First Race

So after a longer delay than I wanted or expected, I am back. This is the case for this blog that was promised a long time ago and running. Before I talk about the race and results a little bit of background.

Last spring as I sat in a chemotherapy chair, I had the thought that I needed to do something fun again. I know this might sound crazy but that has always been running. I am not fast in sprints or long distances, but I do enjoy putting in the miles. I created a plan to start running in February following my surgeries. However, my body had other ideas. I had the wonderful experience of CDiff not just once but twice. Believe you me when I tell you that running and CDiff do not mix. OK, maybe they mix but it would be ugly, smelly and painful at the same time. Another set back crept up in March when Marla’s (colorectal tumor name, reference Fight Club) evil cousin Waldo (liver recurrence name because we had to find that fucker) popped up on blood work but not initial scans. Luckily we quickly found Waldo and had him removed in April along with one third of my liver. So all this delayed my start till late June. Doctors with their stupid rules!!

I signed up for the Big Bear Stampede about two weeks before the event. My was already signed up and applying slight pressure to join her. Normally this turns me off to doing things, but this time she won. It is a smaller race near Gardiner Montana. They put on an amazing event for a 5K, 9K and kids run. The event promotes self care and raising awareness about depression.

Saturday September eighth, I started out solid and just ahead of my intended pace out the gate and through the initial downhill on single track. As we turned the corner and headed uphill I felt it a bit but plodded along pretty good. However, I did take my first walk break on the hill, so this was no longer just a running event. I quickly got over that and got back to a slow plodding running pace. I kept that up for about one and a half miles. Along the generally downhill single track a hard right turn threw me off and I walked again for a short time. Again, I picked myself up and started to plod along. The final stretch is mainly uphill along a gravel road. I was doing ok but the washboards on the road messed up my stride. I became mentally weak and started to walk again, because I let a small issue creep up into my soul. It was about this time, I heard Sonja behind me and she was right behind me. As I took the turn into Eagle Creek campground and about two tenths of a mile from the finish, I picked up my pace again to a slooooooow run. I also decided to finish the race with my biggest cheerleader. One other quick walk break and we were side by side. We stayed that way through the finishing arch (BTW she beat me by 2 seconds). I had completed something from my thoughts in a chemo chair about eighteen months earlier.

This accomplishment created a swirl of emotions. The first was elation that I had just finished 5K. A bit of anger/disappointment that I had to walk and walk as much as I did. Relief that I am still here and able to do anything. Overall, it is just good to be able to have feelings, so I will be thankful for that.

I learned a lot about myself over this entire process and I am striving to get better every day. I went out Monday morning and ran twenty five minutes at 11:25 pace without Pepper and Pebbles as my pacers (more on them later). I also did a few run walk repeats on Tuesday with them.

As we go forward on this journey expect a few things.

1. I will talk about my cancer journey. It is as impactful to who I am now as anything else in my life.

2. I will attempt to do a weekly wrap each Sunday.

3. I will post other random posts and not always talk about running.

4. I have a dark sense of humor and sometimes foul language. I will answer any questions but don’t get your feelings hurt. Nobody is making you read this.

5. I do not care what it is but go get it checked out and do your scheduled screenings.