand. I kind of just figured it didn’t matter my timing or my ranking; I was there to run in support of my family and to benefit the RHFF. However, it came as a shock to me that as I was running through downtown Waynesville, during those 4 miles, I never once got tired. Moments before I started the race I searched through Iris’s playlists to find the one with songs that reminded me most of Ri. During the first stretch of the race, as I ran down Main Street with my Dad, I started to cry. Of course this stemmed from the thought of how much I missed Riley, but as I looked around at where I was I got emotional at the fact that this place will always be Riley’s home. I was listening to Riley songs running in the place that I knew was special to him.
Since his passing, I’ve always felt connected to Riley through nature and just being outside, and I always think about Riley when I’m working out. These were such important things in his life and are now ways that make me feel most with him. He was always pushing his body to do more, and on race day I felt even more of a connection to him. I was outside doing something that was good for my body and to me there’s no better thing that makes me think of him. It was that feeling that carried me through those 4 miles with not only ease but strength. As I was nearing the end, I heard everyone that was waiting at the finish line cheering for me—lined up on each side of the road like a tunnel. These were all people who played a part in Riley’s life and now carry on his legacy. Hearing them yell was like hearing from Riley himself. I ran that last part with everything I had, and that feeling is why I run for Riley.
By: Nancy Howell Blevins
Riley’s grandmother
As Riley’s grandmother, running races is no longer on my agenda. The legacy that Riley left of “Fear Less, Do More” is why I metaphorically run for Riley. Fear - fear of failure, fear of people, fear of the situation, etc.- are often reasons we do not act when in our heart we know the prompting to move forward is there. The “do more” part points to the fact that “it’s not about me.” God did not create me to simply sit here and take up space. We were created as relational human beings – to be in relationship with God and the people around us. I “do more” when I encourage someone to be all they can be and then help facilitate that encouragement. I “do more” when I hand out momentos and thank yous at the end of the Mighty Four Miler, knowing that the money raised here helps in another family’s healing. “Fear Less, Do More” situations arise everyday; I run for Riley every time I take this thought to heart and act on it.
