The last two months of my life have been mired with loss and grief. One day, in an awful moment, I felt this inexplicable urge to run. I am not a runner. In fact, I have never run more than three miles in my life! But that day I ran four. Without stopping. The next day, I ran again. Four. Non-stop.
Running is exhausting. I think that is the point. I need somewhere to put my energy, my grief. And, I need to exhaust it so I can finally feel some peace.
The following week I ran seven miles. I stopped before I felt like I needed to stop. Afterwards I wondered: Could I keep going? How many more? Ten? Fourteen? Twenty? My body, though sore, though tired, still wanted more. Or was that drive coming from a different part of me? I don’t know. But when I run I feel close to those I lost. I feel like they are running right alongside me.
I am running the New York City Marathon this November 1st for TEAMS PAWS. I wanted to run in NYC because I was born and raised there. The sites are safe and familiar. The city holds such great memories for me. I will, gratefully, have friends and family cheering me on and waiting for me at the finish line. I also wanted to run for an animal welfare organization because of the passion my beloved and I shared for animal causes.
I have to raise $3,000 for TEAM PAWS by October. I have reached out to friends and family and so far we raised over $1,200. I still have a little more to go. If you can help, just $25 would do, please visit my donation page.
I am using myasics.com to train. The calendar neatly lays out a training schedule and this week is just a two-run week, three miles each. Jogging pace. I admit, I cheated and went to four.
I am amazed that so many people I know have already run marathons and half-marathons. They have so much great advice to give. I am also amazed at the reasons, often sad reasons, why people run and why they are inspired to push themselves like this.
So- now I have something to look forward to. A purpose. A place for my pain.
