Eminem's movie was titled "8 Mile." But this is a post from a whole other world. A world where people are actually happy and love each other and do nice things, just to be nice.
This past Saturday, my schedule had 8 miles on it. I brought sport beans and a bottle of water with me. I should have brought Gatorade, I don't know why I didn't think of that. Anyway, we met at the designated time, and decided that the 8 milers would do our usual 5 mile course, then do the 5K course on Furman. That sounded OK to me. It was cooler out than it has been, so I was able to make it farther than usual before having to take a walk break. I got out the back gate of Furman and was upset that I had not brought my ipod with me. I had been getting so bored with it lately that I didn't think I would want it. But I did. I needed distraction that day, because my thighs felt like lead. I just kept concentrating on taking another step. I had a Christian pop song in my head that I had heard in the car on the way over. At about 2.5 or 3 miles, the legs started feeling a little lighter, so I was a bit faster. When I got to the end of the 5 mile course, I decided that instead of doing the 5k course, I was just going to do 3 malls. The mall goes from one end of campus to the other, around fountains and gardens, and is exactly 1 mile. I was feeling pretty tired when I started the first mile. I ate a few more of my sport beans and chugged on. On mile seven, I started thinking about some of the things that people have written to me about TNT. Things like "Your Dad is a great guy and a great friend. The world needs more people like the two of you." and "I started racing again when my friend Dina died from lymphoma. It made me feel better. I know it will help you too." or "We pray for your family all the time." The things people have written to me have made such an impact. I just about welled up with tears thinking of it- not because I was hurting (which I was) but just because there are so many wonderful people in this world. People who haven't met you in person,l but maybe know you through the internet. They genuinely wish you well. Or people who know my dad but not me and have written me nice letters. It reminds me that, no matter how much bad there is in this world, there is more good.
Well that did get me through mile 7.
Mile 8, I was really hurting- my calves and thighs were starting to cramp. I started praying to my guardian angel, Michael the Archangel. I thought this was appropriate because Michael is a warrior, and I am waging war on cancer. Of course, my dad has a bigger fight, but I know I am helping him. Whether it is just emotional support, or motivation, or raising money to find a cure, I am helping him. And that is the best that I can do.
1 comment:
Great post today and great job on getting the 8 miles in. To me, you summed up what TNT is all about. Good people doing a good thing for other good people who are fighting a horrible thing. In many of my marathons, I tear up at some point. All the people standing on the side cheering you on because they appreciate what you have done and are doing to fight cancer. You WILL be able to get through it, no matter how much pain you are in. Keep up the great work.
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