This past Saturday morning a good crew of local runners and walkers gathered at the Washington Park Shelter in support of a friend and fellow runner.
As I noted here a couple weeks ago, Mike Hirsch, 40, has been diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer, stage 4.
Mike is well known to many in the local running community. He trained with Wendy's group and ran the Chicago Marathon in 2004. He was always in tremendous shape, but better yet, he has a tremendous attitude.
Saturday's run was a benefit for Mike and his family as they struggle with this dreaded disease.
Not that anyone does, but I REALLY don't like cancer. It is nasty, it is terrible on those it afflicts, and it can put a tremendous strain on family and friends. I don't understand why we have something like this in our world, but we do. Cancer has taken both my parents. It is very tough to see the pain as a loved one battles cancer, and I wish no one ever had to experience it again.
That being said, I believe in the inate goodness of people, especially in situations like what Mike and his family are experiencing.
As we gathered for the start of the run on Saturday, I looked around at all the people gathered, the smiles on their faces, and the fact these runners did not care two hoots that this "race" had no age group awards, was not timed, nor that anyone even had a bib.
As we made our way to the start line I thought: "how great is this? All these folks are here doing something that they love for someone they care about. It is not about toeing the line with your bib on and seeing if we can PR. It is about supporting a fellow runner in his time of need."
I know many of you have heard me say this before, but you have to live in the moment. The person you are running or training with today may not be there tomorrow--you may not even be there tomorrow! So, enjoy what we do today, love your family and friends, and run with a smile on your face!!
And don't worry about wearing a bib at every race...it may do us all some good if we don't.
:-)
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2 comments:
Well said, Tim. I lost my Father in law to cancer and it's an absolute terrible way to go. To see someone you love in so much pain. I hope they find a cure soon so other people won't have to go through the misery of watching the people they love suffer :(.
Pamela
Well said Tim. I went to the run with my wife and kids. My wife and older daughter did the walk. The event was really supporting Mike and coming together with friends and family for the effort.
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