We need to all spend some time during our daily life to consider what a season without racing may look like.  Regardless of what cities and states decide to do, it seems clear that we are a long way off from being allowed to congregate in large gatherings again.  The goal of racing does not need to be about when we race, but just why. 

Why is racing important? What does it give you? That is the feeling we can think about as opposed to the when of racing.  Racing will come back again, when it does, we will all appreciate the gifts we gain from this sport but understanding what those gifts are might help your mental approach moving forward.  Whatever it is, you will need to answer that question.

For each of us that answer will be different, and it may shift year to year, week to week. For us here at KPF the racing is about inclusion and community.  Showing inclusion not just to our athletes but to our volunteers, families, and everyone at the races.  The community provides us the backbone for so much more of what we do.  It is those interactions we crave more than a race medal or a t-shirt.  So, what does racing mean to you?

Brent Pease - Executive Director, The Kyle Pease Foundation

Last week my brother Brent posed the question to the board of The Kyle Pease Foundation, “What does racing mean to you?”  I pondered the question and thought that it would make a wonderful topic of this week’s blog to give readers a little insight to the possibility and the reality of this very real question, “What if we don't race in 2020?”

Currently, race organizers are scrambling to figure that out as are we. Everyone must ask themselves what a season without racing may look like. Initially the thought of that devastated me. I love to race, and our athletes love to feel like a part of the racing community. But to be frank there is a strong possibility that we may not race this year. I would have never thought I'd be writing about this in the beginning of May, but it is out of our control and we have to focus on why we love to race.

We must think about ways to engage our athletes and find alternative ways to race. Whether that is going outside with family friends, while being safe and social distancing or using your imagination that you are cheering your buddies on as they are cheering you to the finish line. I encourage you to look back at all your medals and imagine the feeling of success and accomplishment you felt when you completed a race. That feeling is one that does not escape you even when you are not out on the course. Once a winner, always a winner.

We are a part of the racing community and part of The Kyle Pease Foundation family when we are out on the racecourse and even when we are not. No athlete loses the distinction of being an athlete in between games. They are athletes on and off the field.

As a person who has a disability, like many of you, every day is like a marathon. Every day I wake up and all the challenges that might come are far more challenging than a mere 26.2 mile race - but with the help of other people and the support of my family, friends, caregivers, I make it the finish line – There may be no medal or no olive wreath at the end of each day, but I know I achieved victory and I know that one day we will be racing again.

It is my belief that the only person who can keep you from achieving your racing goals is you. Trust me when I tell you that the foundation is doing everything in our power to come up with creative ways to include everyone in an inclusive atmosphere during this challenging time.

I asked a couple of our athletes to why they like to race. Here are the thoughts shared by a couple of our athletes.

Kyle Pease - Chief Inspiration Officer, The Kyle Pease Foundation

“It means opportunity; a great way to show what type of talent you have.”

Emmanuel McFarland

“I love racing because I love to compete with people, and I love the energy that the spectators give me.”

Bentley Grace Hicks