Grand Rapids: Runner finds healing: Former drug addict finds new focus preparing for 10K run

By Ted Roelofs The Grand Rapids Press GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -- With plenty of sweat and weeks of training behind him, Guiding Light Mission resident Garcia Nelson is holding fast to his dream. "I'm tired of being a quitter. This is about being a finisher," said Nelson, 56, who is teaming with other Guiding Light residents run in the 6.2-mile race at the May 14 Fifth Third River Bank Run. A life ruined by heroin brought Nelson to the homeless shelter at 255 S. Division Ave. in November. Not long after, someone asked if he wanted to join a running team. Others put up their hands, including mission resident Rusty Bowers, 45, who was a chain smoker and addicted to crack cocaine, and John Hazebrook, 32, who battled alcohol abuse. They joined TV and radio personality Gerry Barnaby, who stopped in at the mission last fall and suggested substituting a healthy addiction -- running -- for those that ruin lives. Barnaby accompanies them on many of their runs. "These guys, every day when I show up, I am humbled by their commitment," Barnaby said. "They make me appreciate the real strength and depth of human motivation. These guys are such an example of people who deserve a second chance, who are trying so hard to be better." From a physical standpoint, Bowers might have the toughest road to travel. When he started, he was a wheezy 240-pounder who had never run in his life. And he was diabetic. He got his weight under 230 pounds, quit smoking and switched to a high-protein diet. Just recently, he quit taking medication for his diabetes. As he made those changes, he struggled for a while with rapid swings in his blood sugar level when he worked out. He was discouraged, thinking he might have to quit. But Bowers believes he has put that behind him and is now focused on his last month of training. He met Grand Rapids native and Boston Marathon winner Greg Meyer and took words of encouragement from him. "He gave me a lot of comfort," Bowers said. Bowers, in turn credits, Hazebrook for inspiring him to go on. "He has really been a huge help," Bowers said. The Guiding Light runners also could take inspiration from Odyssey House in New York City, where recovering drug addicts have built a notable record of achievement by training for and completing the 26.2 miles of the New York City Marathon. An estimated 185 addicts have completed the marathon in the past decade, many of whom have gone to build productive lives. The lanky Hazebrook might be the most gifted runner in the group, thanks in part to his experience on track and cross country teams at Hudsonville High School. But he draws inspiration from the resolve of the others. "We're starting to get focused," he said. "We're like a team. It's been great. "Some of the guys are doing two or three (workouts) a day. They are pretty serious about it. It's fun to watch." Two new residents at the mission have joined the team as well. Hazebrook said the common purpose driving them all makes them more than the sum of their parts. "Everyone is going 110 percent. But people have bad days. Other people are picking them up." Published: Wed, Apr 20, 2011