Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Buddy Up, It's Going to be a Bumpy Ride

Happy New Year! I am happy and thankful for each day of 2012 but I am not sad to see it go. I think I will pass on a recap. Long story short...it was tough, really tough.

Chemo and nights away at the hospital have begun and will not let up for the next six months. It almost too overwhelming to even process. Based on the ups and downs of last year I knew I needed something positive to focus on. Depression and darkness can slip in and set up camp so easily. So I decided to go big and signed up for the Eugene Marathon. I have definitely have mixed reviews on this but I am still going for it.
(Me, Eagle, Quads, BlondePony)
These lovely ladies met me diligently last winter almost every weekend. My husband was diagnosed in October and having these weekly runs to cry and share really carried me through some tough times.
My "training" will start next week. I am hoping to run 3 to 4 days a week max. I know I am going to have to be very protective of my foot. I am still dealing with planter fasciitis. I also have only planned for the first four weeks. I want to be kind to myself and be able to adjust as I go. I am not going to be speedy I just want to BE! I am hopeful and looking forward to slowly building back to some long runs. I am happy to say that my buddy Quads will be heading to Eugene as well to run the half.
Bloggy buddies unite. Hood to Coast Afternuun Delight Teammates sporting Maui Jims.
You may recognize this strong lady as well.
My "old" much younger friend, Beautiful Katie!

If you are new to running, walking or flat moving I highly suggest finding some buddies. Those relationships quickly becomes more than a work out or a run. My running buddies have been there for me when "running/life" conditions were at their worst. So as I move into 2013 I am looking forward to not giving up, reaching out and reaching up!

Eugene will come and go and I will either be there or I won't. As I debated on signing up and talking with my husband knowing that we already have a very full plate...as always he encouraged me. He said, "What do you have to lose?" When I look at it that way the choice seemed simple. Running is fun. Running gives me time with God. Running gives me time alone. Running lets me share my life with friends. I pray that I will be able to run, spend time with friends, ad refuel my body and heart each day I am able to run. If that is not possible or if life throws us another curve ball then we will deal with it. Taking care of my family and my husband will be my priority as we cling to hopes of healing and health as we fight through each day. This will be a big job but I am choosing faith over fear on this one! Hope you will join me! I know many bloggers will be running Eugene. Let me know if I should keep an eye out for you or send ya some encouragemet during your training! Don't hesitate to make today count...what do you have to lose?

12 comments:

giraffy said...

I'll be at Eugene! My daughter finishes her chemo in March, so this will be my first venture out post-cancer without worrying about meds and hospitals. Cannot wait :D

Good luck with your training!

Rachelle Q said...

I've heard good things about Eugene! Good luck and sending prayers your way:)

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

It's so important to have that stress relief. running will help carry you through and those solo runs will provide that quiet time to talk or listen for the answers? support? whatever you need. your family is so strong and you will enjoy a great training season.

Mommy Run Fast said...

Running is such powerful therapy for the dark days... I'm glad you decided to sign up. Wishing you the best of luck, and continuing to keep your husband and you in prayer.

Tasha Malcolm said...

I am so happy that you are running Eugene. It really is a good race and atmosphere. I think you are being smart with your training. Are you going to follow the Run Less, Run Faster method? I had a very successful marathon using it.

I am really bummed because I was thinking I would be able to run the 1/2 in Eugene, but Matt said no. If it would have been 1 or 2 weeks earlier he would have been okay with it. I need to trust his opinion even though I don't agree with it. :/

Hang in there and keep smiling your beautiful smile. XXXX

Elizabeth said...

i love your husbands attitude. i know you can do this!

misszippy said...

I think it's great that you have Eugene on your plate-- a little diversion when needed, a little therapy session during the training. And I'm so with you--having training friends is the best. I'm sure your crew is ready and waiting for you whenever you need it.

Big hug!

Unknown said...

I know this distraction will be a positive thing for you. Thank you for the influence you've had on my running. Your encouragement the other day was what I needed. -Ron

Unknown said...

Congrats on signing up for Eugene! I wish I could come run with you every week. If I make my way back out there, I'll look you up. we can go run (if I can keep up with you).

Now, shouldn't you be studying. ;)

megan.vining said...

Quads is in with you!

Unknown said...

So excited to see you again in Eugene! It will be an epic time and glad you are choosing this goal for yourself! Love Love Love you

Karen Baguios said...

Marathons can also be genuinely exciting to watch,


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