Welcome back to our 2nd On Pace Podcast! We had an awesome response from the community to last week's post and this week's is in the same vein!

In talking with Juan De La Cruz, I met a man who had a genuine smile on his face. Although he "hit rock bottom" three years ago and there was no smiles to be found, since then he has recovered to not only forgive himself for past actions but to love the life he's living and the person he is.

Juan is a testament to what Tate Whitlinger is trying to accomplish with Grateful Runners. With a chapter in Las Vegas and now two Grateful Runners chapters in Wisconsin, Juan is helping spur the Grateful Runner mission. Which is - in my own words - whatever we have done, wherever we have been, if we don't like it - we CAN overcome and there are those around who are eager to pitch in and help.

In capturing a little of the favorite prayer of Carrie Miller, first is recognizing what we can control and what we can't. And when we realize that our choices are driving our negative results, we can often adjust. Doesn't mean it'll be easy. For Juan, it took a number of tries at kicking addictive habits to finally move forward. But IT CAN HAPPEN.

A run like Dutrirun's Rethink Addiction is not your typical event. For most, this community event is not about how fast they crossed the finish line. It's that they crossed the finish line. OnPace's partner in this event, Nicolet Bank, remains an incredible support for us as we continue to extend our mission of building a running community to lift events just like this.

On a personal note, Gloria West has been an amazing partner to OnPace over the last two years. Gloria, who directs this race, lost a son years ago to an overdose and her passion for the cause of this race is admirable. We are humbled to help however we can.

Juan! You're a star! Taking a page out of your book, we're GRATEFUL that you are going to become an OnPacer! Who wouldn't want to follow your joyful attitude around for seven miles on Sept. 7 at 12 minutes/mile. I have a feeling those who finish with you will feel the same way, my man!