Episode 121: Rooster Rossiter - Together We Shall

Episodes

Aug 15

Listener note: This episode includes discussion of the death of a child, grief, depression and PTSD.

Rooster Rossiter pushed his daughter Ainsley in more than 100 races. After she died at 12, he turned her legacy into Ainsley's Angels, now serving athletes in hundreds of communities.

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About this episode

Kim "Rooster" Rossiter is a retired Marine Corps major who served 25 years and lives in Virginia Beach. His daughter Ainsley was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, an extremely rare disease, while he was deployed overseas. In 2008 a physical therapist invited them to a boardwalk race, Rooster saw Ainsley's smile from behind her chair, and he became her runner for more than 100 races, including four Marine Corps Marathons. Ainsley died in February 2016, and Rooster went on to lead Ainsley's Angels as president.

We start with my 8-year-old daughter Sydney asking Rooster about Ainsley, and he talks with her about legacy and service. Then we cover his path into the Marines, meeting his wife Lori, Ainsley's diagnosis and final race, grief and marriage after losing a child, his 1,492-day run streak, and how Ainsley's Angels grew to more than 40,000 volunteers and riders. He also invites anyone who thinks they could never push to just try.

In this episode, we discuss

My daughter Sydney asking Rooster about Ainsley's story and what legacy means
Meeting at the Indy Mini expo and the goal of 50 teams for the race's 50th running
Growing up in New Jersey and Louisiana and joining the Marines right out of high school
Picking the Marines after an encounter at the recruiting office
Serving 25 years in intelligence and staying awake for 54 hours in training
Learning of Ainsley's diagnosis of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy while deployed
Reconnecting with his high school sweetheart Lori and starting a family
How Lori became Ainsley's full-time caregiver
Ainsley's first race on the Virginia Beach boardwalk in 2008 and seeing her smile
Running more than 100 races together and her final finish at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2015
Briley's first 5K alongside Rick Hoyt and her children's book Born an Angel
Talking openly about grief, depression and feeling all the feelings
Keeping a marriage strong after losing a child
Starting a run streak on Christmas Day 2015 that lasted 1,492 days
How Ainsley's Angels runs triathlons, the Sunset 5K in Lake Charles and a vision of a world that doesn't need it

Chapters

00:00 · Intro
08:00 · My daughter Sydney talks legacy and service with Rooster
15:00 · Meeting at the Indy Mini and 50 teams for the 50th
21:00 · From Louisiana to the Marine Corps
33:00 · Ainsley's diagnosis while deployed
35:00 · Meeting Lori and starting a family
44:00 · Ainsley's first race on the Virginia Beach boardwalk
47:00 · Becoming her runner and her final Marine Corps Marathon
53:00 · Briley, Born an Angel and legacy
56:00 · Grief and feeling all the feelings
1:00:00 · Marriage through loss
1:06:00 · From local 5Ks to a national charity
1:11:00 · A 1,492-day run streak and pushing again
1:24:00 · The Sunset 5K and the race series
1:36:00 · Together we shall, Lose Yourself and what's next

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Where to find Rooster

Ainsley's Angels
Together We Shall podcast

Mentioned in this episode

Races: Marine Corps Marathon, Indianapolis Mini-Marathon, Ainsley's Angels Sunset 5K, Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon, Air Force Marathon
Organizations and charities: Ainsley's Angels of America, United States Marine Corps, Team Hoyt, United States Coast Guard, George Mason University Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School
Other: Born an Angel by Briley Rossiter, Rick and Dick Hoyt, ASICS short film about Ainsley, Eminem's "Lose Yourself", "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen, Cold plunges

Previous guests mentioned

Related episodes

Frequently asked

Who founded Ainsley's Angels?

Ainsley's Angels grew out of Rooster Rossiter running races while pushing his daughter Ainsley, who had infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, and it became a formal 501(c)(3) charity in October 2011; Rooster is its president.

What happened to Ainsley Rossiter?

Ainsley Rossiter was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, an extremely rare disease, and after more than 100 races with her dad Rooster, including a final Marine Corps Marathon in 2015, she died in February 2016 at age 12.

How can I push for Ainsley's Angels?

Rooster Rossiter says to sign up for free at ainsleysangels.org, choose your region to get local race invitations, and email the organization if there is no chapter near you yet.

Support this show

Transcript

This transcript was generated automatically, so it may contain errors.

This is a Sandy Boy Productions podcast. Ally Brettnacher: Welcome to Finish Lines and Milestones, a podcast that celebrates the everyday runner. I'm your host, Ally Brettnacher, and if you run, you're a runner and every runner has a story. Join me every Friday as we celebrate these stories and we cross finish lines and celebrate milestones together. This week's podcast is brought to you by Cure Hydration. Obviously, if you're listening to this when it comes out, we are in the midst of summer training. It is hot. HOT Hot. So if you're looking for another way to hydrate throughout your day, or if you're looking for a way to keep your family hydrated, cure Hydration has a great product for you.

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And then of course, for me, as I'm training for a marathon during the summertime, just adding in additional electrolytes and hydration is important for me to be able to tackle those long hot runs or runs on the treadmill when I decide to stay inside. If you'd like to try cure, you For finish lines and milestones, listeners Cure is offering 20% off your first order. So if you wanna stay hydrated and feel your best, you can visit cure hydration.com/alle B, and you can use code alle, B-A-L-L-Y-B at checkout. That's cure hydration.com. B, use code LEB for 20% off at checkout and report back. Let me know what you think.

And thank you to Cure Hydration for supporting this podcast. Now for this week's episode, I am so honored, so honored to introduce you to Rooster Rossiter, the president of Ainsley's Angels, Ainsley's dad, a retired major in the Marine Corps. I mean, just. An incredible human being, and I had the pleasure of meeting him in person earlier this year. When I met him, I immediately was like, will you please be on my podcast? So for anybody new here because of the Ainsley's Angels family, welcome. Thank you for taking a chance to listen to this episode with Rooster. I know you guys all love him and it's easy to see why this organization.

In the short time that I've been aware of it and involved in it has given me personally so much, and at the beginning of this episode, you'll hear my 8-year-old daughter, Sydney talk to Rooster because she wanted to meet him after I read Bri's Children's book. Born An Angel, which is about. Ainsley when I read her that book, and then I told her I was interviewing Ainsley's dad and she asked if she could meet him, and so she did, and it was such a sweet conversation, but also just a really valuable one, not just for Sydney to hear, but for all of us to hear and just think about.

Perspective, frankly, as marathon training might be hard, as life might be hard. So I personally joined Ainsley's Angels a couple of years ago. I am from Indianapolis, Indiana. Maybe many of you listening have done the Indianapolis Mini Marathon with Ainsley's Angels. Maybe if you're local to Indianapolis, you've done it solo, and now you're gonna do it with Ainsley's Angels after you listen to this. But two years ago, which would've been 2023, I did my first race with Ainsley's Angels. I had seen Tracy Hunter, who was on this podcast previously, and her friend and athlete who's been on this podcast, Angelica, they ran with Ainsley's Angels the year prior, and I just thought, oh, that's so cool.

Huh. I wonder what that takes. Like what do you have to do to be able to do that? Well, the answer is sign up. So they're always looking for additional members of the family to loan their legs for their angel writers. And I signed up. I did it with my friend Ashley Schwab. It's the first year, 2023. We'd had Team Hope. You can kind of see, well, if you're watching above this, I have Hope's Sign that was on our chariot that I hung up there. And this year, Emlyn, my writer did not wanna give me her sign, so that was okay. That's all right. I might have to print my own.

But anyway, so first year was 2023. I decided that I was not going to do the Indie Mini. Anywhere else this point forward. So I've done, this is a humble brag, I guess 17 Indie minis over the years, my first in 2007. And it's a great race and this is the way to do it people. So if you're local or if you're part of the Ainsley's Angels family and you've never. Come to Indianapolis for this race. It's one of the biggest events for Ainsley's Angels throughout the year. It's in early May, the first Saturday in May. It goes around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and to experience it this way is just so incredibly magical.

So after doing it, you know, you start at the front. You get to start before everyone else, before the elites, and it's just incredible to be there with the rest of the wheels to see that big American flag and the start line that you're just standing under. Whereas if you're like me, normal person, you're like way back in the corrals. So that's a cool experience. We line up before that at the NCAA Hall of Champions and walk over all together. It's just a sea of pink and. Then you go and while you might think, oh my gosh, I could never do that for a half marathon.

It's so hard. Well, I'll have Rooster tell you his take on what, he says to people who feel like they can't do it or it's too hard, and that'll get you motivated. But I tell you this, and I did this year too. And Lyn was a 13-year-old girl with Down Syndrome and she ran across the finish line. I should say, she sprinted across the finish line. Okay. I had to keep up with her and the pictures I have of her smile crossing the finish line. Yeah, there's nothing better. And you'll hear Rooster talk about Ainsley's smile and how they rediscovered that smile through running and wanting to keep her happy and, and out doing things with her family and friends.

And so you'll hear the whole story. But that's my plug for specifically joining us. Next year, 2026 will be the 50th running of the Indianapolis Mini Marathon. And so the goal is to have 50 teams, so 50 chariots , 50 angel writers. 50 volunteers to loan their legs, and it actually would be, there's room for like a hundred because typically you have a team of two, so you can trade off the effort. So there you go. Just grab a friend. And the easiest way to get involved is to go to ainsley's angels.org and simply sign up. you can select which area of the country you're in, and you'll start to receive emails and it'll tell you about upcoming events and how to get involved.

So do that. And then this year I just felt before the Innie Mini even. I had been thinking, and I decided that I wanted to do a full marathon. I wanted to do the Marine Corps Marathon in its 50th year as well. It's 50th year this year, and it's a really special race to Ainsley's Angels. It was Ainsley's first and last marathon on Earth, and so I thought, oh, well I did that race before. Why don't I just challenge myself and give somebody else that experience? So I'm a little terrified, but highly motivated and. You're gonna be too after you hear this episode. So Rooster and I talk about his background, a little bit about him and his family, how he met his wife, Lori, and started their family, what it was like being deployed to Iraq.

