This year, Henry and I decided to do more than simply support the team and volunteer at checkpoints while Paul is having fun in the woods. Henry, 7, wanted to have something of his own to do, something worthwhile, something to help people. So with a little research and a little direction from Jessica Koelsch of WeCeFAR, we found the Nike Reuse a Shoe Program. Nike accepts old athletic shoes at any of their retail stores. The shoes are sorted and recycled and used for playground, and court surfaces. Not only are the shoes being put to good use, but they are not filling up a landfill.

This has worked out well for us. When Paul signs up to do a race, we contact the RD and ask permission to collect shoes at registration and then simply find a Nike store near the race course to drop off the shoes. So far we have collected 35 pair at Swamp Stomp and 43 pair at CPO race. We will be in Blue Ridge this weekend. So look for Henry's homemade Nike ReUse a Shoe sign and bring us your old, tired worn out shoes.

-Lisa Cox