It made me think about why I run. It made me think about what drives me to go on my long runs, what drives me to get up early and what drives me to continue to fight through the moments when I want to stop. And the answer was easy, the answer was simple: My Dad.
Erica Hill says it so perfectly:
"And so I run because I don't want anyone else to suffer like my father did... I am running because we can change the way these stories end, and I want to help make that happen."
It's exactly why I run each day. It's exactly why I sign up for runs like 'Run For The Rose', supporting the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation, and it's exactly why I share Dad's story.
Running became my escape from it all. With Dad's diagnosis, I dealt with so many side effects of stress and anxiety. I didn't sleep well, I was always tired, and I was losing weight at a rate faster than ever before. Stress was getting the best of me, and after dropping almost 20 lbs, I knew something had to be done. I knew that I had to be well, so I could help Dad get well.
Slowly, I started to use running as my escape from the stress, as my way to take my mind off of it all, and slowly- it started working. I was sleeping better, had more energy during the day and (even with exercise) was starting to get back to a healthy weight. Running helped to alleviate some of my stress, and has helped to bring awareness to a cause so near to my heart.
My long runs seem to be the most difficult for me, and those morning when I don't want to get out of bed, or at mile 5 when I just want to stop, I remember who I'm running for. I remember that I'm running for all those, like my Dad, and I'm running to help "...fight for a better ending together, one that involves a world without cancer."
Dad's last doctor's appointment went well, and the next MRI has been scheduled for after Christmas. He continues on his Avastin treatments and chemotherapy, and he continues to feel great- and for that we are so incredibly thankful!
I try to focus on our path ahead. I try to focus on our next step, not our next 15 steps. The "what if's" seem to get the best of me from time to time, but then I have my time alone- where it's just me, my running shoes and a path ahead. It's those times where I can clear my mind, remind myself how far we've come on this path, and how blessed we really are.
We plan to truly enjoy our Thanksgiving and Christmas break- another wonderful time to celebrate family, friends and faith!
Continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
I try to focus on our path ahead. I try to focus on our next step, not our next 15 steps. The "what if's" seem to get the best of me from time to time, but then I have my time alone- where it's just me, my running shoes and a path ahead. It's those times where I can clear my mind, remind myself how far we've come on this path, and how blessed we really are.
We plan to truly enjoy our Thanksgiving and Christmas break- another wonderful time to celebrate family, friends and faith!
Continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
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