At that moment, it felt like the wind had been sucked out of me and then suddenly I was propelled forward into the role of care taker alongside my sisters. My mom was told that she could choose chemotherapy in hopes that it would slow the cancer and give her some extra time, possibly up to 24 months of time. Not feeling ready to throw in the towel, she opted for the chemo and this began a different type of marathon - a marathon of survival.
My sisters and I alternated flying from our home out of state, back to Utah to be with her for a week at a time to get her through the treatments and to spend valuable and precious time with her. We were extremely fortunate that my mom had strength and overall good health as it allowed us to have priceless experiences and build memories that aided us in letting her go when the time came.
My running became less and less of a priority, however. I did end up completing my first marathon, the Long Beach Marathon, but I really wasn't in shape for it and probably shouldn't have run it at all as it left me a little damaged in the end which led to me running even less. I should note that I did run off and on over the last several years, even running a few races, but I haven't really ever gotten back to focused training.
Since 2011 a great deal has changed in my life besides the loss of my mom...I gained weight, lost weight, had a tummy tuck to repair the damaged muscles from a c-section (stay tuned for more about this in future posts,) and last but certainly not least - I turned 40!!! So, with the new year upon us I have decided that it is high time I get myself back out there, only this time my focus will be to participate in and complete my first triathlon!
Now you have to understand what a huge feat this will be for me. First of all, I have never ridden a bike more than a short distance before. Second, I am a terrible swimmer despite years of swimming lessons as a child! Last, since my surgery last May, I have not been able to run more than 4 1/2 miles at any one time.
All of this changes with the new year! To get myself properly pumped (and try out all of my new running gear) I began my running yesterday! So, beginning tomorrow the challenge is on! In the meantime, what are your goals for 2016? Anyone else starting over or just starting on a new fitness goal for the new year?
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| Me in some of my new gear, getting ready for a chilly morning run! |