When he found out, they found out that Ainsley had a diagnosis. And it's an inspiring story and I'll leave it at that 'cause I want Rooster to tell it so you can hear it from Ainsley's dad. How cool is that? I just, the opportunity to be able to meet him and be a part of this family is one that I don't take for granted. In fact, towards the end of the episode, we talk about how they have the sunset 5K down in Lake Charles, Louisiana. And I've done some research on that because I turned 40 the day before and I'm thinking, hmm. My first race as a master runner could be with Ainsley's Angels and Lake Charles.

Louisiana is not somewhere I've ever been, but it looks really fun. And so if you're listening to this and you're like, yeah, that's cool, I'll come celebrate your birthday alley in Louisiana. Put it on the calendar. 'cause I'm pretty sure, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna do that. And then maybe something else too, because obviously that weekend will not be about me. It's about the Inslee's Angels family. So. I really hope that you enjoy this conversation with the incredible Rooster Rosser. Enjoy. Rooster: Oh my goodness. You, you wanted to tell me a story. I'm all ears. Ally Brettnacher: When we read the, about, I thought it was a really, book, and I cried because I thought it was so sad.

Rooster: Oh my. Well, thank you for sharing that and I'm glad you got a chance to read it. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Rooster: um, what did you think was, what did you think was sad about it? Ally Brettnacher: That she didn't get to live as long as other kids do. Rooster: Well, I think it's normal to feel that way. That's, uh, that's good that you have, you know, the ability to feel that. But I will tell you something, she might've only lived for 12 years, but wow. She's, she's had such an impact on so many people, you know, and. Ally Brettnacher: Yep. Rooster: That's kind of special.

And I wish that really for anyone to be able to live their life in a way where when it's all said and done, you know that you, you made your mark. You, you did good while you were here, you know? Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Rooster: So I appreciate that it made you sad, but I also think it should really make you very happy too, to know that she's created something really special and now we get to celebrate what we saw, what we call her legacy. Do you know what legacy is? Ally Brettnacher: No. Rooster: Legacy's really like that thing that everyone will kind of remember you for whenever you go to heaven Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm.

Rooster: that thing that. Kind of when someone says your name, they immediately think of that and, and you can, you can create something that can be your legacy. You can be something that can be your legacy. So many different ways. So like when you think about life and all the many years ahead of you, like right now, what do you want people to know about you? Do you want them to think that you're kind? Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Rooster: Do you want them to think that you're fun to hang around and do things with? Mm-hmm. Do you want, do you want them to think that you care about them?

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Rooster: Do you want them to think that you're a meanie, a real mean person that makes fun of 'em all the time? So it sounds like if you had to like identify what you want your legacy to be. You want people to remember you as a kind person who always made everyone feel safe to be around them. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Rooster: So if you wanna live your legacy as you go on for the next 1, 3, 5, 50, 100 years, keep that at the front of your, of your thinking, that you always lead with kindness. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Rooster: Sounds like a plan to me.

Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Rooster: Okay, Ally Brettnacher: Lemonade Rooster: I'll be on the, I'll be on the watch. I'll be over here watching you as you go do that. Ally Brettnacher: And I also have another story. Rooster: I like stories. What else do you have? Ally Brettnacher: when it was my, um, birthday, we did this lemonade stand and the money from it. We donated it to Angels. Rooster: You did. Wow. How did it make you feel when you were able to make that donation to Ainsley's Angels? Ally Brettnacher: it made me feel really, really, and nice Rooster: It made you feel nice. it sounds like you were doing some of that kindness stuff we were talking about.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Rooster: Wow. Without even realizing it. You are living part of what might be your legacy through service. You know what service means, what is service. Ally Brettnacher: Um, Rooster: Let's break it down into smaller parts. Service. Is that two syllables? Service. Service. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, Rooster: the, What's the first part of the word service? Serve. Serve. Do you, do you know what it means to serve? Ally Brettnacher: also kind of means help. Yeah. Like you kinda help and like give it to people. Mm-hmm. Kinda like do things for other, yeah. Mm-hmm. Rooster: So whenever you go somewhere, and I don't know whether you go to your favorite place to eat or, or maybe you go to school or maybe you go to the doctor, people are serving you.

Did you realize that? Yeah. So your teacher will serve you by providing you with an opportunity to learn more. Ally Brettnacher: Mm. Rooster: When you go eat somewhere, someone might serve you food to nourish your body. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Rooster: Yeah, so, and when you go to the doctor, you might be a nurse or a doctor that's gonna serve you to help you stay well and give you advice. So all of that is service. And sometimes service can feel like it's just about you getting something. But actually the people who serve, they get a lot out of serving. So I think about you at the lemonade stand.

Was it a lot of work at the lemonade stand? Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, and we also, we didn't just have lemonade, we also had some bracelets and I had some other people. was some of my friends that also helped. Rooster: Well, that is awesome. So not only were you able to serve by providing people a service of wristbands and lemonade, but you were able to bring other people, your friends with you, so you were leading. By doing service for other people and it made you feel happy and good, and kind and nice. When you were done. When you were done helping other people, you felt good.

How about that? Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Rooster: That's kind of neat. That's cool. Well, thank you for serving other people and for donating the funds to Ainsley's Angels. It's very kind. Very kind. Ally Brettnacher: I know. Rooster: You know, it's kind. That's good. That's good to know. It's kind because, because being able to tell the difference between what's nice and what's not nice or what's kind and what's not kind is important. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Rooster: That's good. What else do you wanna talk about? Ally Brettnacher: Say you say I'll see you in October. Yeah, see Rooster: Why would you see me? Why? Why would you see me in October?

Ally Brettnacher: Why will I see him in October? Because my race, he'll be at the race. Oh. 'cause I'm gonna go, with my mom to the race. Yep. Rooster: All right. The Marine Corps marathon. Have you ever been to Washington DC before? Ally Brettnacher: Yes, because our Rooster: No. Ally Brettnacher: lived there, so I've been Rooster: Okay. Ally Brettnacher: before. Rooster: Okay. Have you been there recently or has it been a long time? Ally Brettnacher: It's been a long time. Okay. Yeah. Rooster: Well, what's cool is every time you go back, you'll get to learn something new. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Rooster: So I look forward to seeing what you're gonna learn this time, and I'll see you in October.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Rooster: Okay, well thanks for visiting. Bye. Ally Brettnacher: Bye. Rooster: Okay. Ally Brettnacher: I think Rooster: finally, I think we have Ally Brettnacher: Rooster rooster need No Rooster: last name necessary Ally Brettnacher: rooster like Madonna Rooster: yeah. very I mean, by no means would or uh, bono. Madonna. Madonna. Uh, but yeah Works Uh, Kim Rooster, Ainsley's Angels President Ainsley's dad retired Marine major proud father three and a wife of gosh 30 years I live in Virginia don't know what else we wanna say Ally Brettnacher: That Rooster: was good That was perfect Ally Brettnacher: Right man I felt Rooster: so lucky that I Ally Brettnacher: got a chance to Rooster: meet you in person Ally Brettnacher: at the Indie Mini year Rooster: an literally up the expo floor.

It's like oh hey the way are I guess I always love those opportunities too, because be able to welcome people to the Angel's, angels of America family not say especially, it it even more when you those who to actually be our charity at the Marine Corps huge race for and it's cool to people ahead of the actual yeah Yeah that was cool Well and I don't know if you know this Ally Brettnacher: but I actually hadn't Rooster: Wait had I committed to doing it No I had Ally Brettnacher: okay nevermind I was say just like Rooster: put me over the edge though with Ally Brettnacher: excitement in Rooster: terms of Being able to Ally Brettnacher: actually meet you talk Rooster: to you you shared some about the story when we Ally Brettnacher: were chatting I'm like I need to Rooster: get you on my so I can share your story and the Ainsley's Angel story Ally Brettnacher: with more people next year at the Indie Rooster: Mini is gonna be Ally Brettnacher: the Rooster: 50th year for the Indie Mini Ally Brettnacher: And so we want 50 Rooster: teams Ally Brettnacher: have how many there are right now?

Rooster: Yeah, no, I don't know right now only 'cause indie Mini's May. Um, Christie Ally Brettnacher: right Rooster: Yeah. mean, of course Christie would have Christie High, ambassador in North central would have all details But But I do know I think 50 is attainable and it's attainable because we've grown it over the years. If you were just Hey, we did race last year, next year we 50. And by way, when we say we're talking about athletes disabilities who are paired at least 50 folks who loan legs then pulled around course by disabilities. So, um, that's a And so Marine Corps Marathon, there was time I remember getting the starting 2011, and it it was Me and Ainsley and they said, go whenever you sir.

I'm what? This is, wild. Right. Um, and now, uh, we're, think we have 75, 71 75 athletes with you know, call angel teams running, which the 50th Marine So I if we can milestones, see what I did hit these milestones at Corps Marathon, there's no doubt hit them Indie Mini and the director's not anything to curtail us. Like they're here because we've demonstrated through years a safe way to execute this So go do that Well Ally Brettnacher: most of my listeners, actually, not most, I would say half of the listeners of this podcast are local to Indie because that's where I live. And so a lot of people I interview for this are local, and so I'm really, I've already know people who've told me, ally, I signed up to do it next year because of you, because I saw it and it looks amazing, and we want that experience.

We wanna give somebody that experience. So I'm really excited to keep recruiting we can have at least 50 teams. Rooster: Yeah. that's for all those folks that are that thinking about doing I also 'em to take time to go ainsleys and, and register to become part of family it's free upper right, join the But if you click that button, can select Indiana and then you can select North Indiana Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Rooster: you're not from that area, can look and see state what locale we are in. We're in hundreds of communities But I mentioned because until do you're not gonna get board with all the local emails invitations, because we do 600 900 races a year across There's more just Marine Corps Marathon or Mini And so we'd love your listeners get involved in, doing this I don't know, monthly Where do you live Ally Brettnacher: I'm gonna tell you I'm, I'm hooked.

