Sunday, August 7, 2011

F E A R

(my bud)




Ahh, so finally, a post. It's only been 8 months since last writing on here. But I have been running again, yeah! I mean, granted this has been the worst summer I have experienced since moving to Austin 2.5 years ago, but after 2 weeks of adjusting to the brutal temperatures, it's "okay".



I didn't think it was going to happen, but it did, I started up again. I mean running is my one drug, my therapy, my escape from all the thoughts that stay clustered in my head through out the day, and even in 105 degree weather, I love it.


Fear kept me from running. Last November I was sitting in a ER room moments before the 2010 NYC Marathon was to begin. I was suppose to be running, you know making Ryan proud, giving up my own sweat and tears to all those who donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, and completing a goal. A goal that seemed so unrealistic when I first rolled into Austin, Texas as a scared single mom with no idea of where I stood as a individual.



I am a firm believer that we get out of life what we put into life. So, when I have my moments of wondering what the hell I should be doing with my life, I turn to what makes me feel fulfilled. You must know that I thought about the ING NYC Marathon quite often since flying home with a token scar barely noticeable today.



It's not that I feel I owe anybody for not finishing the race last year, but for myself, it was a goal that remains incomplete. Sure, I have other goals: pay the remaining balance of the lovely NYC hospital bill, continue to provide for my son, manage my Lupus so it never becomes the end of me, help the Wounded Warrior Project when I can, continue to honor Ryan, and try really hard to keep FEAR out of the equation.





You see, I want to say I am going to try and get to the 2011 NYC Marathon, but what if something happens again? I have been going back and fourth with this like a yo-yo for a few weeks. I been hitting the unforgiving scorching concrete and dusty trails in the hope that I may be brave enough to welcome the challenge again.



Then, I think about a certain person who is on his 3rd deployment and who has been working pretty much overseas for the past 5-6 years trying to make good in every job/situation he is dealt. This man has never once complained to me, well maybe once, when he said he couldn't wait to get back to the States because Africa was just too dang hot at the time he was writing me.



But that's about it. Every time I write about my ups and downs in my pretty much safe and comfortable environment with my son and I, he encourages me. He never makes me feel like my inconveniences are unworthy to speak of; instead he tells me he understands and compliments me in some way or another.


This friend and I have written back and fourth for a good part of 4 years, getting me through a divorce and a death. This man is someone I admire a great deal for all of his service he has given to our country and to other countries when working to improve the lives of local communities overseas.



If I say I am going to run a marathon, he says be careful, but doesn't tell me I cannot do it. And his lack of fear of working and living so far away and from the comforts we enjoy everyday is what helps me to step away from the fear that I will fail. You know, Ryan inspired me two years ago to start this journey, and now I have to give a lot of credit to a dear friend who inspires me today. This friend puts a smile on my face, and has a heart that has been able to reach me and encourage me at just the right moments through the years. So, because of him, I am re-charged for this running thing. I will go with a open mind and try my best. I will try, and I will try to get there again to complete the goal. I want to honor Ryan, and to let my friend know, if he can deploy for a 3rd time, I can try the NYC Marathon a 2nd time, right?

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

January 4, 2010 New Year, New Begining


Well, it's been about a month since I last wrote. Today I felt motivated again, as I checked the mail and a very generous donation check was there to put us over $26,200 goal amount. Now we will be over $27,500 in generated funds for the Wounded Warrior Project in Ryan's memory. I am very proud today, but I would be lying if the New York City Marathon didn't still linger in the back of my head.

It seems life has been a little more stressful since that morning I got my appendix removed, instead of running the race of my dreams. A hefty hospital bill, new car, because 220,000 miles on my Chevy was about all it could do. Got a lot of use out of that car!

But today, as I just seemed a little more irritated than usual, I headed out for a smooth 5 mile run around Town Lake and my body just felt like jello all over--like an instant stress release, I was mellow! I couldn't help but think about Ryan, and how I just don't feel like stopping what I have started with Running For Ryan. Then, I got an email from my brother Case, who lives in South Korea, and he asked about running the NYC Marathon next fall for this cause, and I instantly wrote back: maybe we could do it together! So, with those spur of the moment words

coming out of my mouth, I feel like the challenge is still there to accomplish. I am VERY happy we reached the monetary goal this time around, and now I feel the only thing to do is increase the goal amount and keep going with this. I still have a runner dedicated to raise money for his Chicago Marathon debut this fall, so why not keep it going for all and anyone who still wants to help?!

The truth is, not running makes me cranky! I have signed up for the Livestrong Austin Half Marathon that takes place on February 20th, and hope to do a few more races here and there. NYC is in the back of my head, and depending how this summer goes, it could be an option for 2011.

Thanks again to everyone who supports this cause. I really am hoping 2011 will bring great things to Running For Ryan. I am even thinking of starting a non-profit in Ryan's memory. Anyone willing to help or suggest ways to help me get the non-profit off the ground, please contact me at: runningforryan@gmail.com This non-profit could open the doors to generating donations to various charitable events/organizations in Ryan's honor.


Take care.

Sarah