Published: November 07, 2009 08:43 pm      

DODD: Running for angels

“There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.” — Erma Bombeck

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Scott Poindexter has very fond memories of his childhood Christmas mornings.

“I remember the toys, waking up at 3 in the morning and waiting for hours. We would sneak in and think we were getting away with something, they (his parents) would yell and tell us to go back to bed.”

Now the father of a two-year old son, Nolen, Scott is creating a whole new set of Christmas memories. He has a bigger ambition. He wants to be a part of helping as many kids as possible have wonderful Christmas morning memories of their own — even those for whom such a thing is not a guarantee.

Let me give you a little bit of a back story on Scott Poindexter, a 27-year-old, happily married working father.

Scott likes to run. No, Scott loves to run. He can run longer than almost anyone else I personally know. In fact, on Nov. 14, Scott Poindexter plans on running 100 miles.

Scott first competed as a triathlete in 2007. Shortly thereafter, he completed his first Iron Man competition — but not without learning some hard lessons. He says now, entering that initial Iron Man was a decision that was “premature.” He learned the hard way that athletes who compete at such an endurance level must not only train hard, but also train smart. The race preparation is as important as the pre-race training program. He was not properly hydrated during that Iron Man competition and had to fight his body much of the way.

Several marathons and Iron Man competitions later he is a very knowledgeable competitor. He has even completed a 50-mile competitive run. The next logical personal goal is now to run 100 miles. Since most of the established 100-mile races are out West and he doesn’t have the means to take the time and expense which would cause a great level of sacrifice for his family, he is going to run 100 miles in downtown Jeffersonville. Along with satisfying a personal goal, Scott wanted the run to benefit others. Therefore he contacted the Angel Tree program and will dedicate himself to, as his flyer states, “Running for Angels: 100 miles and worth every step.”

For anyone who wants to support Scott there are several ways to get involved. First of all you can make a donation/sponsorship of which 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. He could also use some support from people who will show up either at the command post or to line up and cheer him on along the route. Some volunteers will man the home station which will be in the American Commercial Lines parking lot beginning at 6 a.m. Nov. 14. Scott would also welcome any local runners who wish to accompany him on his trek through downtown Jeffersonville for any part of the run.

He has a specific program inked out to follow to insure proper hydration and nutrition. He plans no more than a two-minute stoppage at any time during the 24 hour period during which he hopes to complete the 100 mile run. He compares the 100 mile run as much harder than his usual Iron Man contests because he will not be switching the primary muscles that are in use. He will have to maintain primarily a liquid diet for the initial 60 miles and after that interspersed with some fruit and pills that contain electrolytes and sodium supplements. Also various forms of caffeine intake will be used during the run.

How will he cope with the discomfort — both that physical and psychological?

“I just say no (to pain) and keep on moving.”

He says there is a distant runner’s mantra that goes, “It’s not going to get much worse (the pain/discomfort).”

Scott occupies his mind with thoughts of the family and in some cases reminding himself, “Why I am doing this.”At some points he will listen to either music or a book on tape with an MP3 player.

Scott thinks if his nutrition plan is done correctly he should lose somewhere between 5 to10 pounds during the 24 hour period. Hydration is most important because, “There is always a fear of kidney failure.”

He must also be cautious in any breaks he would take. “If you stop too long, your body starts to shut down, muscles tense up and tighten. Once that happens it might be impossible to continue.

The route Scott will run consists of a 6.25 mile loop which begins at 1701 E. Market St. (ACL parking lot) and goes east on Market Street until a left turn on Perrin Lane. He will continue west on 8th Street to Spring Street follow that direction back to Market Street which returns to the starting point.

I asked Scott’s wife, Adrienne what her initial reaction was to the idea of running 100 miles.

“I thought he was crazy at first!” She did say that she does support her husband’s running and is always proud when he accomplishes a new personal goal.

Roxanne Haley is the Business Administrator for the Salvation Army in Southern Indiana and she is excited about Scott’s venture.

“I think this is the first time that someone in Southern Indiana has done something like this, it’s wonderful!”

Haley said Scott’s personal sacrifice and compassion will bring awareness to the program which is expecting large numbers to be seeking Christmas help from The Angel Tree program this year. Roxanne estimates that need will involve around 5,000 area kids this season. Haley said the actual Angel Tree program kicks off at the Greentree Mall on Nov. 27, but businesses or groups that wish to participate can call the office at 812-944-1018 prior to that date and ask to speak to Roxanne or Denise. A representative will be on hand from around 8 or 9 a.m. on the day of Scott’s run.

Scott is anxious to see if his initial run is successful and would be willing to try and organize an annual event with other runners joining in for the Angel Tree cause. He says he hates to think of any kid with a “wish list’ waking up on Christmas morning to an empty stocking.

Any messages of support or other requests can be made to his e-mail address, Gius36@msn.com or at the Facebook address, Running for Angels. Donations can be mailed to Running for Angles, P.O. Box 82, New Albany, Indiana 47151-0082.

Scott’s brochure expresses wishes for his sacrifice to benefit those less fortunate than his own two-year old angel, “With your help, we can make this a very special Christmas for the children and parents alike.”

Lindon Dodd is an Otisco resident who is a freelance writer and can be reached at lindon.dodd@hotmail.com