Running on Faith

Where do I start? I never, ever wanted to run at football or basketball practice, let alone run a 5k or a half marathon. I can honestly say the only thing I would run for is to make it to happy hour before it was over.

About six years ago I had knee surgery and was told not to do any type of sports activity because a knee replacement was in store for me soon after. After a few months of inactivity, I decided to start walking to help get some weight off. It seemed to be working, which was more than fine with me.

Then my good friend Tim asked me to be his pit crew at the Rouge Roubaix bike race and then take a trip to see him participate in the Holy Toledo Triathlon. Watching him compete in the rain was pretty amazing but not as amazing as the leaks in our tents from the monsoon the night before the event. We all ended up sleeping in our vehicles! But even with all the craziness I had this urge to start competing again.

Little by little I began adding some running to my walking and really started to enjoy running. Then I ran the Jingle Bell Jog and the Oktoberfest 5k, which I do admit I enter only for the beer and sausage. Afterwards I told Tim I had this idea to enter a half marathon in Memphis, TN. Never mind the fact I had very little time to prepare because I had learned from Mr. Youroutofyourmind himself. So there I was in Memphis running my first half marathon and I was determined to finish. I did ok except for the cramps in my calves which hit at mile number ten. I finished thanks to a couple of other runners who helped me the last three miles.

It was during this race that I realized why Tim does all those crazy things while raising money for very worthy causes. I knew I would be back the following year and I was – as part of team Running On Faith. St Jude has found a special place in my heart and I will continue to participate and raise money for as long as possible. I am even thinking about the full marathon before I turn fifty as it will be another challenge that I know I can do.