running with a purpose

Not many people know the story behind my love of running. Its rather ironic because its not something that started out as love in any sense of the word. It would have been better described as hate. When I was young, say 7th or 8th grade, people would always tell me I needed to play basketball. "You're so tall, you should play basketball!" "Do you play basketball?" "I bet you play basketball!" Ugh... NO! I was the furthest thing from a basketball player. Well, 9th grade rolled around and I reluctantly went out for the team. What was I thinking? I'm pretty sure everyone makes the team in 9th grade...because I did, and so did Erica. Oh what a season! I don't remember the slightest thing about our record other than we were not good. I do, however, remember three things. First, on the night of our home opener I didn't fit into the home uniforms. They didn't have shorts big enough for me. So, I wore blue shorts while everyone else wore white. I stuck out like a sore thumb! Not one of my proudest moments. Secondly, one afternoon between class and practice I thought a milk shake and fries would be an appropriate snack. Said snack reappeared on center court after practice. Again, not a proud moment. And finally, I remember I HATED RUNNING! It was awful! I was horrible at it! I was slow and my form was bad! I'm pretty sure I was as graceful as an elephant running laps around that gym! I couldn't run. Fortunately for me, someone burned our gym down later that year and girls softball was introduced to the Forrest City High School athletic program. I gladly made my exit from the world of basketball...and so began my softball career. We still ran some in softball. However, I loved softball so I put up with the occasional lap around the field. Flash forward to Thanksgiving 2007. My friend, Todd, gave me the idea that I might actually be able to run. He proposed that if I ever wanted to run a half marathon he would run with me. I let the idea marinate for a few months. In the spring of 2008, as an obese 27 year old (former high school all conference softball player), I decided I would run...for the sole purpose of proving to myself that I could! That May I ran my first mile and I haven't looked back since. I love what I once hated. Something that I once considered pure agony is now something that is pure joy! I am a runner! I run to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. I enjoy running 5Ks, though speed has never been my strong suit. And I took Todd up on his offer. I ran my first half-marathon in March of 2009. I've run three since then with the hopes of running at least one a year as long as I'm physically able. Running is a part of me now. BUT... I have always said I will NEVER... EVER... run a full marathon unless I get the uncontrollable, un-ignorable urge to do so. I have stood firm in this belief since crossing the finish line of my first half. I could not justify putting my body through the training, let alone the amount of time it would take to log the miles necessary to finish 26.2. Well, I'm running the Mid-South Championship Marathon on November 5th in Wynne because that 'urge' appeared in late April/early May of this year. My mom... my hero... my best friend, was diagnosed with breast cancer. WOW! WHAT? REALLY? I won't lie or sugar coat it. It was a major blow. A shock. A punch to the gut. But, she's a fighter and hasn't let it knock her down. It WON'T knock her down! Her attitude is amazing! And most importantly, her faith is rock solid! She's got a really good prognosis and her treatment is going good. She'll have surgery in a few months followed by radiation. This time next year she will be brushing her hair and will have added 'survivor' to her repertoire. But until then, I will do what I know to do...run...and I will run with purpose.