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TNT: The Accidental Runner; Finding the Inspiration
I had a hard run on Saturday morning, with a huge hill in the middle of it (eight miles), followed by a recovery run on Sunday (yes, I know that the "recovery" run is an odd concept, but it works to keep you from being crippled after a hard run the previous day. It's not FUN, but it works).
I wasn't feeling inspired when I set out on Saturday, and every mile kept getting harder physically. My knees were hurting, it was getting really warm out, my back was tight and my right calf kept threatening to cramp up on me. I had a running list of swear words in my head and was fighting to keep a positive attitude through the whole thing.
At the water stop (I've never been happier to see a big plastic jug of warm water in my life) I was stretching out and chatting with some of the other runners (we had an astonishing 110 runners and walkers out for the group run on Saturday--that's almost unheard of except for the kickoff run) and then I walked off by myself for a couple of minutes before setting off for the return run. I quieted my mind and thought about WHY I was doing this....and then pulled up the visual of my "inspiration wall" at work and immediately felt better. I walked back to join Maureen and she asked me if I was ok. I told her about how I was feeling and she reminded me that when the going gets tough (and believe me, on any run longer than five miles, the going IS going to get tough) she pulls up little Tanner Zullo's face and keeps him in her mind while she works through whatever pain, or cramp or exhaustion she's feeling.
Tanner Zullo was an amazing little boy. He died just before his second birthday, right before Thanksgiving. While he was still alive I ran for him in Lake Placid my second year doing Team in Training, and met his mom and dad, and his sister at a bone marrow drive. This kid was pure sunshine. He RADIATED a positive energy. I never saw him cry, or fuss. Sometimes he would be quiet or intent on doing something, but the rest of the time he was laughing and giggling, even when his hair fell out, or when he was sick from chemo.
SO that's what I put in my head on the return four miles....Tanner, and Aidan, and Jake, and Brianna......and I found the guts to finish the run.
Here are some pics of my "inspiration wall" at work, when I don't feel like running or fundraising, I swivel my chair around and look at that.
I wasn't feeling inspired when I set out on Saturday, and every mile kept getting harder physically. My knees were hurting, it was getting really warm out, my back was tight and my right calf kept threatening to cramp up on me. I had a running list of swear words in my head and was fighting to keep a positive attitude through the whole thing.
At the water stop (I've never been happier to see a big plastic jug of warm water in my life) I was stretching out and chatting with some of the other runners (we had an astonishing 110 runners and walkers out for the group run on Saturday--that's almost unheard of except for the kickoff run) and then I walked off by myself for a couple of minutes before setting off for the return run. I quieted my mind and thought about WHY I was doing this....and then pulled up the visual of my "inspiration wall" at work and immediately felt better. I walked back to join Maureen and she asked me if I was ok. I told her about how I was feeling and she reminded me that when the going gets tough (and believe me, on any run longer than five miles, the going IS going to get tough) she pulls up little Tanner Zullo's face and keeps him in her mind while she works through whatever pain, or cramp or exhaustion she's feeling.
Tanner Zullo was an amazing little boy. He died just before his second birthday, right before Thanksgiving. While he was still alive I ran for him in Lake Placid my second year doing Team in Training, and met his mom and dad, and his sister at a bone marrow drive. This kid was pure sunshine. He RADIATED a positive energy. I never saw him cry, or fuss. Sometimes he would be quiet or intent on doing something, but the rest of the time he was laughing and giggling, even when his hair fell out, or when he was sick from chemo.
SO that's what I put in my head on the return four miles....Tanner, and Aidan, and Jake, and Brianna......and I found the guts to finish the run.
Here are some pics of my "inspiration wall" at work, when I don't feel like running or fundraising, I swivel my chair around and look at that.
Add a Comment
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Comment by Bob Allard on April 21, 2008 at 5:40pm
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You're the "BEST", just wish there were more like you in this world, someone doing something for others and and not even asking what's in it for you. GREAT keep up the training and GOD BLESS YOU.
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Comment by Jim Seargent on April 21, 2008 at 5:29pm
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I'm with you L.C.
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Comment by LadyChaplain on April 21, 2008 at 4:49pm
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Mel is still my hero :-)
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Comment by Dave, NB 9 on April 21, 2008 at 3:29pm
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Mel.... Nice ! and all the other comments. The world needs more people like you (ok, and like Tiger)...lol, but you know how I feel about what you are doing in Honor of my daughter, Brianna. Get ready for a huge HUG when we see you in May. How is your fund drive doing?
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Comment by Kimberly A Bownas on April 21, 2008 at 1:10pm
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This is something that is really special that you are doing and you should be proud of all that you do and know that you are making a difference. Keep up the good work and know how many you inspire.
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Comment by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on April 21, 2008 at 10:19am
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Mel:
You're running with a cause for a purpose. You are helping to make a difference.
While many choose to run away, you are running for it.
Keep it up.
Art
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Comment by Mary Ellen Shea on April 21, 2008 at 10:06am
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Nice. Very nice. I can imagine what the Leukemia marketing gurus had to say when they first came up with the Team in Training concept.....and then wrote out the acronym...
Abort, Abort!!
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thanks guys...but this is SO not about me. It's about the kids, and about finding a cure, and about running for those who can't run or who aren't with us anymore.
I'm honored to run for them, and I live in the moment every day, feeling grateful that I have my health, my family, and my friends.
I'll be back to writing snarky comments in no time, but this wasn't the time for it.
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If you were not a man hater I would ask you to marry me again! All kidding aside, Thank you for your commitment to children. It took me having one, and getting oldER to realize their fragility and value. As Moose and Charlotte put it, you are an inspiration to us all! Thank You
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Comment by Tiger Schmittendorf on April 21, 2008 at 9:08am
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I was asked to speak at a dinner last night where John Freidhoff received a community service award, albeit posthumously. I spoke of John's commitment to his community and his fellow man.
I reminded everyone of John's four favorite words: How can I help? I spoke of John's kind words and quiet actions.
Mel - Your actions are loud and clear. You know how you can help and you're doing it. You're an inspiration to everyone to help you win the fight for those who can't fight for themselves.
Congratulations on another great run and another moving blog. I'm proud of you. Keep up the great work!
PS - Nice Dilbert cartoons on your wall.
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