Running superheroes: The Good Guys Tri

I think the world likes to believe in stories about super heroes because they need to believe that there people out there willing to put their lives on the line for others. In the real world we are surrounded by them, but we often miss them as we go about our own lives.

An example of these heroes are an Ottawa group called the GoodGuysTri (GGT), through there are no capes or skin-tight suits.

The Good Guys

Mike Herzog – GoodGuysTri Founder, a long time endurance athlete and, more importantly, a volunteer for various charitable organizations one day came to the realization that the path to fulfillment in his life was less about him and more about giving without expectation of return.

“Amazingly, through, giving, I was afforded the opportunity to quietly witness events of human strength, true compassion, and the kindness the world offers. It seemed to re-balance a world seemingly filled with horrific imagery and ugliness.”

Mike is 41, was born in Montreal and was brought to Ottawa by his parents at an early age. Along with his immediate family of a loving wife and two young daughters, Mike says he has a equally growing family of GGT Ambassadors, volunteers and followers. Although focused on fundraising and doing good, Mike still runs well. Once a sub-34:00 10K, runner he still manages decent half-marathon times and races triathlons.

Mike chose the name for his organization from one of his passion for triathlon and from his childhood memory of his mother constantly reminding him to be and do good.

In September 2014 the group is helping to fight cancer with a team entered in the Sear’s Great Canadian Relay.

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-ai0FEu7m8[/youtube]

Through my connections in the Ottawa running community and through my friend, running podcaster Alex Flint, I was introduced to the Good Guys Tri group.

What is one memorable experience you can share from the good you have done so far?

“The biggest and most memorable is the Family GGT has afforded us. There is nothing better than surrounding yourself with truly amazing people that inspire me every single day. My reality and outlook is created amid people who refuse to believe in limits, who express love and vulnerability, and who prove that the world is filled with people who care and understand that we are all interconnected.

Why should a runner join an organization like yours?

“Joining is not so much a choice but rather that ‘Passion acts like Gravity.’ We don’t act because we feel we should. We act out of passion. Many people have joined because of the causes we support and others are simply drawn to us because of our passion to do good. No politics or ego; just doing what needs to be done.”

What big plans/dreams do you have for Good Guys Tri?

“The big dream is to stay true to our mission and grow organically. We are not interested in growing artificially or for the sake of being big. The dream is help others to simply do good, and show others how good it feels. It is in every single person; we can do good every day by listening, holding open a door, smiling or raising $100,000 for kids cancer, $30,000 for the Heart Institute, or putting our own achievements aside for the greater good. Simply put, living the ideology that the world is sufficient and our survival dependent on collaboration.”

The Canadian running and endurance community seems made up of so many giving and good people. The Good Guys Tri group really runs for others and it was great to meet and talk with real, everyday superheroes.

See you on the roads or in the blogosphere!

Do you have a running story to tell?

runningwriter@hotmail.com

You can also catch me on Twitter @NoelPaine, on my personal blog or hear who chatter away on my new podcast.