I'm in, So Rooster: I mean, as runners, we get to in our journey where we really want to this ourselves. And I I take away from the runner who has these goals for themselves it We've had individual and educational and spiritual goals in life but a point where you want to serve others And you know we talking with your daughter I don't know they've heard that hear it later, when talk about service man like serve others so for those that serve. it's really, really important for you as individual to We all have a to give So to is special But anyway I could for Ally Brettnacher: I mean, too.

I mean really. I couldn't feel more strongly about that now too I mean I've been running for quite a while and I really was like, I'm like, I can't PR every race. I need something different. I need do something different. And I've, I'm on the board for the CNO Indianapolis Monumental Marathon that's here Rooster: November Ally Brettnacher: And so I was giving back through like volunteering at races. that's really how I started thinking about, I need volunteer more. I give back to this community more And somebody a friend of mine, it Rooster: been maybe three years Ally Brettnacher: ago now, ran with Ainsley's Angels the Mini.

And I it and like if I that. I just get So I'm glad bat Rooster: people to do Ally Brettnacher: because it's not hard Rooster: and you know, good not That's easy come to life this need for others And once can realize that, and maybe you just now revelation, whoever's hearing our voices it. Congratulations, you made but, but you've been there whole life. You just really categorized If you think it, you've had to serve others since were you know, Stan a 7 8 maybe doing something in your community sports and school clubs and it's beautiful feeling about makes you feel but all while, that's we say we shall, because together shall, as the motto of Angels, so much more as, as a team than can as individuals so examples of that in everyone's life and in the history of the world frankly Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm you are Rooster: in Virginia Beach Virginia is where you live Yeah Ally Brettnacher: from where in south somewhere Rooster: I, I born New Jersey, lived for eight years.

the moved Louisiana, which is my mom's is from. So from eight to 18 lived in Louisiana the formative years to the Marine right outta high school that put me I 40 countries, states, all place 25 years. And then we landed in Virginia Beach which is where I retired from Corps and turned all my energy and attention towards being my daughter's legacy Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Rooster: I Ally Brettnacher: mean thank you Doesn't do it justice to say thank you for your service I mean you talk about service it's like holy shit Rooster: Well, well you're welcome. But I also say frankly. more almost, it's a privilege have been able serve Do you know how how difficult Entering armed forces is, and I'm it up and make Ally Brettnacher: it sound Rooster: thing God I'm you know can that It's hard mean you have so elements processing process to get the services ability a test, background track know how you smoked marijuana you did during school.

or things didn't do school And then the the medical piece if you use drugs to, to, help you with A DHD a DD there's a whole waiting period that to off of the drugs in order service And to think how family we have with with, diagnosis Diagnoses Diagnoses Ally Brettnacher: I don't know Diagnose I Rooster: yeah diagnose Ally Brettnacher: I Rooster: friends and families with who it would from so to that It was privilege be to be accepted into service. And then the honor gosh just an honor to serve uh During all those years Ally Brettnacher: So Rooster what made you do that at 18 or like right outta high school Is your family a military family What made you join the service Rooster: Yeah.

per per se a military I mean, everyone has elements. I mean, my dad served shortly You know, wife's little in the army, when you talk careerists, there was no to In fact I've gotten into genealogy Ally Brettnacher: and Rooster: a whole nother podcast but no, think it was this um only a couple so think You're in the 12th I what are options? Option go to college maybe Assuming qualify and afford Mm-hmm Option two you can get a job stay job maybe from your parents home maybe your own home Number three you can like leave the completely and go do a thing or a drive the country or backpack Europe or maybe go Hollywood and an actor then number four really of military service of course interwoven in there be law and firefighters those jobs but who qualify local and serve So I through the of uh, my dad said me at one point said you know it's a young person's decision and as I've reflected on that decades it's accurate.

Like you decide 45 to go the Navy You don't decide you you 18 fighter jet Ally Brettnacher: you can you can Rooster: but completely kind of limited. So ultimately a situation where to answer question, as I I examined the options and as I the lens of it's a young person's decision it was one that made the most sense for And, and once I recruiter that I completely changed everything it was Like, like, I'm wanna do That's a long answer is incredible Ally Brettnacher: Well yeah, I mean I just have I have no experience with military at all my family like only maybe grandparents like a little bit but not even really to speak of And so you know whenever I learn about people who have served I mean it just it really is really inspiring and that's why I'm just so grateful Even though from your perspective was an honor I just am like I just feel so lucky that people like you gave their lives For this country so when you first joined How do you decide between like Marine Corps Navy Army Is it decided for you or Rooster: Great question so short answer is get to decide based on kind of the services offer but then of course have one accept so way this works, you're you're 17 there listening your or you're you're it for in the to there's Corps, Army, there's Air there's Space Coast there's all entities.

So really with research look at what each mission the types they and then go to an recruiter for that service and basically let 'em know you're interested from journey, I Air because I two uncles who Force members did 15 years and were my mom's brothers And uh thought maybe that was the answer Gotta go Air cause it makes the most But when in interestingly enough that they need right now. And like wait what do what do you mean So they they then they're working towards those like I they to get X pilots and X of to on airplanes X number of clerical people they have all those for that month or at 92, they have any So, So I I went the the Navy and Navy recruiter was in there and, and, I love brothers and sisters walked Ally Brettnacher: in Rooster: on You know, the recruiter there with feet up his shirt was He had tie.

didn't have tie. He was was all un untucked and unbuttoned and he was actually a the recruiting office to ah, this is the and I need do anything When I was immediately like, So I and as door, there marine in full dress blues probably about 3 25 And just looked at me like can I I help you Like do What are you doing here and in that moment this is what I want Ally Brettnacher: this yeah Rooster: Um and fun it. 'cause you takes to do this I'm like, what? Baloney you know, let's go that test kept me going a long story but just the short of it Well it's Ally Brettnacher: so interesting Yeah I want I never like guy with his feet on a Rooster: desk with a cigarette Yeah You're like this Ally Brettnacher: isn't like I Rooster: want the military Yeah I wanna really Ally Brettnacher: serve and Rooster: Again no no Ally Brettnacher: shade for the Navy Rooster: Thank you Everybody who has served it's something Ally Brettnacher: that you know do in my Rooster: lifetime but I respect Ally Brettnacher: the hell who is So that Rooster: time Ally Brettnacher: in 40 countries 40 like could you Rooster: give us some Ally Brettnacher: I don't maybe stories Rooster: I mean that's 25 years Ally Brettnacher: of service Yeah I mean we have Rooster: no time for that Ally Brettnacher: All of it Yeah But I Rooster: would love to hear just a little Ally Brettnacher: bit about What Rooster: that part of your life was Ally Brettnacher: like Rooster: I mean well so so if you're in and you go straight the, into the Corps, you, gonna go to bootcamp in Carolina, at Paris back then was went San Diego and so all new there.

California. never been California the idea about climate. Anybody to San Diego tell you it's beautiful awesome it's not necessarily awesome you in July for 13 weeks of Marine Corps you know boot bootcamp Mm But I could you know, the it. and, and and that that whole training. Kicks off day you to And then of you you, you finish bootcamp and go back for some more training. I went the intelligence and as an intelligence my was Virginia. So I, I remember when really maybe to Williamsburg Bush family I was super young But I was never um I don't know that I would say I've to Virginia.

you it's 4-year-old but, so now there's to, and it's totally than California go that training And my first duty I done was, was in Japan So here Yeah, 19 was a I just went to Japan and you to get you get chance a a few countries while in had a chance do a few countries and it, it was basically for, for 25 years. there comes in journey where might have some stability where you be a duty station prolonged period and you may there with family Mm-hmm and family stays and you go Numerous all country, it in in Arizona and courses courses in Florida focused insurgent, understanding insurgency, you know, Sears survival evasion, escape training was in California as a a young wild chance see just how go without food and just how can know, if I told how long you the know, and at do you break you know, Oh yeah about at 20 21 was really because knowing your breaking.

It's pretty empowering you how far you go in the And later, was was where we were we were Carolina go the eastern coast on a and, and make from the, to the, the to the, to the coast and do different training there for a deployment and I remember that test was, how how long you stay awake And I remember getting Ally Brettnacher: to it was Rooster: my was 50 54 hours my actually hours that's Ally Brettnacher: like a Rooster: number Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: but you get a point where you're for 55 hours and the boss you a like the boss like, Hey what do do you about blah And my to just 'em like yeah you you, you I just looked just when I should well sir, you know, given the current threat reporting, I would assess the adversary considering A, B, C.

And I'm yeah. So he was like, you, you go to bed This Ally Brettnacher: it Yeah You're you can no longer be awake Rooster: Yeah anyway, I, I could go tell you many a stories that, but there, there the, the whole experience, sitting off of, East getting a to go into Africa I planes, and and I I don't know I even have enough time this but from a Navy to a little smaller to a, to beach to a, a Jeep to a a, place to regroup then get van, and then get a and then get a John You the guy doing around right now, accomplish in the John boat, basically an outboard motor you're controlling with your to place to go.

they bring to place in this little city, and go get an airline ticket, get the ticket go down beaten path to a, runway that's actually grass you then hop on this prop into a major where you now taxi. Anyway, and eventually a and jet takes to wholly country. And in United then you're only before you way into Bahrain, Qatar, uh, Doha, you vehicle and drive all you various in order various things and then fly on a back ship Anyway, it's planes, automobiles. that was what just to and this be a segue was a 30 day after Ainsley's diagnosis of infantile neuro axonal dystrophy Ally Brettnacher: Oh gosh Like Rooster: wild we were a position I just go home because it didn't sense mission wise And the command as long as we are not able necessarily send you home gonna you very busy And gonna leverage the training and all experiences up this point to give an opportunity focus on missions And eventually get point where that distraction wasn't enough and the could see he is like, Hey, you I'm like I'm effing done sir Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Rooster: is yeah, I see a There.

