Holly Koester - again

Call me biased but I absolutely never tire of talking about my good friend Holly Koester. Many of you know the story by now but let me reiterate for those who are new to my blog.

Holly was an Army captain at the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama and had been in the U.S. Army for nine years when she was called on post for Desert Storm in 1990. As she drove to report for her post in a civilian vehicle with a history of tipping over she went on a temporary road and the car rolled. She injured her spinal chord and lost the use of her legs.

After being told she would never be an athlete again, Holly began racing in marathons. Not out of spite (if you know her there is not mean freaking cell in her
body) but because that is all she knows how to do: excel.



Well in Juneau, Alaska at the Frank Maier Marathon just a few days ago and 102 marathons after her journey started, Holly became the absolute first person ever, male or female to race a wheelchair marathon in all 50 states.

I am glad to call Holly a friend. Time and time again, when I hear people make up excuses for not doing things in life, be it because they aren't "built like a runner" or lack something somewhere, I think of Holly. I usually keep my mouth shut but think about how there are so many people out there who do not let limitations stop their dreams.

In my speeches, I am often asked who inspires me. with so many friends like Holly out there, I often reply: "Who doesn't?"

Way to go Holly!