Day 123: Supported Running Joe

I love getting random act suggestions.  I actually like doing random acts that are suggested more than the ones I come up with on my own because typically they are things that are important to someone.  I also love doing things to help support the men and women of the Armed Forces.  Recently a reader (Thanks Chelsea P!) suggested a random act that involved a member of the Armed Forces, so I knew it was too good to pass up.

Joseph Lee Ortiz a.k.a. Running Joe is a veteran of the United States Navy.  Due to the physical toll of active duty, as well as a car accident, Joe suffered from hip and back pain that "took control of his life."  In 2010, Joe decided to make a change and began running, which surprisingly left him with little to no pain.  When he saw the benefits that running had on his well-being and health, he decided he would make a habit of it.  Since 2010, Joe has 3 Ultra Marathons, 11 Marathons and 8 Half-Marathons.  Recently, however, he has decided to take it one step thousands of steps further.  Joe recently embarked on a journey to support The Wounded Warrior Project, The American Diabetes Association, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and Karno's Kids which battles childhood obesity.  This journey, dubbed The Trot to Texas, will see Joe run from Mission Beach, San Diego to his hometown of Aransas Pass, Texas.  In 31 days, Joe will have run over 1500 miles crossing through 4 states.  So today, for my random act of kindness, I left words of encouragement on Joe's Facebook page.  I am also purchasing one of his wristbands to support The Wounded Warrior project.  Good luck Joe!  I will be following the whole way.