Full Circle

Running has never been a passion of mine, yet in June 2005, I decided to run a half marathon with Team in Training. I embarked on a fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and achieved my fundraising goal while learning how to train for and run 13.1 miles. In October 2005, I participated in the Nike Women's event in San Francisco. Thanks to my daughter Alison and her friends Lauren and Sarah, I had a great cheering squad to help me to the finish line.

Somehow one event wasn't quite enough so I decided to do a few more. When October 2006 rolled around, I ran Nike Women's again. This time my cheer squad was Aaron. The next few pictures represent years 2007, 2008, and 2009. 

When October 2010 approached, I decided not to participate in the Nike event. Aaron was living and working in Afghanistan and I decided it would be too hard (emotionally) to cross that finish line without him there to welcome me.

Fast forward to December 2012. I received a letter from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society about an inaugural Nike Women's half marathon event in April 2013 in Washington DC. WHAT?? REALLY?? Did they know that Aaron was now living in Washington DC and would be there to once again encourage me to the finish line???? Sign me up, Team in Training!!! The icing on the cake was that Alison said she wanted to go and run as well. I felt like I was in "mom heaven"!!

I began my training in January. I got the team schedule and was ready to go. Things were going smoothly and I was beginning to remember all the techniques and strategies I had learned from my previous years with Team in Training. As some of you know, a few weeks into my training, I fell while playing tennis and tore the ligaments in my ankle. My training came to a screeching halt and I was sidelined for 6 weeks. I did what my doc said and at the end of my six week hiatus, I was ready to resume my training. The next couple of weeks felt like I was starting all over but with a bit of patience I was once again getting my stride and feeling good. 

Towards the end of February I found out I had some suspicious cells and cysts in my right breast. This led to a biopsy, which then led to a partial mastectomy. Once again my training came to a halt. I again listened to my doctors, did what they said, and came to the conclusion that this event was not about running but about completing what began in 2005. 

FULL CIRCLE.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my biggest fan. With the exception of a couple of events, Roger has also been at the finish line of ALL the races in which I have participated. I am blessed beyond words to have a family who loves me and supports my efforts to stay active.