My Son Ryan Shay

2 Timothy 4:6

...the time of my departure is at hand I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day...

I saw this passage at church this morning and Ryan was in my prayers, as well as his family especially Alicia who I competed against in college and who was always a gracious competitor and a lovely person.

AW

8 miles

All for ryan

2 Timothy 4:6

...the time of my departure is at hand I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day...

I saw this passage at church this morning and Ryan was in my prayers, as well as his family especially Alicia who I competed against in college and who was always a gracious competitor and a lovely person.

AW

8 miles

All for ryan

Dear Shay family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I am a runner but most of all I'm a mom of 2 sons. I can not imagine your loss. My prayers are with your family.

Shay Family,

I met Ryan and Alicia only once, briefly, on Aug 22, 2006. I know this date because I was so excited to meet him by chance at the coffee shop in Boulder where I worked that I wrote it down in my running journal. Reading others' rememberances, I found myself wishing that I would have had more opportunties to know such a person. In ways still hard to explain or understand, my weekend's training has been inspired by Ryan. I can think of no more affecting example of person who enjoyed their running and their life, making the most of their time, pursuing their goals and desires. I am glad to read that the Shay Family is finding strength and support, and I would like to offer my own condolences and sympathies.

Carl

I was at the trials yesterday and was introuduced to a guy who went to Notre Dame. When asked who he was pulling for he said "Ryan Shay." I told him he had a solid guy to root for and that he would do well on the tough course. This conversation took place minutes prior to the tragedy. I feel a huge sense of sadness for the Shay family and the running community. The one bright spot is that, for a quick moment, he was the focus of a really positive conversation I had yesterday. I didn't know Ryan personally but I have followed him since he was at Notre Dame. I always admired how tough he was and how strong he was. I went for a run in the woods when I got home yesterday and dedicated that run to Ryan and his family. I did the same today. I just saw Ryan Hall and Ritz on TV and I can't believe how well they can hold it together on the subject. The Shay family and the US running family lost a great one yesterday. His legacy will be a strong one that will impact people for many years to come.

I have memories of watching him run to a state title at the first Michigan high school state meet I ever attended. Ryan and his family are a tribute to running in Michigan, and across the country. He was and will always remain an inspiration to the sport of running. Thank you so much for all the memories--all the fantastic races. My prayers go to you and your family.

I have memories of watching him run to a state title at the first Michigan high school state meet I ever attended. Ryan and his family are a tribute to running in Michigan, and across the country. He was and will always remain an inspiration to the sport of running. Thank you so much for all the memories--all the fantastic races. My prayers go to you and your family.

Joe,

I am deeply saddened your son will never get to refer to himself as I refer to my self. What emotion can one convey over this tragedy. Your son has touched many he never had the chance to meet. His spirit will live on in many.

As went for my short painful jog this morning my thoughts were with you and your family. I hope you can make some sense out of this.

John O

Mr and Mrs Shay,

I had the privilege of running at Notre Dame with Ryan and spending a lot of time with him (especially in the training room!). He bought me my first "legal" drink when I turned 21 and I will never forget that.

My parents also knew him and he visited us in Kansas City. He is a wonderful person and we will all miss him. My family and I are all praying for you.

Jennifer

Ryan and I are connected simply by the mutual passion for running connected. It is the power of this sport that allows me to feel deeply saddened by this without ever meeting Ryan. And that's what makes running so magical.

I will miss him.

I finished a good 10 miler earlier in memory of Ryan Shay. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Shay family. It is obvious the Ryan had a positive influence on so many people. I have 2 sons that are high school runners and I will make sure they know who Ryan Shay is and what he stood for.

I am so stunned that this happened right in front of me on the course yesterday, in what should have been the most glorious of moments for Ryan and all of the rest of us running in the race. I never imagined this, even as I saw Ryan move to the side of the course in front of me. My deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family on this loss.

I am so incredibly sorry to hear of Ryan's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Indeed, Ryan ran with perseverance. Now he is free.

Those of us who heard about Ryan's passing at the Michigan State High School Cross Country meet were completely shocked when we heard the news. In fact, I felt sick to my stomach when the "rumor" was actually confirmed.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Shay family. As a fellow Michigander, I watched him compete many times and was always impressed with his competitive spirit.

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Shay family,

I knew Ryan from school at ND and he was the gutsiest, most intense person I have ever met. He was the source of much pride for Domers who love the sport of running.

Even though I didn't know Ryan, he was a runner and I know the bonds that are created by running, so I feel incredibly empathetic. He obviously touched a lot of people with his character. My deepest sympathies.