MY LIFE, MY WAY important to get me through the trauma of what I was going through. So I made a promise to my dad that one day I would run a marathon with him. It is something that bonded us in our recovery and every experience since then has been a further step towards that goal, and this year we will be taking on the London Marathon together.
The journey towards this was ultimately needed to change me from who I was to who I am now. Some benefits, I have become a running shoe addict, and while
I only actually need one, the other shoe is a trophy piece for the cupboard, and really a girl needs all the trophies she can get.
I am completely obsessed with nutrition, Strava, splits, race day outfits, and of course post-run coffees. Also, you never stop your watch on 4.9km, you run that last 100m even if it means loops around the parking lot. I have embraced every facet of the journey and am very proud of my 7 / 7:30 minute per km time. I have the best time at the back of the pack, I like to call it‘ party pace.’
At the heart of it, after the loss, there was a whole new person to discover, and running has been the facilitator in that, and it has given me so many gifts to learn more about me, my dad, and my family. I have shown myself I can do hard things, and push myself harder than I ever imagined. I have also proven to myself that as strong as I am physically, I am even stronger mentally. Running next to my dad has been the best gift of all. Being able to watch him in his element, being vulnerable with him as I face all the challenges has been such a beautiful experience. We are navigating running as an amputee together and he creates the safest environment for me.
The running community has been something special for me. Joining Old Eds this year and meeting the running community, it has been so humbling and rewarding to run next to people who are so much more knowledgeable about the sport. In my mind, I always think‘’ they won’ t run with me, I am too slow.’ But they always do, because running for them is about helping others along the way too. It is the most beautiful community to be part of and I am so grateful to have so many people navigate this journey with me.
I have always been the daughter of a runner so that meant waking up early to go and watch the start and follow on the route to support. Now the role has shifted. I am now the one on the route and my family are waiting for me at the end. Running is not an individual sport. It takes an entire army, and wow I have an amazing army.
My mother, Marilyn, has always had to deal with my dad and his crazy running antics for many years and now she has me added into the mix. Now she has to put up with two of us being one-dimensional wollys talking about running all day. But really without her we would be lost, she’ s the strength behind it all, making sure we can do what we love. I appreciate all she does.
Every run I am grateful for my crazy support crew, there is nothing like being so deep in the pain cave and then seeing your mom’ s nurturing smile, your sister jumping with joy, your boyfriend being so genuinely proud, your puppy’ s perfect face, and your aunties, uncles, and cousins screaming for you and your dad at the side of the road. Nothing gets you out of a dark place quicker than that – maybe a new pair of Adios Pro 4’ s.
Now for the big question? How do I feel about running my first marathon and what is my goal finish time? All I can say is, bring on the coffee shops and beer stops.
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