Get helicopter tomorrow. You're fly to ship here you're gonna do that Ally Brettnacher: Well I was, as you were telling the story and just thinking about all that time that you're in the service I was curious about when and how you met your wife and started a family and kind of Rooster: where that came in So that Ally Brettnacher: is a good segue What's your Rooster: wife's name and I high school and I went school and the, the, there's a long story kind that whole But suffice say, we were going main road car friends and she friends, and a road that that cars just drive down That's you just did a freshman.

was a sophomore Yeah, was older and had this thing but maybe it a crush, but Our crush sophomore for I was in And they drove, they oh, well well go here pull and, 'cause that's do. You meet up parking lot everybody out until cops come rush you off but was was was first time that had odd because I, time extremely the story better than I but ex very point um people who knew that person be surprised it was just, I don't know know it was shy lack confidence or I I, don't know but she found herself attracted to that by that and led her to eventually me I'll was Hey, she called a couple would you you to go to wherever And I remember oh, I, I don't know.

ask my And I hung phone, like, wanna, you know what I mean Like so, crazy 13 or yeah. uh, yeah, we dated about year so and then, uh, she'll tell the I up her some other girl, you know, maybe maybe You who Ally Brettnacher: knows Rooster: but it, it not until back that sea So we, we dated 90, 91. I went that Sears 96. Okay So, we had had broken basically like let's just for math, four doing all high school experiences You know, some people say sewing oats, whatever it were during those But after I came and, uh I ended we up connecting and the rest So, got back 96, engaged in 97, got married in 98 she to I was in North Carolina time 2001 We had our 2003.

had In 2005 we we had Camden youngest and final child and it around time Camden being that everything Ainsley's diagnosis Not, not time being but shortly thereafter Geez So that's were were to To take necessary steps no longer at least Um uh, yeah, so the Marine Corps when we got the di, that diagnosis 2007 us to Virginia Beach where it provide continuity care. The expectation was that Ainsley would only live to like 10 years Yeah Given which for listeners that curious, the short is She had build up all along nervous system and that those they built up, would take over system and essentially. this we know until 12, 15, 20 because the the toxins to show on the nervous in first to to But once she those milestones, Right I did there Yeah wife was you know something's not right And, mother's in.

And that's when started which up about a 24 process to eventually get to diagnosis So like, think about your eyes and have optic nerves All of our optic think red with good flow see ainsley's nerves slowly changing from what might to maybe to roses, pink to white, you know? And You know And as that yeah um, it's happening globally And she her journey 12 years where her little body just couldn't take it anymore And, and And uh and she passed away 16, Um which was beyond would've thought we were gonna get her life we attribute I that many, attribute that to really the love my care that my wife Ally Brettnacher: gave Rooster: my Lori her 7 caregiver around the which amazing Uh you talk about gratitude to somebody course is like well it know special And, and that's I caregivers just such huge place Ally Brettnacher: yes Rooster: Oh my gosh Yeah Caregivers Ally Brettnacher: Incredible people I I I didn't realize Well and then Rooster: you were gone when this when the diagnosis happened Ally Brettnacher: I I am just Rooster: thinking about Lori and putting Ally Brettnacher: myself to put myself in just you get this you have a young you know you got One is Rooster: pretty young and then you have this diagnosis Ally Brettnacher: Your husband is Rooster: overseas Yeah.

Ally Brettnacher: Man Rooster: Yeah It's, it's, a and it's sometimes it's it's can't lose You can, we lose sight just how powerful the human mind and human desire persevere you're your offspring your kids and what you'll and the you'll go And never would I want to compare to it like the mom carried child within for, from to nine this is, there to be cared for loved on mm-hmm in all the paternal maternal ways so it's I understand. I was so blessed be pay witness caring for her the that she did way that yeah way poured into all the while having other two children who demand of her interviewing her Ally Brettnacher: Right Yeah.

So at what point you found out when she Rooster: was like Ally Brettnacher: just over a things weren't happening So you're like okay now and then you get the Rooster: diagnosis Ally Brettnacher: a couple years later because it took that long to figure out like to pinpoint what it was Rooster: yeah. And yes. So 12 15 where milestones being and then that kicked process months the reason it so because at diagnosis at four years she one only seven in United So I didn't one outta 70,000 this. she was one of And, we globally within few years after that, there a suspect suspected like 40 to 50 the world Now since then the numbers go because learned much about they've been able help people get diagnosis it's still just you know, there's probably less a hundred world right now with this diagnosis it's extremely rare yeah, really Ally Brettnacher: Wow Rooster: So we're grateful Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: we're grateful have gotten the diagnosis just because there's, a lot you wouldn't get that Yeah Ally Brettnacher: sure Rooster: And then you'd never Ally Brettnacher: may Never know Rooster: You wouldn't.

And, and the diagnosis that she had until point was palsy which really damage to the brain Uh, one MRIs showed something know, smaller than normal cortex, empty frats. a doctor here but enough them to yeah, there, is damage to brain in this spot So, CPE, that's, and so lot our, Angels family members palsy diagnosis And that's sometimes only they'll but possible there's so many other more specific Cerebral palsy, very big blanket Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Yeah of the women I had on this podcast previously Amy Shiman she'll Rooster: be at Marine Corps Ally Brettnacher: her husband pushes her She wasn't I think she was 45 when she was finally diagnosed with this rare type of muscular dystrophy mean it's one of those things where you're like yeah I could see people go there almost God gosh more than half their life without knowing Rooster: So I'm grateful Ally Brettnacher: that that You were able to have an answer Now what did was there any sort of therapies or like treatment of that Ainsley or was it more about just like let's make her as comfortable as we can give her the best possible life that we can Rooster: it was of things.

So yes, were therapies, speech therapy occupational physical therapy um, the, all the the teas And, then there was you types things that that as people in family to and and that's what we wanna s stay in home and just nonstop things and myself And I'm not knocking those that this because there are that do it and therapeutic. But I I in trying understand the disease then to the the disease And it was well maybe there'll be time for that later, but now do things world And that not only an opportunity of the mind and the body a big thing that profess today the importance of of mind and body movement how critical that is But also this she to educate people out there educate people while out there you know was, really really awesome When we Beach, was therapist, Peggy, who who actually gave us this challenge or invitation to down to ocean front and run this newly forming Hoyt Virginia Beach go That's Ally Brettnacher: okay Rooster: So without physical therapist our we would've never exposed to thing called you know endurance running and such life thing.

August of 2008 the Beach Ocean front so one smile, by your runners and listener runners are appreciate When we got down I did push in in So it was structured same type of way Ally Brettnacher: Mm As Rooster: Angela's angels Ally Brettnacher: is Mm-hmm Rooster: your loved one the you we provide the able-bodied 'em and they go run the race Well That's how this was that I didn't know anything about the running all And they took off did they off but like, wait where are they going And, and then physical therapist says, thought you were running all these people have this thing on It's a I don't those.

is that number and she never forget it she goes well, they This is an open boardwalk though. Go. And in that moment I was dude, I did And in hindsight like, I was a a Oh my gosh Ally Brettnacher: bandit You didn't know Rooster: I know I didn't. Ally Brettnacher: you no idea. Rooster: But like, funny think about now, is Angels. has race and we, know, we the timing all the things, and we running like bandits bandits. bad Ally Brettnacher: Yeah You that Rooster: And so so as I got to the one mile, an out and back one and a half miles one a back.

And as I got one mile they were turned at their two you tracking. So I them coming, they're head of pack I see face and she's lit she's smiling Wow and been behind that chair in moment, number one, she wouldn't have been winning moving fast. number two, I have been face. when I saw I gosh, this amazing. She's blast. then I kind run next Dude doing sub six miles, just crushing And I'm, I'm huffing and to to to up and, he's this is fun. This great. like, A gonna She's blast. I stayed probably eighth of of a mile was like well we're to the I'm like, I got man.

Go win. And They won, Ainsley won first race, I for her thereafter Ally Brettnacher: God that's cool so you push her from that point forward then Like every race after that Rooster: Yeah, yeah, So after I saw joy she was I was like, needs do more this. And And I became runner her thereafter. For her, for Okay I wasn't I, I, became to tune eventually running, A hundred races and her final which, we had no in October 2015 Um, but final race Marine Corps It was fourth time And she, she ran to that finish which the Marine Corps War memorial that Iwo Jima statue, which Marine, I know that place February during, during World War ii February Ally Brettnacher: 23rd Rooster: Mm-hmm And then she away on February 2016, couldn't help be like, really You toot.

I see what You wild. So final line Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial, then she away the anniversary of the Iwo Jima flag raising So there's, there's there's stuff going on Um, Ally Brettnacher: Absolutely Rooster: is just that's nuts coincidental. Sure. Okay Ally Brettnacher: No nope was Rooster: doing So, really cool. And, and so that's why Corps marathon is such a special for us back to and as charity partner of, of this massive thing know, 40,000 runners. It's, it's very relationship that we formed the, and the opportunities that many have received across country go and see capital and to feel the energy very crowd Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Mm-hmm I did Marine Corps with my dad in I think it Rooster: was 2013 maybe Mm-hmm.

Ally Brettnacher: yeah So it's been a very long But I remember I wheels at the beginning like Rooster: when I was Ally Brettnacher: we were tackling the hills and Rooster: watching them making their way up these Ally Brettnacher: hill I'm just like holy Rooster: crap how are they doing Ally Brettnacher: this so insane and so I'm excited to Rooster: go back and Ally Brettnacher: give Rooster: somebody that experience Ally Brettnacher: and you know experience myself at a race Rooster: that's so special for Ally Brettnacher: Ansley's Angels the 50th Rooster: anniversary I mean Ally Brettnacher: I cannot Rooster: wait Yeah it's really In fact uh are watching video podcast, the Over Shoulder actually me kissing Ainsley at the start of the 2013 Corps Marathon Ally Brettnacher: Oh well Rooster: go US a in my and, you can see there, but it's a GoPro And then pro produced five six you know, documentary or short film about journey which really the we ever had any of solid storytelling Ally Brettnacher: mm-hmm Rooster: storytelling format that captures, know, the that Ainsley there And course, you know forward to 2022 when Asics, captured really special kind of you know, about Ainsley's journey in another short film I mentioned I'm because have those things forever we talk about This idea like about the journey and these content are captured.

