Tired

Running and training the last 2 weeks has been a bit draining.  It could be for any number of reasons - training in general, training with an infant or just a bit of a down time.  I'm sure a contributing factor is also Chris's passing on Jan 8th.  Though we knew this was the eventual outcome of his cancer, I was still saddened to learn of his passing.  Chris's memorial was a nice celebration of his life and captured his impact and love for his family, friends, and colleagues.  The chapel was full and seeing 100s of people there to remember and celebrate Chris's life was inspiring.  It was a good reminder of why I'm running for Dana-Farber for a 7th time and how much work remains to provide therapies for everyone battling a cancer diagnosis.

Since the memorial, training continues to pick up. Though I'm not necessarily aiming to run my fastest Boston marathon, I am trying to train to allow me to go for it, if the weather cooperates.  Speed workouts, tempo runs, and long training runs (15+ miles this past weekend) are definitely more tiring than in past years thanks to less sleep with an infant. However, as multiple people recounted at the memorial, Chris approached life with perseverance and commitment. Blowing off training and being ill-prepared for the marathon would not be a good idea regardless and would not be the way Chris approached such an endeavor, so I'm out there pushing through and achieving my weekly training goals.

Speaking of goals, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported this years efforts.  We have raised over $10,000 this year already and are within my next goal - $13,100, or $500 per mile of the marathon!  Thank you everyone for your support which continues to motivate me throughout training.

Peace

Chris moved into hospice on Dec 31, 2018.  Just over a week later and after an 11 year battle with brain cancer, Chris passed away peacefully with his family nearby.

Over the last 6 months, Chris worked with the Health Story Collaborative to record his story, communicate what was important to him and be able to share these feelings with his family after he was gone.  Recently, Boston's NPR station, WBUR, featured the Health Story Collaborative, including Chris's story. As I go out for my run tomorrow I will think of Chris and reflect on how he lived fully while battling cancer these last 11 years.

Motivation

I wasn't great about running over the holidays, but got back into it this past week.  Yesterday, Jan 5, was out first DFMC team run of 2019.  This kicks off the 'serious' training after the holidays and to be honest, after indulging with food and drink, after traveling to see family, the first group run exerted a toll beyond what it should.  On top of that, yesterday was an overcast day with 35-40F temps and rain forecasted for the run.  The thought crossed my mind whether I should go to the team run or just push it off a day for better weather. After thinking about Chris and what Chris and his family are going through, I was motivated to run with my teammates and for Chris.

The group run started at a health club next door to where we used to work.  I was in the building for 1.5 years and Chris was there for over 10 years.  I had already told Chris that I would be there, so I couldn't bail, right? On top of that, Chris, and others battling cancer, don't choose their situation, so why should I push a run off just because of some rain.  If the 2018 marathon taught me anything, I know I can run in a nor'easter in 40F temps and enjoy it, this was just a light rain shower by comparison. I also knew the support and camaraderie of my DFMC teammates would help me through the morning.  Luckily, the rain amounted to a light sprinkle and we had a decent morning for a run.  We conquered 12 miles (9.45min/mi pace) through the rolling hills and while I got this done, it was exhausting.  I'm sure the holiday break didn't help, nor did being up 3 times in the middle of the night with an infant, but we can only control so much and I reached my goal of 12 miles.

2018 finished and 2019 began with some mixed news.  Chris moved to hospice on New Year's Eve.  I'm so glad he was able to spend Christmas with family at home, but learning of his move to hospice is a reminder of why I spend all this time training in the winter to run 26.2 miles in April and why I ask for support and donations from family and friends. We've had a fantastic start to fundraising and have already raised more than $9,000 toward our goal of $17,000!  We continue to make an impact on cancer research and your generosity and support continues to motivate me to get out there each week and train, regardless of the weather.