Wow, this is getting HARD. Today, I needed to log in 8 miles to stay on course for 26.2 on April 15 (and even then I'm short, because I still have not been cleared to fully run yet). I did NOT want to go. I was tired - I had to get up at 4:30 to wake the kids up for their ski trip. I fell on the ice yesterday and my left hip was pretty sore still. I went to a memorial service for my friend's father, and ate too much afterward, so I had that 'full' feeling. I had the WHOLE house to myself all day (kids and Carl were off on a ski trip). Wa, wa wa.....
Thoughts in my head, knowing I HAVE to stay on track to make this event possible for me:
"People would understand if I back out of the Marathon, I just had MAJOR surgery in November, taking out my uterus and 6 inches of my bowels."
"So and so keeps telling me I'm crazy to do this anyway at 'my age', maybe she's right. Maybe he's right."
You get the picture!
Then I thought of Rosanne...... +Rosanne Ameno
Michael and Rosanne's son Mario spent the night here last night - he had such a good time. I cherish times with Mario, Michelle and Jay, because they each remind me of my dear friend Rosanne in their own way. But having Mario here, made me think so much of Rosanne because we all did so much together. I thought of what she battled so bravely. NOTHING I DO is hard compared to what she did for her family and friends. Going to the gym a few days after chemotherapy, so she could squeeze just a few more drops out of life to be here with us. Bearing the most severe chemotherapy in the hopes of surviving a little longer, if not forever. Staring death in the face, yet joyfully experiencing magical moments in life with her family and cherished friends.
Here is one of my favorite pictures of Rosanne - taken about 2 months before we lost our dear girl:
So, I put my Asics on, and off I went. First song I heard today on my playlist was Tom Petty's "I won't back down." Just what I needed to hear! No, I won't back down. Additionally, it was a beautiful day, and lots of runners and walkers out on the spectacular Charles. Eight miles of my jog/walk intervals felt long today. Now all I have to do is multiply that by 3 and add a couple miles to that! BUT, it's 3 miles MORE than I did last weekend, and there are so many reasons for me to keep going. YES, I want to raise money for an incredible foundation, The Red Sox Foundation (Here is a link to learn more, and to help me raise funds - https://www.fundraise.com/the-red-sox-foundation-inc/marias-boston-marathon-page?edit=1). But I'm also running for all the angels we've lost before their time. Rosanne, Tony, Bernie, Alexander the Great, sadly, the list grows, and goes on and on and on, and I will be compiling a list just like I did for the Jimmy Fund Marathon in September:
Add to this, the 26 beautiful souls who left us before their time in Newtown, CT - I will run a mile for each of you. And, I will NOT BACK DOWN!!
In other news, My doctor's appointment is Tuesday - hoping to get full clearance to be able to really run! And ski! And work! And everything else- fingers crossed. AND my dear friend from New Mexico and I are doing a 30 day health cleanse - no coffee, alcohol, chemicals, fried foods, anything you might imagine that will not enhance my health is off the list. This should also help me along our journey. Wish me luck :). Stay tuned for more information along this journey, which has truly become our journey. Thank you for ALL your support. Love you all. Happy New Year!! xo