Just podcasts that do You're you're capturing forever And I like to hat say, know, thanks for elevating and amplifying the mini stories Mm-hmm Keep going you for doing Ally Brettnacher: that podcast Well yeah like you Rooster: said it's my honor I Ally Brettnacher: love able to It's Rooster: just so Ally Brettnacher: incredible Yeah to Rooster: at what point did Ally Brettnacher: her older sister start Rooster: running too Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Is how do you uh Bri Rooster: Yeah Bri Okay Ally Brettnacher: Briley When did Rooster: Briley start running just a quick break to let you know this episode is also brought to you by pren X, clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health.

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I take it first thing in the morning, every morning, and I find myself not necessarily needing as much coffee. There are also anti-aging benefits, immunity sy, you know. Immune system benefits, it is a great way to help create more health for yourself. So if you'd like to try Prev X, you can go to previn x.com, P-R-E-V-I-N x.com, and you can use code alle B for 15% off your first order. That's previn x.com/alle, B-A-L-L-Y-B. And thank you so much to previn X for supporting this podcast back to the show. Ally Brettnacher: When did Rooster: Briley start running they did their very first 5K at age nine six.

Briley Ally Brettnacher: was nine Oh my gosh Rooster: was six and it was actually next to and with Rick Hoyt Ally Brettnacher: Oh my gosh Rooster: So I picture hanging in my, garage of and Ainsley Dick and Rick crossing a finish Central and Dick's hometown the reason that the year before Bradley seen all that and I were happening having and that she to do a race that with And we had a to Rick to and do some things with them years she said I I'd that very special 5K And then her it. So it really it happened because There wasn't things Ainsley was do fun and for social socializing age six But Brightly an an do their sister.

They went 30 races together Wow was cool to to as as a, father Um course, the Born an Angel Is something that was able write in her summer before sixth grade year She was, has always really and if any anybody's come across Briley met her communicated with her her ability to communicate verbally ability to communicate through written word is quite remarkable when I mean it's a step above Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Rooster: the in middle I'm in elementary school was the newspaper staff had written thing her sister that led to There's pieces this story, that led essentially being able children's book and get that published and that's another I mentioned content earlier, this forever read the book Ally Brettnacher: Oh my Rooster: You know what Ally Brettnacher: I mean Rooster: that that's powerful, that the power of and, and to have things documented Special Ally Brettnacher: Right It's so mean I mean I can Rooster: make myself cry just thinking Ally Brettnacher: about reading book with them for the time Mm-hmm You know Rooster: I bought it at the mini expo You signed it Ally Brettnacher: for the girls which sweet Rooster: and I Ally Brettnacher: and I Rooster: didn't expect Ally Brettnacher: Sydnee oldest to like understand and and the emotions I mean she just sobbing Yeah Like Rooster: she just and but it was such Ally Brettnacher: an important her to understand hearing you Rooster: talk about the power of legacy Ally Brettnacher: to my you know 8-year-old I'm Rooster: just like is what Ally Brettnacher: it's about Rooster: Yeah Yeah so important so and these are not that I'm speaking myself.

I was conversations about and legacy and when I was, 7, 9 12 Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Shit Rooster: 17 Ally Brettnacher: right I mean 27 I mean like Rooster: But, I use those three I use Like more to poured educating people through experience in power service, in the power legacy, and frankly, of understanding grief and how it is to experience all the phases Because second try to stop or push or a box the second where get really sick and you can only you know compartmentalize for so long Ally Brettnacher: Right Rooster: And There's acronym My instills Courage magic it is magical you actively grieve Yeah I think that your a read the and then feel comfortable in your presence crying In reaction a a story speaks volumes the safeness you're providing her as her mom there's a lot of folks who don't have that safety and that place where to all is encouraged Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Rooster: to in your life where you can no longer feel and if can't feel can't either Right talking about getting high What I'm not talking about token on your favorite you know tobacco talking feeling the thrill accomplishing a milestone Yes line of feeling Is the same thing that you have to the spectrums if, if you're to this in you a chance feel I think line or even better Mm-hmm Because had a chance to feel it It's not awesome Like Yeah it's not During like the past I have been going through very amount of feeling the point of actually using the word this is this is bit of that depression And that that I and a prescription but does that way needing to do that Mm-hmm If I don't feel If Right of it I think that you go through the process of active and can that whole movement mm-hmm I feel helps a lot much I, I didn't you for the past three days myself just kind of just being which is is cool But having this podcast today meant had to I had to move my mind and I had to get prepared through through the how can I actively grieve in this podcast in a way that gets my mind moving So My wife and I take the dog for walks a day and we the So some movement there then know, my ice barrel's outside I some 'cause I said, when podcast is go into that I and and I think I might go for maybe a little jog later I'm saying all this to to back this finish and milestones when what's next race?

your next finish What mm-hmm What's your next life I know asked your guests these questions Sometimes the answer is I have no idea Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: I mean you're not gonna know unless you can get into a place where can move your mind help you get creative with identifying the next milestone 'cause the day no longer excited about a milestone the lines you'll gonna find your final finish line Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: Yeah And I mean to us I'm sorry that I not sorry but Ally Brettnacher: no Yeah no I know Rooster: what you are saying Ally Brettnacher: Well just so important to feel all the feelings that rollercoaster Rooster: of And Ally Brettnacher: I have so for you Rooster and Rooster: coming out and saying like Ally Brettnacher: shoot the last few days I feel depressed I I mean it goes in waves Rooster: some days you Ally Brettnacher: have the highs you're crossing Rooster: lines Other days you're like Ally Brettnacher: this sucks I mean it's just the reality of life sadly And I'm curious about relationship throughout this Rooster: journey Ally Brettnacher: and Rooster: does Lori run at Ally Brettnacher: all Rooster: No love I love Ally Brettnacher: Yeah She probably gets sure with you and Rooster: having Yeah she, does that question she's fit and she presents like she could a that fit present a it could, definitely say, oh yeah, sure a runner the answer no, no furthest ever her run life is about 50 feet front of our house yeah.

So no, not To answer your question you Ally Brettnacher: specific Yeah. I, was curious about your relationship because know people Rooster: they say anyway Ally Brettnacher: I they is necessarily but obviously losing a child going through the experience that you guys went through And being married for almost 30 years now I mean that speaks volumes because even imagine how hard that So what Rooster: got you guys Ally Brettnacher: through it Rooster: Yeah. The, so the I on marriage in is what 50 Ally Brettnacher: Right Something Right Rooster: And number have someone who you're raising with special needs then a it skyrockets 99 point point something if you have child die And so I don't don't have like a here for this Sure I offer that you have to find a way for think communication to be remarkable Hmm even there are times where you don't know how to communicate it being able to know that okay you're not communicating with words something is going on here then figuring out a way in good times how we're to show up each other That's the key so is that easy No.

it get easier after you've been a for so many years No because constantly evolving Humans constantly evolving So I to communication it. But idea that if you're not feeling the feels I'm tying it back to feeling you're numb mm-hmm Then then you're not really your full authentic self And so then how can you're not being the person that you really are So that there's that element is trying to maintain some level of be who you are and not worry about necessarily how might make me feel this Ally Brettnacher: moment Right Rooster: So don't hide Ally Brettnacher: it Yeah That's important Mm-hmm Rooster: but that did, that that because we other know on main road 13 in 1990 And then got married from like I went a significant amount of self-reflection in 2021 that gave me the my emotions and to be able to acknowledge them feel them And year 25 23 of marriage Ally Brettnacher: Right Rooster: Yeah.

So I don't be by this idea that like oh wow He they have all figured out Like constantly evolving as you enter an and as you your fifties like it's new different world to navigate Um and And that navigation comes some level of trusting and communication To answer question I Ally Brettnacher: think Yeah Well and how old are Camden and Briley now Rooster: 20 in 2001 so she's coming on both birthdays so 2020 Uh as I paused Ally Brettnacher: I was like you do the I'm like trying do the math What's what is today It's 2025 so Rooster: she's 20 So Ally Brettnacher: 24 Rooster: a three up in DC conflict resolution the Carter School Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter School Dang George Mason which dual So the other it, she'll she's going so licensed clinical social work on the of gonna be really special experiences and her ability to communicate which means also listen And then uh Camden is in the Coast Guard in Mississippi thriving down marine that's really special to him in the defense of our of our borders Ally Brettnacher: That's so great Yeah especially Rooster: obviously he is doing that you do it He, wanted for because that's dad Mm-hmm then he came his junior year to my wife about just you know life And she said, Hey, I wanted to you thought about Coast Guard And he pushed like, oh, I'm I'm that.

then he got him he did a little and suddenly to my gosh, this service more my passions for to see him go through he came on my podcast together Shall podcast the day after he raised his hand and and did the oath But, mentioned that because him podcast, I like, as an intelligence professional in the Marine Corps I was trained to find people that we kill You're Boson mate in the United States Coast Guard Who's being to conduct and to go save people Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: as father couldn't be more that found this aligns with you to serve other people Mm-hmm yeah special Ally Brettnacher: stuff Rooster: glad he Ally Brettnacher: found Rooster: it Ally Brettnacher: So you right now are empty nesters Yeah Rooster: okay I wanna talk more Ally Brettnacher: about Rooster: and running too because Ally Brettnacher: Yeah I believe Rooster: you and Ainsley did a hundred races Ally Brettnacher: I mean I can like that's lot Rooster: of races I think probably most people listening haven't Ally Brettnacher: come close to doing a hundred races themselves you know let alone lending their legs and you know rolling rolling with somebody I mean it's hard But talk about perhaps I'm trying to think about how to lay this out for people but maybe the evolution of okay we did some five Ks with the Hoyts and then we decided we were gonna do our first full marathon And then now know at what point did Ainsley's Angels truly become Ainsley's angels and then morph into having all these of your own races too So maybe just take us through more of that Rooster: journey if Yeah.

no I question an to kind that because to hundred something it wasn't goal. you know, it wasn't a milestone we were were shooting towards we just fun through the year. So I take you the way I mentioned August oh She does her Mm-hmm And that a 5K And then course I said want be comma daughter a runner for my so we went on do five Ks locally or six of them over the of the next year then the time you the big, big race was was the rock and roll marathon in Virginia Beach Ally Brettnacher: Ugh And that right Rooster: it it did years ago longer it's no longer here in Virginia Beach Ally Brettnacher: Oh okay Rooster: All But it a staple here for years.

