POWERGRAMS

6 Making someone else's dreams come true isn't usually on one's "bucket list." But Butch Guimond isn't most people. When he entered to run the New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in February, he wasn't dreaming of a win for himself. Guimond's desire was to make possible the 26.2-mile trek for his friend, Derrick Zirlott, who is paralyzed. As part of "Team Possible," Guimond was the only runner among 25,000 who was pushing someone in a wheelchair. Born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressively debilitating disease, Zirlott is wheelchair-bound. Guimond met the Zirlott family several years ago at his church near Dauphin Island. Derrick shared his desire to take part in a marathon and Guimond began researching how to make it happen. Guimond, a Protection and Control Field Services technician at Michigan Avenue Complex in Mobile for seven years, is a lifetime runner. He runs for the pure joy of it, taking in the beauty of Dauphin Island. "When I'm a little cranky, my wife tells me I need to put my tennis shoes on," Guimond said with a dry laugh. "I run through the woods, on the street, on the beach. I not only know every area, I can tell you the distance between any two points on the island." Running a marathon can only be experienced by doing it, Guimond believes, and he wanted to give Zirlott that opportunity. Guimond searched the Internet, watching YouTube videos about Dick Hoyt, a runner who pushes his paraplegic son in races. After talking with Hoyt, he knew Zirlott would require a racing wheelchair. "There aren't many places that make these wheelchairs," Guimond said. "Team Hoyt put me in touch with a manufacturing company, and I worked with them, explaining our needs." Because of Zirlott's disability, he lays in a reclining position, similar to in a hammock suspended on a frame. His racing chair would have to absorb bumps, and cushion his joints, but when the manufacturer told Guimond the price – $6,000 – he didn't think twice. "I told my wife I didn't want to worry about the dollars of it," he said. "If it was supposed to be, I was doing it. I never gave an ounce of thought about the money. It was just Derrick and me, out there running." Donations from church members and others eventually allowed Guimond to recoup most of the cost. While the chair was being built, Guimond trained by pushing his daughter's baby stroller as he ran. Estimating Zirlott's weight, Guimond added about 120 pounds to the stroller. "I ran with that, but it rolled so poorly," he said. "That was the start of getting my legs prepared. I had to build strength." With a seemingly unachievable feat ahead, the duo dubbed themselves as Team Possible. Guimond documented their progress on Facebook, outlining their training timeline. Months before, Zirlott had contracted pneumonia, which can be deadly for someone with muscular dystrophy. Luckily, his doctor planned to run the Rock 'n' Roll half-marathon and would be onsite if needed. Team Possible was thrilled to join the runners at the starting line. Typical of the Big Easy, Feb. 2 was humid and drizzling. Guimond fought exhaustion by staying hydrated and taking carb supplements as he ran to keep his energy up. "The first 26 miles are easy," Guimond said grinning. "It's the last two-tenths – the "point 2" – that get you. The last point 2 is adrenalin because you're so worn out and you know the end is in sight. No matter how bad your legs are on fire, you're gonna make sure you make that point 2." At that critical point, the team's saving grace was excited spectators. The crowd roared at the sight of Guimond pushing Zirlott in the chair. Hearing the cheers of so many people filled Guimond with adrenalin. Wobbly, totally exhausted and overjoyed, Guimond and Zirlott crossed the finish line at City Park in New Orleans. Their final standing sealed the deal: Team Possible completed a respectable sub-4-hour marathon. "Derrick had a huge smile on his face as I put the medal around his neck," Guimond said. "That was his crowning moment. I don't like fanfare. But as long as we're physically able to continue, I'll do it. I know mine and Derrick's days are numbered. I'd do it again, for my friend." By Donna Cope Guimond races time to make friend's running dream reality PROFILE Guimond pushes Zirlott across Rock 'n' Roll Marathon finish line. Photo courtesy of Peter Forest Team Possible completes the dream run.

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