I replied to a post earlier, but not sure where it went. I guess out into the great abiss. Anyway, I dont't want to make you guys cry....but remember if you do, it is a good thing. Crying just shows you are a person of feeling. Always, an admirable trait.
What an awesome gift! You have already made the first step in knocking this thing on it's rear. You turned the tables. Take this cancer, and let it make you stronger, better runner, better person. Whose got control, now? YOU GUYS ARE AWSOME!
Here's another tool that I like very much, some might find it weird, but it helped me. When I was first diagnosed, a very dear friend of mine, an elderly lady, Marie, lived next door to me. Despite the hugh age gap, we became such good, real, friends. At any rate, Marie gave me a piece of advice that has carried me though some of my darkest moments. For what it's worth I will share it with you all. Marie told me, "Keisha the Bible says Jesus is above every name." I dwelt on what my friend told me for a day or two. I realized what Marie was trying to tell me, Leukemia is a name. Ergo, it too must bow down before Him. So when I started to allow my self to get down in the blues or freightend, I would simply say, "Bow Down!" I then incorporated this trick into, my run activities. Trust me I think you might find this as invigoratingly as I did.....
When you guys meet up for you run, in beautiful Florida, (Lucky Dogs!), write the name Leukemia, in my case, or Lymphoma or whatever cancer has made you the maddest, on the bottom of your shoe. Just when you almost let the fatigue get you, remember, why you are there. Then, just stomp it out! Every cycle you take then has added purpose. I promise you it will give you that reserved energy you need. Then before you even realize, your back in that state of "oneness", my favorite part of the run where you feel so at peace with the universe. (I think they call that technically, the release of endorphins.) Humm, what a great promotional product that could be partnered with a donation. Anyone know the top people at Asic, Brooks, or Nike?? I would definetly buy a pair!
Another thing I did, and this was personal for me, pre cancer, I took my beloved, late, dog's collar and hid it under a rock on our old route. Just when I needed that extra lift, I would pass by the boulder and think of Jackson, and it just pushed me right along. Please keep me posted of your run, Sat, and/or some of your running inspirations. I will keep you guys posted, too.
Happy Birthday, Ken, another year wiser!