The “You Can”

For Megan Walters, two words have carried a meaning far beyond motivation: “You can.”

They are tattooed on her wrist in her late husband CPT Brandon Walters’ handwriting.

Brandon was someone who embraced challenges with enthusiasm and determination. An Army leader and lifelong athlete, he competed in half marathons, triathlons, the All Army 10-Miler, and the All Army Triathlon. He also helped other Soldiers train and reach their physical fitness goals.

“He had an incredible ability to make people feel welcome and valued,” Megan says. “He truly lived life to the fullest.”

Brandon and Megan shared a love of being active and spending time outdoors. They ran, hiked, kayaked, competed in triathlons, and paddleboarded together. After Brandon died on 5 September 2020, Megan continued running and participating in occasional 5Ks, but over time she found herself moving less and losing some of the joy she once found in it.

Now, she is rediscovering that joy while training for her first marathon through the Gold Star & Survivor Endurance Program.

The goal is personal, but so is the reason behind it.

For their last Christmas together, Brandon surprised Megan with an entry to the Victoria Ironman 70.3. Tucked inside the pages of the book Crawl of Fame was a handwritten note reminding her, “You can.”

COVID ultimately canceled the race, and Brandon passed away before they could experience it together. But his words remained.

“For the past six years, ‘You can’ has been my mantra,” Megan says. “I look down at my wrist during difficult moments – whether it’s a long run, a challenging day in the clinic, or navigating grief – and I see his handwriting reminding me that he believed in me, even when I struggle to believe in myself.”

Training for a marathon has meant fitting long runs around the final months of Megan’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and full-time clinical rotations. Some days, training happens early in the morning. Other days, it comes after a long day at the hospital.

It has not always been easy, but that is part of what makes the challenge meaningful.

“I want to prove to myself ‘I can’ still do hard things.”

Megan’s journey is also a return to something she and Brandon shared. Every run gives her space to remember their adventures, reflect on the life they built together, and continue something that once brought them both joy.

Running has become a way for Megan to carry Brandon with her while continuing to move forward—not leaving him behind, but bringing his encouragement with her into each new challenge.

This marathon is one more opportunity to hear the words he gave her years ago.

“You can.”