It was a every Labor Day weekend was a fact many people around Ainsley's Angels in their run that race Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: and that, so was first half marathon is I'm gonna 2010 Okay It's possible was I'm pretty was 10 The I'm was least of five Ks before half Yes Yeah and then full Marine Corps marathon together 2011 Ally Brettnacher: ran Rooster: a half or two the the way up until three years So there's there that I can get overwhelmed this they go the marathon distance The pinnacle Or even marathoners who are like I need go tomorrow You because Yeah The marathon You know like I feel like our bodies are gonna give so many miles And ultimately pick I think are meaningful or set the that you set to yourself moving But understand when comes this idea it's remarkable Ainsley did races and that had the opportunity be her legs and to push Like I I didn't know anything else I, I didn't five Ks by myself I went and saw my smile and doing races with her And the idea running without or without a a makes me who a race individually because an individual sport to Ally Brettnacher: them Mm-hmm Rooster: But me, I I get attracted to racing because I wanted go into an sport So it's just a different mindset and while you and others may that it's remarkable that legs for races things I understand that mindset and that process I also you to understand that was just doing had something to do with my daughter Ally Brettnacher: Yeah yeah Rooster: 2011 first marathon together also what impetus for the the formal establishment of of So we became 1 C3 charity in October of 2011 is also when we ran the Marine Corps And there's whole about how all that go Together, we podcast one four hear story from four know, perspective But that the in that go spread this thing far as wide as we can And now it's hundreds communities across the country special if over 40,000 people who have uh have their angel wings volunteers Ally Brettnacher: 4,000 Rooster: yeah.

Whether a rider, a guardian angel out race day Or frankly being an ally been pretty special to watch the expansion of this it's it's the mission's pure the You're serving others Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Yeah Rooster: So I still can't Ally Brettnacher: believe I remember Rooster: when you told me the story in person at the mini where you Ally Brettnacher: when Rooster: it was her Ally Brettnacher: last know Rooster: race here physically Ally Brettnacher: Marine Rooster: Corps Ally Brettnacher: then that Rooster: significance of that February date Ally Brettnacher: Like I that just thinking about you know Rooster: after Ally Brettnacher: losing her and having this mission like Rooster: can you maybe Ally Brettnacher: tell people a Rooster: little bit about what it Ally Brettnacher: was like you know Rooster: pushing somebody new for the Ally Brettnacher: first time Rooster: or Ally Brettnacher: know Rooster: how she comes to you in Ally Brettnacher: whatever that might be you see Ainsley today feel her Rooster: most Ally Brettnacher: I cool Rooster: Yeah It's a great question The, the short the shortest is I to name every day because it's Ainsley's Angels Yeah And there's a lot of people who have done studies on this idea saying their name when they die Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Rooster: So people say Ainsley or Ainsley's Angels all across country multiple most multiple countries We've granted chariots these pushing chairs We've granted them to dozen to 20 different countries across the across globe But I get But if I take it back to like you when she died it was a it was a couple of it was Christmas died.

this was this was Christmas day in 2015 and I it was raining uh it ugly it was cold too cold for her to go for a run felt like I needed to go for a run So I went and I told her I'm gonna go run for you today I'm gonna go out here and do this And that into a long, story to 1,492 day streak So if if you want to do the math that's a a run years And I'm it was one outside midnight. to midnight know that was a mile. Most of them obviously were faster buffer for marathon recovery days But you know, and it would've kept going Probably had body allowed it to keep going But I'd bring up look me I ran every day for she died February 23rd was some you know I think Road Street day 55 or something I uh I went and ran that day didn't know that I was going to but did And wow It was so so powerful just remembering she came to me and how I felt her, and how I was able to feel at peace Mm Not just with her And then also with this idea that I still run with And that's what kept me doing that every single day Um within a week of her well she passed on a Tuesday and we had a race that Saturday in Virginia Beach And I, um I went and ran that race and didn't realize I didn't know if I was gonna even go to was gonna be and how didn't know You asked me how did it feel push others Ally Brettnacher: Yeah I Rooster: I, just I that needed to run that day because I could be closest Ainsley and we had a race so I went to the race and this young person and we and did the race And was so um of a of a light bulb moment say that Ainsley may passed away but Ainsley's Angels will will endure and it will endure with me as president of our legacy Hmm There was a lot of Folks that unsure about future of Ainsley's Angels when Ainsley died or thought about it in the the months or years leading up to it it was in that moment solidified yes is what I'm gonna do and not only this what I'm gonna do but gonna probably retire from the Marine Corps soon hereafter and go and continue to do this that's exactly how it played out I I don't know if that answers your question letting me thanks remember that Ally Brettnacher: yeah Rooster: It's a really powerful moment in life yeah Ally Brettnacher: It is just I it is just hard to it's hard to imagine Rooster: Yeah.

It Ally Brettnacher: hard what you guys have gone through Rooster: I Ally Brettnacher: lived Rooster: it I lived lived hard to reflect back on it And and I and I lived but like I don't know It's everybody has some form trauma in their lives Mm-hmm Everybody does That's true And losing is trauma I guess I'm somewhat fortunate at least this choose to look through is that trauma that that was led to something so bright beautiful And I guess when when you can turn traumatic experiences into life altering impact for not just the victims or the survivors but those around choose to to be magnetized to it or choose to allow that light to shine on it's just Ally Brettnacher: special Rooster: Mm-hmm Ally Brettnacher: Yeah And you've mentioned your podcast a couple times Together we Shall podcast And that started in 22 that right 2022 you started that Rooster: a month we've we've, put 56 episodes, so it's not quite hit goal We went through a whole I only mentioned that because I'm I'm nodding my cap to those who have podcasts and stay Ally Brettnacher: it so hard Yeah Rooster: a Yeah Um through a year So my, co-host and I, Joe Joe is co-host of the Together Shell podcast.

He's also the executive vice president of As Angels the the person who's since the beginning growth expansion and scaling Ally Brettnacher: Angels's you Joe initially Yeah Rooster: Together Podcast tells whole story about the Broman bromance, was Orth and was Captain Rossiter under my leadership um at Training School in Virginia Beach for Marina Navy professionals That's where we um, But then a superior subordinate is evolved into into brother relationship special to part of you know for past we met 2008 the, the first episode that story well and every has to kind journey But, yeah podcast. available in all We also put a video format on the Ins Los like to see it those close captioning read it Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Yeah And many 50 you Rooster: yeah Yeah.

56 Ally Brettnacher: 56 yeah Rooster: Yeah. You know, and the reason for the break a about year I got with the process. I, I know you do all the I do Ally Brettnacher: I do Rooster: for So you you this, when you do a a podcast 90 minutes have you have now to minutes of editing to do Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: And it's it's Well, you to every minute of it and then gotta move around put intro and your outro and Ally Brettnacher: all the things mm-hmm Rooster: all the things and by the the like is a whole investment It's way more conversation And point it was time and I wasn't having fun editing To be honest Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: I'm taking a break And came back in The way that was to get back am doing minimal edits So time I hit the stop recording I picking that I'm plugging it in And I'm saying what Yeah a to to this, listen.

if they don't they very well Ally Brettnacher: then they're then they don't I mean that's totally fine Yeah It's You're totally you're absolutely right Rooster: I mean, it blows my mind. Joe has like a seven, eight, you know, four 5 6 hour podcast and is one of most not successful podcaster the world Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: How the world Has that when his podcasts are that long Well people the storytelling so anyway Ally Brettnacher: Yeah they do Rooster: so not have a on docket for episode Um, we thought people who were gonna be our Corps marathon charity team but don't, we decided just force Like when have a guest Yeah we'll bring em on We'll we'll but um Ally Brettnacher: yeah for asking Yeah I mean you have you have no shortage of stories to tell That's sure I mean even just meeting oh gosh Evelyn's mom who I Evelyn's the young woman I pushed at the mini this year her mom Renee and I were chatting and I was just blown away by the fact that she had adopted these twins with Down syndrome that are now 13 She has other children She just was like I felt called I I worked at the hospital where they were born and I just I was just like Rooster: stories Ally Brettnacher: I mean you've got a million of Rooster: Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: there are I mean Rooster: million no shortage are there there and, and they've forever.

she, she like used to live in in Eastern Carolina so Ally Brettnacher: crazy Rooster: they moved. yeah, it's wilder And so there's a there's a, mom adopting Staus. It's an episode did. now kids gosh, twenties and fifties that she adopted from from pretty dire in some scenarios hearing those stories hearing it out the why and people what they do Again those that's It's important because else is capturing it Ally Brettnacher: and it Yeah Rooster: Yeah And Ally Brettnacher: speaking of I'm just thinking about Triathlons because obviously we've you know this is a running podcast but a lot of people I've had on are into triathlons as well And I know that guys do triathlons which could you explain that to people how that's even to do that Rooster: for swim bike run, and we take rafts and we the equipment to the swimmer's back them to accomplish swim And then get out go to the transition and have our chariots can to the back of bikes And so we chariot to the of the and off goes the team on the bike portion And when they get back we can take chair and wheel and facilitate execution of the run So all of that is done you uh, everybody transitions.

Ours are a bit phases Ally Brettnacher: That's wild Rooster: Yeah we we have this happening probably 20 of our, of our, And the reason is is wild and it's Ally Brettnacher: a lot Yeah I mean the logistics already of a triathlon just with people like normal people not say you know what I'm saying Yeah Um is hard And then you add the complexity of Yeah Another human another device you know something that Rooster: you're Yeah So have we have it's mandatory practice time. at a local you know watering hole and they'll Ally Brettnacher: yeah Yeah Rooster: But you you can't, just just a and you've done iron Iron Man Kona mean that you can raft behind you know then we need make sure rider raft and panic start to throw the arms go overboard Like there's a of our riders who Um, frankly, even with a lifesaving couldn't write themselves their head up Um and so triathlon And that's Wait It was, it was grave danger Ally Brettnacher: Right Rooster: right That's Ally Brettnacher: yeah Rooster: Yeah it's cool Ally Brettnacher: Have done one triathlon No Rooster: I have not again I me and and do races Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: Yeah know Um, yeah.

