Perspective

So... to make a LONG absence of posting and story short....

1) I finished the Boston Marathon last spring in 4 hrs 0 min and 58 seconds (though, stopped for a Pine Street photo op and hugs for the family, so I'll live with that 58 seconds knowing I coulda run in under 4 hrs! ;-)

2) As I train for the Maine Marathon in 2 weeks (Sunday Oct 5th), I was out running over a week ago...doing one of my final 'long' runs before tapering for Maine, and I ran for a while with a 42 yr old father of a teenager with inoperable brain cancer. He was training for an Iron Man triatholon, and was kind enough to share with me some fueling and training techniques for my 26.2 miles in Maine.

I share this story because I am constantly amazed by the running community, the kindness of strangers, but mostly the inspriation of folks like "Duffy" -- I can't imagine what he and his son and his family have had to bear over the past couple of years, yet this father and combat veteren was out there talking to me like I was a hero...inspiring and encouraging me as we shared the road for about 7-8 miles. I wish him well and I admire his courage and ability to teach his dying son two important lessons -- about appreciating what he has had in this life and about setting a goal and working harder than you'd ever thought possible to achieve it (or, survive it).

As I get ready for my next 26.2, I remain in awe of New England autumns and everyday heroes whose names we haven't yet learned. I am also humbled by my family, friends, and acquaintances who've so readily supported my charitable runs over the past few years. Thank you, and I hope to post more as I get ready to 'hit the road' in a couple of weeks.