From wounded warrior to Road Warrior

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) - On Saturday, May 8, the streets of downtown Grand Rapids will be filled with thousands of people participating in the Fifth Third River Bank Run . One of the groups that will be there on race day are the Fifth Third River Bank Run Road Warriors. The Fifth Third River Bank Run Road Warriors are a group of 10 individuals that were selected to run the 25K based on inspirational essays submitted to the race committee. Each member of the team was selected for different reasons, but all have one common goal, to finish the 25K.

Adele Garcia is a warrior! Being a wounded combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, she thrives on having a goal to focus on and to achieve those goals. She was wounded in 2004 when a roadside bomb hit the vehicle she was driving. Since her accident she has struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and running and exercising has been Adele's best therapy.

Running is her escape to free her from all the memories of Iraq. She has finished several 5k's and 10ks, and most recently successfully finished her first Tough Mudder event!

Adele's goal as a Fifth Third River Bank Run Road Warrior is to represent all those veterans that are in a state of despair or hopelessness and to run for those who have lost their lives to defend our great nation.

Learn more about Adele Garcia and follow her running journey through her blog .