So, no I mean as a Marine had fallen of a naval naval vessel I off of a naval vessel So Ally Brettnacher: that's Rooster: good I'm fine I'm fine not having to go Uh, There's enough would loan their arms and legs athletes so there's no need do that Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Yeah I I am not a great swimmer so I'll leave that to the to the triathletes I was gonna ask Okay About what the first race that you organized and Rooster: put on and kind of how that led Ally Brettnacher: to a whole Rooster: series that Ainsley's Angels like you actually have a Ally Brettnacher: race Series I didn't I mean I still lot I don't Rooster: know about the organization I have limited Ally Brettnacher: experience And so how Rooster: did that start How did you decide okay we're gonna do a race Yeah so and I referring to the We Shall podcast whole episode four, my sister came along four, it three So sister's the co-founder of He's is Chris and Lake Louisiana.

And we to go to Louisiana summer uh, bring kids to see cousins and everyone when I would my leave we would do that Well, this you know, Ainsley and are running We We start Ainsley's Time's on and all of our would to do races like well if we're gonna Charles, Louisiana, Ainsley's Angels southwest exists a location, it'd be great if we're and I I a race Mm-hmm so told my sister like that well, there aren't you're gonna be here was ah well be cool you find one a older brother of like mm-hmm Yeah bet can't find one she created it Ainsley's Angels 5K was born and, and now that has We just executed the 12th Annual Ainsley's Angels Sunset 5K which, you go any our media as you see the video that was together remarkable have a have like to a hundred duo teams or riders um, that out this.

And, and we in the afternoon So when when you day, know the sun's over the and it's course And and party afterwards with dancing singing um great Louisiana cuisine Mm we've date for 2026 down, always a a Saturday July 11th 11 13th annual sunset 5K in Lake Charles Louisiana So Ally Brettnacher: well Rooster: shoot I turned 40 Ally Brettnacher: July 10th Rooster: 2026 go Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Maybe my 40th birthday needs to be in Louisiana Rooster: I mean, have daughter and you and someone together Ally Brettnacher: It'd be so fun I Rooster: really Is she now Ally Brettnacher: She's turning eight next week Rooster: Perfect Mm-hmm So she'll on just like Bri was was did her first 5K Yeah so love have on down Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Yeah I I've been looking literally I've been googling like races July 10th 2026 like trying to figure out where I could go incorporate running into my 40th birthday And that sounds like a good option Rooster: Yeah, know how pick better because there's usually dinner the the night before July 10th which in all out of you know, and riders and, uh, and the next day mm-hmm You wake up your time, eventually come to the race.

the the I like I I don't know. I don't know how you're gonna beat that Ally Brettnacher: July Rooster: Yeah Ally Brettnacher: yeah yeah There we go I Rooster: you just solved my Ally Brettnacher: My problems Rooster: of trying to decide what to So you Marine Corps Marathon October, Indie May, have in July. You becoming a up Ainsley's Ainsley's Ally Brettnacher: right Here I am. these Rooster: are our biggest Those are our biggest three events more um, that are but those probably three Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: Yeah good Well up Rooster: yeah. That ra, that race series, um, has a total 10 races the the Okay all over the country Yeah.

So they range from Uh, the happens in It's of cooler in January Then have a a race in in Eastern Carolina, which is Ainsley's birthplace And then sunset, 5K July Mm-hmm a in Texas in October And then a whole bunch mixed in, various uh, the country Ally Brettnacher: Yeah That's just so cr I mean crazy You've built I mean that you've is is really incredible Really incredible You know that Rooster: I would say take time to think about it I it is remarkable special at core, so many believe the of the mission And are give em their time The volunteers, we have we and nine part-time of 40,000 people So like, about all volunteers are and who are served through this That's keeps it growing and expanding and Ally Brettnacher: scaling Yeah Rooster: It's really special What do you say to people who Ally Brettnacher: are like oh I.

Rooster: could never push I couldn't do Ally Brettnacher: that I Rooster: know I I try my to provide any judgment to to tell em can it because I feel like that's too aggressive so the the, approach I I take is I we're inviting you try and and when that invitation I really feel it's going to move you to a where you realize that this is a wonderful way That you can not serve but your healing and therapy along the way while making connections with other people that give a sense of belonging that is is much more than up until this point in the running community So just know you're invited Ally Brettnacher: so so powerful, rooster.

I don't know how people can like whoever's listening Rooster: like Ally Brettnacher: on mini 2026 think can have Rooster: more than 50 teams but 50 is nice for Ally Brettnacher: marketing purposes the you know Rooster: in many 50 Ally Brettnacher: teams. But think that can continue to Rooster: grow that participation here Ally Brettnacher: I I love to be a small small part of it Rooster: Yeah. we're grateful that's grows. That and the of the of mission and the people up saying, accept the invitation And I, and I out that we have races the year Indie Mini. Anyone who's listening on the website Ally Brettnacher: click Rooster: you invitations month races We just at a location in eastern Indiana that's actually into Western Ohio We have a race in September Force Marathon We're debut there but happening every month across the country and in your communities And if isn't your well, there's a way for you to us change that well Just us Ally Brettnacher: Yeah that's good That's a good If it's not Rooster: how do Ally Brettnacher: how does they reach and say nothing here Rooster: I would be willing to Ally Brettnacher: help Rooster: it here Cool Ally Brettnacher: Same for like Rooster: races like different Ally Brettnacher: races Rooster: Yeah if you wanna Angels's Angels, your not you just email info nfo at ainsley's angels.org name is My is Susie.

live Extown ex you and, and we don't have Ainsley's Angels here And the process of helping figure the closest Um, see want bring we whole training program that educates people the processes to bring Ansley's Angels to their community that's And as an entity that's how we're structured There's Ansley's Angels America everything that lives quote, should I say underneath it or is tied one one Mm-hmm Mm-hmm Mm-hmm EIN or or or 0 1 C3 There's other charities that'll have know chapters or maybe they'll a group have like franchises or affiliates Um, ours is all done under same roof every one of are same family the same process Ally Brettnacher: so Mm-hmm Rooster: Mm-hmm a answer, it starts with see if in your community, if so, and we're not there mm-hmm Email info at process Ally Brettnacher: Yeah I mean didn't I really how many events are to me Rooster: like close enough Ally Brettnacher: There's in There's I mean I when Christie is the Rooster: best Christie and Misty here in Ally Brettnacher: Indiana Rooster: Christie drove Ally Brettnacher: down from Rooster: Kokomo and brought me a freedom Ally Brettnacher: chair to train with Rooster: Yeah Ally Brettnacher: she's like we've other events this is to train I mean being so incredibly helpful so I like I Rooster: could never do that I don't know Ally Brettnacher: do it it Rooster: be too hard It's like well you've also built the Ally Brettnacher: these Rooster: people that will help you through it Ally Brettnacher: and the Rooster: purpose isn't to go win the Ally Brettnacher: race You know Rooster: the purpose Ally Brettnacher: so much bigger than that And You know I encourage everybody to at try Rooster: Yeah.

Christie and your reps. Christie not only what we're in Kokomo in greater central Indiana but to execute the Indie Mini. but person who through years. She's vice education. Um, so she education for new people who community. She puts you through those paces all the while being public educator and the of of four Ally Brettnacher: Right Rooster: Um. grandmother well can't It's really special she's she's quite the blessing and her sister she's always up the next actually on um, to help us with assurance So given her all keys and said, here, go and what we're wrong and we better from efficiency she she that a job a major car manufacturer there Kokomo and she's like, cool, No problem it's really see them to develop their of the relationship through Ally Brettnacher: AIDS Mm-hmm Rooster: Um you know Misty's husband Ramsey a runner um, he pushes Kendall's, is is Christie's daughter Who uses a wheelchair to navigate and to see family that much more tighter Through this goal and is so than anything I I ever thought that would happen we said Hey yeah let's become this across the United States Ally Brettnacher: Okay I Rooster: before I go to the end of the podcast Ally Brettnacher: questions rooster you see future of Ainsley's Angels Like Rooster: what do you or do Ally Brettnacher: do you Rooster: have like this vision of Ally Brettnacher: here's Rooster: what I dream about Yeah.

So dream we need anymore That's the vision Like we inclusion without limits, which our no stated vision but like, cool it be we to be here because everyone was welcomed everywhere and that accommodations were made do things Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: That's what a vision It's it's a don't wanna pipe dream cause that sounds like I'm downplaying or like being negative about but it's that that I don't can ever but that's what I dream day where we don't need to exist Ally Brettnacher: Right This is a perfect answer rooster Rooster: It would would be Ally Brettnacher: really it is like that's true And I as somebody you know who's able-bodied and has two you know able-bodied children nobody in my family knock on wood you know who uses a wheelchair or who is nonverbal or know it's you don't really think about or really understand what people go through every single day just to just to be in this world Rooster: it's and you're absolutely right and you know Not to to be Debbie this but this whole idea of like has a disability The answer to that is and fortunate, let's flip the script have anybody yet my family with disability it's a not our statistics mean statistics say at one point eight persons a I've even seen that number one in four in world has it's not a matter of like if but Ally Brettnacher: when Rooster: and disabilities come in visible non-visible know to But I, as we continue the spaces where can find level of belonging and not be judged and be accommodated to our ability that's what we be doing we don't disabilities.

think about it as for you in the future Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: yeah Ally Brettnacher: Well said Okay I'm gonna Rooster: ask you the end of the podcast questions you you sent but now I remember were Ally Brettnacher: That's fine That's good well, done Rooster: such a good job of tying Ally Brettnacher: the finish Rooster: lines and milestones Ally Brettnacher: into I that Rooster: they're pretty I'd like Ally Brettnacher: to think they're pretty easy one Rooster: is easy for you because Ally Brettnacher: it's literally but mantra song Rooster: Yeah. Yeah. So, mean, obviously shot hotly all the That is the name of the podcast But it was well before the podcast Shot was motto we shall accomplish so much more than we we accomplish you know together within than by Ourselves the song you know, funny because during my run I alarm clock that every night like 7 55 it would go to Hey, did you run yet this this play.

