Iggy Rosas

Day 1

Today was day one of the Run Across Haiti. We ran and cover over 31.7 miles from Cap Haiten to Plaisance. We all started together and ran together for about a mile and then every runner began to run their pace. I started off strong with my brother Ozzie and we were able to share some of the most incredible miles together. There were a couple occasions where I had to sprint because I was being chase by a dog, but luckily Ozzie and I had a great runner with us from Haiti. He looked out for us and would turn back every time to scare off the dogs to make sure of our safety. Then we got to the hill and I started to fall back from both of them. Running all by myself up the hill, and let me tell you that hill was not easy, but was a true test of courage, commitment and heart. Giving up didn’t come up in my thoughts, it was hot, I was in pain, but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.

I’ve witnessed so much throughout the run, but I only understood more why many of the veteran runners return to Haiti to physically sacrifice their time and body.

I finished today’s run in 6hrs and 40 minutes, but even though I was running alone for the last 11 miles I never felt alone. Had a couple of kids join me, and some offering me mango and that was heartwarming. Thank you the amazing crew members/aid stations who helped us along the way. Pou Ayiti!

Day 4

Day 4 of the Run Across Haiti® was one of the toughest days, but I’m proud to say how blessed I am to finish. There’s no way you could run through Haiti if you don’t know why you run because each day it will test you physically, mentally, and emotionally. In the process of that making sure you listen to your body, staying on top of your nutrition, and hydrating at all times. On my run there was a point where I felt tired and I was in so much pain that I just wanted to give up, but I had to dig in deep within myself to find my inner strength and pull it all out to not give up. I couldn’t do it without the support crew because every aid station didn’t even mention if I wanted to stop. They helped me stay motivated, focused, and hydrated to make it to the next aid station and towards the finish line. Can’t thank you all enough for being out there for all of us because I’m sure crewing is just has hard especially being out in the sun for so long.

Today’s finish line I was able to meet some of the local students near our hotel. Some of them witnessed me blogging a video saying that I finished today’s run and after I was finished one of them tapped me on my shoulder to take a picture with them. That lifted me up spiritually in a way. I’m so honored to be a part of this and have the opportunity to experience this with kids that don’t have much, but are so cheerful, happy, and full of heart. One of the many reasons why I believe this run is important to all of us is because of moments like this. It was a picture perfect moment to say that I ran for them. The past few days I’ve gained strength, courage, and confidence by every run I’ve experienced. I’m able to say to myself, I have lived through this horror, fear, pain, and will continue to push strong for Haiti, for my uncle, and for everyone back home in LA who I know believes in me. I know now I can take the next thing that comes along.

Pou Ayiti