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| I have no idea where this photo came from originally to give credit. |
This past weekend I had to take Henny Penny across town for her dance rehearsal for her recital this weekend. When I'd left the house, I didn't realize that there was a race going on. Traffic was re-routed time and time again. At one point, while I was sitting at an intersection waiting for the traffic officers to wave me through in between runners as they ran by, I felt something with in rise up and shake it's fist.
Months ago I had signed up for a 1/2 marathon. When I spiraled down with my health again a few months ago I stood on the shore and waved that ship off into the sunset. Little did I realize at the time that my spirit would call that ship back....
As I sat and watched those runners last week, I gripped the steering wheel and thought to myself, NO! I will not let this beat me! I will not let this West Nile Virus win! I will run! I am going to do this race even if I have to walk the entire way! I will cross that finish line and triumphantly shake my fist at this disease.
I will run this race for all who face something they are trying to over come or stand brave against. Everyone has something! We are all trying to be brave whether it is fighting health, an addiction, depression, facing yet another day, “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. ”
― Mary Anne Radmacher
― Mary Anne Radmacher
Yesterday I started my training again. I've only a few weeks to get ready. The race is June 9th. Not enough time but as I was running yesterday I had a thought. I was smiling at the way I run. I don't choose a route. I walk out my front door and then I just go. I let my feet decide where I am going to go and so I had this thought. I run where my feet take me, one inch at a time.
OK. This made my eyes sweat. I love that quote on courage...one of my all time favorites. And to think of you roaring back at the WNV...more sweating. Did you read about the lady who just finished a marathon in a suit that lets her walk even though she is paralyzed? It took her a couple of weeks, but she finished! She took the next step...one inch at a time.
ReplyDeleteI will be cheering for you! I am awed by your courage...hugs...big strong hugs.
Ohhh. My heart just got all warm and my eyes got dribbly. Thank you Donna!!! Thank you!!
DeleteI love that quote too because some days are like that. We've all had them.
I didn't read about the woman finishing the marathon. That is incredible. Wow...............
Try here....
Deletehttp://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/claire-lomas-paralyzed-runner-crosses-finish-line-london-marathon-article-1.1074497
Then I just heard today that she didn't qualify for a medal because it took her so long...but, not to worry at least 15 people have given her theirs.
Sweating again!
oh my heart. rachel. you go girl. you are a hero.
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl!
ReplyDeleteHere's wishing you all the strength you need to do what you gotta do! I'll be cheering for you!
ReplyDeleteJUST what I needed to read, Rachel. I mean really, your timing is uncanny.
ReplyDeleteTo trying again tomorrow...
Go Rachel, you brave lovely lady. Your determination will get you to that start line and carry you right the way to the finish. You are an inspiration xxxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone! You have all been so supportive and inspirational to me in one way or another! I am so blessed!! I run for all of you/us!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm.
ReplyDeleteThe thing about you is that you mean this. Your spirit means this. The sentiment is not empty in any way; quite the opposite. But respecting the realities of the body is another thing, because there are bigger races in your life than covering thirteen miles of the crust of the earth. Those races, whether you are able to maintain the physical exertion or not, are far more meaningful - they carry more than a feat accomplished when they are over - they have to do with future lives, people surviving, becoming - they have eternal consequences. So if there is choosing where to put the energy, a footrace seems like a puny thing next to your other great tasks. I would not steal from a child to enter a race, myself. And neither would you. I think part of the trick of this mortal test is choosing where to put our limited resources - and the maturity it takes not to fall for the shiny things.
ReplyDeleteyou go girl!!!
ReplyDeleteI too have some physical "issues" and I understand the desire to shake a fist at it. Although I understand where Kristen is coming from, I also believe that certain achievements (like a "puny" race) can help us grow beyond our limits. I'm all about pushing limits.
ReplyDeleteYou MAY discover that your training creates set-backs and then you get to reassess. "Is this taking me where I want to go?" I know you're used to regrouping, I'm hopeful that you can allow yourself to do so AND keep shaking that fist - even if it's done in a different way.
Hope that makes sense.
It makes perfect sense because you get it!! Yay! You're in my corner!
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