my kids will you run Even like we're family vacation or something today, you know, Um But it's Oh and it just whole you know, the whole, the he it the lyrics it's so a, a lyrical genius but like, there's there's so many pieces are beautiful when comes to Persevering and challenging overcoming Mm-hmm and the beat you and a long song know, there a time like, I to this song done before my one mile's over and I feel that there there a of I could do a mile in enough time before it was over But that in a different Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: yeah Ally Brettnacher: I so what's funny is I have a story related to Ainsley's Angels about the song Lose Yourself we were it was my first year and I was pushing Hope team Hope and we had a speaker So we music for Rooster: her Ally Brettnacher: and mean we didn't didn't do a of like I mean I didn't know what Hope was gonna you know what she Rooster: was like And so at one point we had Eminem playing Ally Brettnacher: I know how this Rooster: happened but then it was Lose Yourself And Ally Brettnacher: there's some parts that Rooster: aren't like super great to play Ally Brettnacher: out loud, loud people, but it was like, I just, well, like I have a visual.

it right mile Rooster: nine We're like going Ally Brettnacher: through a curves before again Rooster: uh Ally Brettnacher: and I just remember playing but just like loving Rooster: that it was playing cause it is Ally Brettnacher: such a good Rooster: song Hope's favorite song is Ally Brettnacher: uh Bottom Girls by Queen Which just in and of itself makes me laugh. And her mom was like, you know, I don't know why, but like, when that song Rooster: comes on she loves it You can tell And Ally Brettnacher: so we played it when we were walking to the start, we played it probably at least two or three times during the run itself she ended up falling asleep which means we did our job according to her mom for then I tell you what rooster we crossed that finish line And comes on Fat Bottom Girls by Swear to God have done I mean you're just like Rooster: yes So powerful No you of uh, products is really the whole piece.

once create a kind in your profile forever Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm And Rooster: the, I'm at my right there, there's back when used run Ainsley that like playlists from our races So would also add there's a few that era they pop up Mm You know not only am I connected Ainsley cause I'm actually moving and running and it's awesome but then oh gosh like or that we were so cool music really Really Ally Brettnacher: And then the other question you've already mentioned and it's what's your next finish line and or milestone Rooster: Yeah Well so when did I mention did I answer that Ally Brettnacher: I you didn't answer it but you talked about it You were like sometimes you don't Rooster: don't Ally Brettnacher: next like you might not know and okay too Rooster: So, and I to when I saw the question come your in your, pre email communication with me I looked at it and and in that moment I realized I don't have I milestone that I can speak to And then I thought know what need to get one because without a finish line or a milestone to towards, what are you excited about Mm-hmm living your day for And and maybe it's because of where this place of you know reflection we'll call Ally Brettnacher: it mm-hmm Rooster: I haven't lost sight it's like what am am I excited about right now and and this week is to reflection and taking a knee with you today and talking through this journey and remembering the why and remembering some as some momentum to help me maybe identify what a good milestone finish line A new goal And it something more than I wanna lose three pounds or seconds off my 5K or no man it needs meaningful have meaning cause without meaning you can't have relationships you can't engage people and ultimately that's gonna lead to a spiral Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm So Rooster: don't I don't have one to share with you today but I think that I'm gonna some reflection to it and something that can make excited about the week the month the year ahead Ally Brettnacher: Right Yeah Well you mentioned at the beginning been married a Rooster: while almost 30 Ally Brettnacher: years you So when's Rooster: your 30th wedding anniversary Because that Ally Brettnacher: is a Rooster: humongous milestone that's fair would it be of July of 2028 Ally Brettnacher: You get got married on Rooster: the 4th of July Yeah, course did.

engaged the 4th July I I July a States Marine and That's Ally Brettnacher: amazing Rooster: That's I a whole bunch of stories about Ally Brettnacher: that I bet Rooster: I from, and you I was raised so had a Catholic there celebration in the town we got married they had aircraft fly over as of the celebration we were the altar and an aircraft flies over I could barely hear the priest said said did you that happen your your wedding You and I hear question and so yes, sir F 18 16 whatever And later it was my he asked, he asked if I happen, means I to on the altar of my wedding day like no no Ally Brettnacher: didn't Yeah Rooster: feel like if you didn't know it's not Ally Brettnacher: really you know Rooster: truly you everything's in church the moment didn't I didn't understand question proceed a blink of eye lie Monsignor be like Ally Brettnacher: yeah Rooster: I put this together Ally Brettnacher: Yeah That for sure Rooster: it's you know, through years, every year our anniversary fireworks so city's celebrating Ally Brettnacher: Yeah That's cool Rooster: I got married in 1998 then then you know experienced 20 more years of Marine Corps many combat and many that ultimately to a level of uh of And post-trauma experiences have I have PTSD as a and and these fireworks if I can see you light it and watch go Ally Brettnacher: off Mm Rooster: it's not good go off And it's turned into this thing where wish we wouldn't have gotten married on the of July cause every damn 4th of July I am I'm fighting to ahead of my ahead of So I say that anybody that's planning to get married on the Right service member Ally Brettnacher: Yep Might wanna reconsider Rooster: There may come a you and also like and I have she mentioned it She you know, I I get, we did that to have another date where we go places celebrate anniversary not have to compete with all the things that are nation's birthday yeah I can appreciate but neither one of us are to change our anniversary Sure Ally Brettnacher: But it seems like a good idea then you can make the excuse to get outta the country Rooster: an idea Ally Brettnacher: There you go You gotta get away from the fireworks Rooster: This is true Although I don't I don't, it a but would, they let me in know Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Rooster: Yeah you a little funny as you can be Ally Brettnacher: Yeah right Oh man It's all you gotta kind of laugh through some of it Rooster: cry Yeah yeah So what was the question Ally Brettnacher: Oh, well.

Yeah, right. I don't even remember. What did I ask you about? Oh, I asked you. Well, we were talking about finish lines and And I was like rooster there is a milestone out there 2028 so Rooster: yeah Other milestones would be like Ally Brettnacher: you know celebrated years of Ainsley's Angels C3 organization in Rooster: 21 Ally Brettnacher: Yeah that's one Rooster: is 15 year guess you do math in public with that coming you know, there neat things in that that, that a chance to celebrate Uh, but so yeah, I there's, a lot of things you can identify as milestones if you give it enough enough enough thought things to look forward to sometimes you know that you can't yourself you can't take a deep breath and jump in your ice barrel and calm down you're ready for that ice barrel Rooster: be grateful Ally Brettnacher: Are you Rooster: I'm amped up Ally Brettnacher: How many minutes Rooster: am I'm minutes am it been been at it 24, so over a year has been amazing amazing I used to every and then I curtailed it down to about three times a week and you know ironically I I haven't in four four days so you know, might be why reflecting way that I so mm-hmm anyway, but just for your recovery, Like it, there's whole science on it And do podcasts In fact there are podcasts on this Mm-hmm but the body's full of of inflammation And and you suppress you can reduce inflammation inflammation in the way through gonna have positive impacts So I have found this and I love it and I'm grateful for Looking forward to getting in ice bath That is my next finish line Survive three minutes at 48 degrees and exhale and reflect there you go Ally Brettnacher: I need to try that I've never done it Rooster: Well for those of have never done it and are thinking trying the one I you is is just your bathtub up water And then, and then get into that then times a week And feel the benefits of it then, then to add that to your because don't don't want to invest in in bunch of ice not use But start with cold cold bath Ally Brettnacher: Yeah All right Well Ally Brettnacher: I I just my daughter trying here so I feel like it's Rooster: time to say goodbye Ally Brettnacher: I you in Rooster I'm this just me re-energizes my Rooster: training Ally Brettnacher: you know think about Rooster: you and this organization it just makes the training Ally Brettnacher: it And when I hard think about other things not that Rooster: hard Ally Brettnacher: in comparison So that's Rooster: right Yeah And so thank you the while you can do and together we we shall do Ally Brettnacher: together Yes Yes Rooster: I I, just, my wife just told me uh, that coming Corps this Ally Brettnacher: year I gonna ask that That's excellent Yeah I would love Rooster: to meet her There's been where has maybe she gone, or maybe she's gone a couple of of the events But wants travel the whole thing me and go to all the things I do during period So And um yeah So you'll be able to meet her in October as Perfect But joining our Charity team.

Appreciate thank you for having a podcast that stories and you know let's others moved by whatever moves them And I said earlier to to feel Ally Brettnacher: And special Mm-hmm Mm-hmm Rooster: one last request Okay Ally Brettnacher: so this sweatshirt is like my favorite thing ever Yeah That you sold to me at the Indie Mini I want sweatpants to go with it Rooster: please I Ally Brettnacher: already messaged whoever runs your Instagram and I said please I will wear the whole outfit like post race like nothing better to put on like a giant pink outfit be warm after the mini was just cold after the mini this year Somehow Rooster: Can the do to be pink or they a tie-dye pink or Ally Brettnacher: just well tie-dye pink would be fun too I wouldn't hate that Rooster: Yeah Okay Ally Brettnacher: Yeah yeah Anyway Okay ask It's a good I was like I would buy them would get my friends to buy them Rooster: Yes.

Very good Well this been fun Thank you Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Thank you to everybody who's listened and and happy running we did it. If you enjoyed this episode of Finish Lines and Milestones from Sandy Boy Productions, please share rate review. It helps others find the show and go sign up for Ainsley's Angels. Head to ainsley's angels.org. Sign up for your region, and of Of course you can follow them all over social media as well. So go do that. And if you don't follow me on Instagram yet, I'm Ally, A-L-L-Y-T, Brett, B-R-E-T-T. That's Ally T. Brett runs and I will see you next week Together, we shall.

Ally Brettnacher