From an Owner’s Eye: Life After
There is a life after …. After youth, after love, after joy, after birth, after disappointment, after death after loss …. After this, after that, after everything and anything … so what do you do?
You live and accept the “life after”, move forward, activate resilience …. Just keep going. Is it easy? Nope. But you do it. That's resilience.
Early Monday Morning we shared a shocking moment with you for our sister company, YellowJacket Racing (YJR), the company that has been bringing a multitude of events from 5Ks, marathons, half marathons, trail races, road races, community events since 1998, lost 95% of its equipment to produce these events to a horrific warehouse fire. Created by Boots in order to bring to WNY what he experienced racing around the globe; I, Ellen, came into the picture in late 2001 with an equal unknown passion to do the same.
Once upon a time all the equipment fit into the back of an Astro Van and over time, growth and all the pretty cool things a business experiences we were able to fill a warehouse. Today that warehouse is a shredded mound of black ash, where other businesses also suffered and one person was injured which we learned late afternoon on Monday. We understand they are ok, thank god. Dramatic, you bet. But dramatic is often what creates life after ….
Once upon a time in the JCC locker room where I (Ellen) taught Spinning, someone said to me, “we all got “stuff””. At 31 years of age this stuck and was my personal first lesson on “Life After”.
Yup, Sunday night there was a fire. Yup, YJR pretty much lost everything. But pick any meme you want, there is life after if you are lucky to be able to experience it. If there is anything we learned in the last few years, it’s that there is life after. So what are you gonna do with it?
There is always curiosity when big things happen as to what will they do? We will be transparent. We will go forward!
We will host a race at Pumpkins in the Park, DCSR, VeteRun (god knows our vets definitely know life after), Schutt’s Cider Mile, The Webster Turkey Trot where it might just feel like 1972, Reindeer Run, Santa Stampede and capping it with that warrior crown at Winter Warrior. Then it’s really 2023. Bring it! Pick a race, pick a goal, pick a distance …. What is your life after?
What is left of YJR? Two smaller PA systems (one for cheering at the finish and one for the Boisterous GO), 2 timing mats, several timing boxes, bibs and backdrops, 2 tents and the shirts and medals that were pre-ordered and on their way for upcoming events. You know what else is left ….. The people! Absolutely priceless. Between the team at YJR and Fleet Feet, they know us and are ready to rebuild with us. We Appreciate YOU! Our Fleet Feet Ambassador/Coach/Mentor Team, we see your new profile pics. Much love. And to each and every one of you who toe that line. The People!
Thank you for the calls, emails, drop ins to Fleet Feet, texts, notes, messages – we are trying to keep up with responding. We read each and every one. We thank you.
People ask, what can we do. In truth, get out there. Pick a race. Gather friends. Change the paradigm. Racing can indeed be a chance to see how well you can do, but it can be a way to simply just do! Be with others. Be Happy. Spread Joy. When have you been to a race that didn’t bring joy to the streets or trails of that city or town. Life after …..
Again, to the First Responders. We hope you get rest. Sadly you are going to have to fight another challenge that creates someone’s life after, but you do. You show up. Much much gratitude.
So, where is our life after … we keep going, we persevere, and let US help you do the same thing! Let us help you find your life after …. Whatever or whenever that may be needed.
Much love and gratitude,
From all of us at YellowJacket Racing & Fleet Feet 
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