Conquering Brain Cancer One Step at a Time Posted on November 1st, 2008
As you know, last year, I ran the Marine Marathon with two friends of mine, Jodi and Amir. We finished in 5 hours 7 mins. Slower than most, but we did it … and what a rewarding experience! So this year, we set out to do it all again. But this year, I ran because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it again post-surgery. And my friends ran with me again, yet again showing me how much they care. Yes, Jodi and Amir ran it … but so did Jodi’s husband Mike and Jodi’s friend, Felicia (both first-time marathoners).
Last Sunday was the 33rd Marine Marathon in Washington, DC. We’ve been training for this race for 9 months, so we were ready. The weather was just perfect throughout the day. Unlike last year, there were many thousands more runners, so it took us nearly 20 minutes to get to the START line, but once we got going, we were cruising. The training was a bit harder this year and so was the run, but we ALL completed it in various times, just over five hours.
I want to thank all my friends for running this race with me! I know the training was long and strenuous, but the rewards are more than worth the commitment. And through running and our other activities, we can conquer brain cancer. It’s not just the money, but the attitude. Running a long distance race (like a marathon), is really a metaphor for our lives. You can run it and finish it quickly if you desire, but what you miss out on is the scenery, the comraderie, and all the fun during the race. We stopped and smelled the roses during the race, and even though our times don’t compare to those who won, we enjoyed the scenery more than most. It all comes down to outlook.
Along the way, during this race and the training, I made some good friends and I cherish that more than the race itself. When it all comes down to it, the quality of our lives depends on the quality of our relationships. And with the relationships I have with my running “team,” I can say that the quality of my life is nothing short of excellent!!
26.2 miles to go for brain cancer Posted on September 18th, 2008
OK, so you all know that I ran last year’s Marine Marathon with my friends Amir and Jodi. And this year, we plan to run it again with additional friends. But this year, I am running for two reasons. First, to show myself that I can do it after brain surgery (which I know I can do) … and second, to raise money for brain cancer research. So, at my office, where many, many people work, I am asking folks to donate money to the National Brain Tumor Society on my behalf to sponsor my run. And I will also ask all of you out there reading this blog to do the same if you can. My goal is to raise $25,000 for this run and I’m hoping you will help me by going to the buttons on the bottom of my home page and donating by following the instructions on the buttons.
I am running the Marathon this year for all who suffer from oligodendrogliomas. You know that Melissa Etheridge song, “I Run For Life?” … ” I run for hope, I run to feel. I run for the truth for all that is real. I run for your mother, your sister, your wife. I run for you and me my friend. I run for life.” Well, that is why I am running this year … for all of us.