Marathon? I Can’t Even Run a Mile

Many years ago I was persuaded to walk a half marathon. As I was training for that I inadvertently discovered a love of running. Slow and steady – but eventually I always cross the finish line. I’d always have trouble hitting a PR because I’d always come across someone struggling. It was always more important to me to help this person experience the joy of completing.

I’d always recall even if we are dead last we are ahead of all those that didn’t even start!

In all I completed 9 marathons and 2 triathlons. And numerous other races.

I had the good fortune to meet an incredible gentleman – Jogging Joe. He had a radio program that was fitness oriented (Let’s Shape Up). He asked me to be his field reporter. It was a blast – every weekend I would enter a race and report on it live. The most memorable being reporting on the Disney Marathon from Cinderella’s Castle.

During one of my radio spots I met the most incredible young lady – Kati Fisher. It’s getting close to 20 years but every time I think of Kati my heart swells. She had been diagnosed with Leukemia and Make- A- Wish had offered her a wish. She suggested they give the wish to someone else. All she really wanted was to go to San Diego to see her TNT team run. Kati did make it to San Diego to cheer the team on. Her dream being that no other child should have to go through what she was going through. Ultimately, she lost the fight but her dream lives on. The TNT runner raised funds to erect a statue for Kati where they meet to train for each marathon.

Years earlier I’d signed on with Team In Training (TNT). They would train you to run a marathon in exchange for raising funds for the Leukemia Society. I found running for TnT so rewarding I did it a second time. The first marathon I ran was the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington DC.

I’m hoping I still have a marathon in me or at least a half.

During the second brain surgery they had to remove the vestibule to get to the tumor. This has meant having to relearn everything related to balance, including walking.

The first day going out for a walk was terrifying, as far as my brain was concerned, everything in the world was potentially deadly. I started out with the walker and the aid of my physical therapist, gradually moved to the cane. And finally just relying on my own 2 feet.

I had started a bit of running, but was so out of shape that I didn’t get far. I’m back to walking 5 miles a day and most folks in the neighborhood recognize me as the lady that walks every day. A step at a time – I will be a runner again.