A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated America’s birthday, our Independence Day. Seven years ago, July 4th was more than just America’s birthday; it became my personal Independence Day. You see, seven years ago, I started something that would significantly change my life. I became a runner.
For years, I had been envious of runners. Runners seem like happy people. I had attempted to run a few times and gave up after a week. Then I turned 40. I had some extra weight to lose, and I wanted to feel better about myself. Each year on July 3rd, my family and some friends head to Patriot Place in Foxboro, MA, for some 4th of July fireworks. Before the fireworks, Harvard Pilgrim, a health insurance company, puts on a 5K and a 10K race called Finish at the 50. Each route is different, but all runners finish up by entering Gilette Stadium ( home of the 6x Super Bowl champions, New England Patriots) and running down the field. It is a pretty neat race. As I sat and watched the runners come across the finish line, the pure joy I saw on their faces was inspiring. I wanted to experience that.
The question was, could I do this? I had tried running before and hated it. I was out of shape. I had my doubts. Then two people came to mind, my Dad and my friend Traci. You see, in 2009, my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was 57 years old and found himself having surgery to remove half his lung. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early on, and he received a second chance at life. As part of his recovery, he started walking 7 miles a day. 7 miles! The last time he had exercised that much was when he was in the Marine Corp. If he could get out there each day, I could give this running thing a try. My friend and co-worker, Traci also inspired me. In the same year, Traci was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Despite fighting that horrible disease, Traci still kept on running each day at lunch and rode her bike in the Pan-Mass Challenge, twice, while undergoing cancer treatments. Unfortunately, Traci lost her battle with cancer in Sept. 2011. Little did I know she would leave an everlasting impression on me. That night, I made a promise to myself that I could give this running thing another try.
I got up the next morning, laced up a pair of shoes and out the door I went. I did not have a training plan (not such a smart idea), I did not have the right shoes (I learned very quickly why I needed them), and I ran. It was the 4th of July and hot as hell. I wanted to stop. I had all these negative thoughts flooding my brain. You are too old; you are too fat, you have no business doing this. As these thoughts ran through my head, a beautiful orange and black butterfly fluttered by me. You see, butterflies are the symbol for ovarian cancer. Butterflies represent those that we have lost. Traci had made us all butterflies for our office name plaques. She had a tattoo (a fake one) on her bald head. Butterflies were her favorite. Traci was with me on this run. She was there encouraging me and cheering me on. I finished up, clocking just over 3 miles. On that hot July 4th, I had become a runner.
Now seven years later, I have done numerous 5 and 10ks, over a dozen half-marathons, multiple challenges and completed my 1st marathon. If you had asked me seven years ago if that was what I would be doing, I would have said you were nuts.
Running has transformed me from the inside out. Running has taught me so many things. These are just a few that come to mind.
Running is my therapy, my outlet, my escape. When my Mom was given the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer and laid dying, I ran to cope. I used that time to cry my eyes out. I could fall apart without my children watching. When I have a terrible day, the first thing I want to do is lace up my shoes and hit the pavement. Running has changed me for the better. God willing, I will continue running well into my senior years.
Two weeks ago, the boys and I went down to Disney for a 10 day vacation and so that I could run the 5k, 10k, and half marathon for the Princess half marathon weekend. This year, my youngest, decided he was going to run the 5k with me
For those of you that don’t know, Disney races start early, around 5:30am. Disney recommends you be on the bus no later than 4:00am. Nicholas and I were up at 2:30. He was less than thrilled. The race took us around Epcot. It was a nice course with some characters. He did not want to stop, so we decided to just get wear the medals in the parks and get pictures. I knew I would have plenty of opportunity to do so in my other races. Here are a few shots of the race and one of the Expo.
I am so proud of him and could not have asked for a better running buddy. Maybe someday he will develop a love for running like his Mama.