As many of you have heard by now, we lost one of our own, Chris Gleason, when he died at the end of the Philadelphia Marathon this past Sunday. A consummate competitor and one of our founding members, Chris has been an integral part of Endurance Nation from the very start. Those fortunate enough to have known Chris personally will recall his unique ability to bring out the best in himself and everyone else around him.

His spirit was truly irrepressible; it’s no surprise that I have as many “Chris G” stories as I do race finishes. There are few others that have had more of an effect on the course of my personal and professional life over the last few years.

Chris is survived by his wife, a daughter (9) and a son (6). The Endurance Nation community is rallying to provide financial and emotional support in this incredibly challenging time. If you are able, please give via our family donation fund (here) — this is open to anyone to contribute. If you are on the Team and want to learn more about the memorial services planned this weekend and to share your memories of Chris, please visit the EN forums here.

As tragic as his passing has been, the reminder that life is fleeting and that we have to make the most of every single day is a blessing. I, for one, am not going to let this lesson pass me by.

We miss you Chris.