Support That Is Bigger than Life, Or Is That What Life Is

I could only imagine the support and camaraderie that one experiences while running a marathon until Saturday, November 15, 2008. I have trouble explaining the most beautifully intense moments during my race. Seeing my friends as they passed me water, my training buddies meeting me, unexpectedly, at key points on the route to run with me, helping to pace me so that I would not go too fast (I was going too fast...). But then, one particular period in time that was filled with even more elation was at mile 20. I noticed someone was running next to me in cowboy boots. I recall thinking how odd it was. I looked up to see my brother and his son who had driven 9 hours to support me.

I have always been into fitness but have only dreamt of the level of fitness at which I am today. It took me awhile before I would start exercising again after Hayes died. A couple of friends encouraged me. My business coach pushed me as she saw me tearing up every time we talked. I had a lot of anxiety. Every detail of my life seemed enormous. Another friend bought me a pedometer. I began to live and breathe by that thing. I wore it everywhere. That is when I started walking and that quickly turned into running. I wanted more.
What I found was the therapy that it provided. I run first thing in the morning so that 1). Nothing else gets in the way of this important activity for my health and 2). It can provide me with my own time to think. Just think. I solve a lot of problems during this time and then I am ready for my day.

I was asked by a few other friends if I wanted to start running with them. Next, they asked me if I wanted to start training with them. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I went with it. Seven months later, I run a marathon and qualify for Boston. Emotions are overflowing. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4aJxc76jUU

Notice in this video that I say “…and I thank everybody for helping me…”

It truly amazes me how we can come together to help one another. I am so incredibly grateful. I have had this same support since the death of my child, Hayes. The beauty is realizing the love that we have as human beings. A true statement to our ability to live.