All of us who had an opportunity to watch your son compete, work and carry himself send you and your family our heartfelt thoughts and Prayers. I never had the chance to actually meet Ryan, but always admired how he approached every aspect of his career. You could tell he was a man of great character-- something that can be few and far between in today's society. That says a great deal about the family behind Ryan. No one will ever forget him, we all will carry his desire on with us.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May the memories and seeds of love that Ryan planted in your hearts be with you during this time. Know that I will be running in celebration of his life this Saturday and many more to come. Warm regards from Boston.
Ryan reminded me a lot of Pre. When I see the photos of him running you can see in his eyes the passion and intensity that he ran with - so much more than a workout or a run. Ryan was one of the first pro marathoners to be sponsored and has always been an inspiration to watch. My words do not do him justice but I wish the Shay family and Alicia all the comfort and peace they deserve during this difficult time. God bless the Shay family and long live Ryan's memory. RIP bro.
Shay Lives!
RIP
Ryan's passing has motivated me to get back into running and give it another shot with all I have. Rest in peace my friend.
James Corliss wrote:
Ryan was one of the first pro marathoners to be sponsored...
ummm....what?
Anyway, ryan was the man. Live well and make him proud Shays and Alicia.
Mr. Shay-
I did not know your son personally but my older brother, Dan, graduated high school with him. It is a terrible thing that happened but based on everything I have heard and seen, he was loved and admired by many. I know several friends who I have encouraged to run this Saturday in dedication of your son and I know, via facebook, several others who are going to do so as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To the Shay Family:
I did not know Ryan. I had only heard of him about a month before the trials and when I saw a picture of him, I thought of one characteristic - STRENGTH. Since he passed away, I have thought about him and your family everday. I hope that you can draw from Ryan's strength to get you through your days.
Peace.
As the father of a 28 yr old competitive runner, my heart goes out to you, your family, and Alicia. You raised a great young man and now the world feels our loss, but it will never compare the the loss you have of your son. He will be an inspiration for this generation of runners, as Pre was for ours. May you find comfort in these difficult times.
As the father of a 28 yr old competitive runner, my heart goes out to you, your family, and Alicia. You raised a great young man and now the world feels our loss, but it will never compare the the loss you have of your son. He will be an inspiration for this generation of runners, as Pre was for ours. May you find comfort in these difficult times.
As the father of a 28 yr old competitive runner, my heart goes out to you, your family, and Alicia. You raised a great young man and now the world feels our loss, but it will never compare the the loss you have of your son. He will be an inspiration for this generation of runners, as Pre was for ours. May you find comfort in these difficult times.
Dear Shay Family:
Today members from Run Gazelle ran 5.5 miles in honor of Ryan. I pray you will be comforted by the hundreds of other runners across America who will do the same.
I ran 5.5 miles today and dedicated it to Ryan. He's still such an inspiration to all runners and his memory will live on. God bless the Shay Family and RIP Ryan
5.5 strong at Central Park today and finishing at the Boathouse just for you, Ryan. Spirit soars forever.
Mr. Shay, my thoughts are with you and your family, and today I wrote this poem for Ryan in my head after finishing 5.5 miles at the Boathouse and sitting on a rock there thinking about what a difference Ryan made, and how inspiring he will always be. He made me run today, I at least know that much. This is at
http://marathonomy.blogspot.com
, my humble attempt at putting my thoughts into words. My sincerest sympathies and always my best to you.
"Run Your Heart Out"
Run your heart out, Ryan,
And let your spirit soar
Reach for something higher
We'll see you once more
Run your heart out
Give everything you've got
Never TRY but simply DO
Here at this very spot
Run your heart out
Lead so they can see
Push yourself past every limit
A world of opportunity
Run your heart out, Ryan,
Run because you want to
Never stop running,
For we'll remember you.
Just wanted to clarify my posting the other day - I meant to say that I remember Ryan being one of the first athletes sponsored by EAS and Powerbar as a marathoner - not that he was one of the first marathoners sponsored in general. By bad. Anyways, this was a huge inspiration for us in HS because we saw Ryan running for a living and continue to believe that anything is possible. Sorry for the confusion - but regardless, Ryan was a huge inspiration for all of us - especially as young, up and coming runners. Peace.
Joe and Sue, My memories will always be of Ryan giving back to the sport by motivating and helping others. His decision to attend our small school cross country meet here in Michigan, along with Alicia, was a thrill for all the athlete's they interacted with that day. Ryan also took time, just days after the NYC Marathon and in spite of injury, to share insights with coaches at a clinic in his home state. I am so sorry for your and Alicia's loss, but know that Ryan will continue to be an example and an inspiration young runners for years to come.
As a recent high school athlete, I was always following running. Most consistently, the Stanford running crew. I was thrilled when I found out that Alicia and Ryan had been married from a flotrack interview. I'm now so sad for the loss of Ryan's physical presence to family and friends, and to the world. I am praying for you all. Though I know that Ryan's tenacious spirit and love of life will inspire and live on in me and many others across the nation.
A good way to honor a life well lived it to emulate its best aspects. Strong character is rare in this world, and it's easy to spot those who possess it. Ryan clearly did, and that's one reason why he insipred a lot of people, including many like me who never knew him personally but learned about him from those who did.
My sympathies go to the Shays, the Craigs, and all others close to Ryan who are feeling his loss most deeply.
Truly a running god to most of us mortals on earth. Loved ones should know that most of us would prefer going on after life in the glorious fashion that happened to Ryan - in competition and during a hard run.....What an inspiration to us all !!!!!