09 Dec Out
With an extremely heavy heart, I have come to the realization that I will not be able to run in the half marathon tomorrow. To say I am disappointed is an extreme understatement. I literally put my heart and soul into training for this race and felt very confident that I would run well until the last few weeks. I wore the walking boot, used the crutches, did steroid shots, physical therapy, iced, rested, etc, etc. When the pain lessened a little, I started running again, but since last week’s 10 mile run, I have been almost unable to walk. I tried to do a shake-out run this afternoon to test my readiness, but my leg buckled with every step. I have a very high threshold for pain, and yet, I couldn’t bear it for more than a mile.
I think maybe I wouldn’t be so heartbroken about this if I were running solely for myself. Truthfully, I never run just for myself. It’s nice to have some time alone when I’m training, but it is mostly Keegan’s journey and honoring his struggles that give me strength when I am pushing my limits. I was also looking forward to the opportunity to spread the word about organ donation to thousands of people on race day.
And while I was very emotionally invested in this particular race, so many of you invested in my efforts by making donations to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Keegan’s honor. Together, we have raised $1270 so far and counting! (You can still donate using the link in the post below if you would like to do so.) Every penny of that money will go directly to funding the care of children at Scottish Rite, where families are never charged for the care they receive. Until you have experienced walking through the doors of a hospital with your child without the weight and anxiety of a looming medical bill, you cannot fully appreciate what an enormous blessing Scottish Rite is. I hope that you know that even though I will not complete the race tomorrow, you have made a true difference in the lives of children and their families.
Second name from the top on the right
A poster from the expo pre-race
We are planning to at least go out to cheer and find Keegan’s name on the fundraising banners tomorrow at the race.
I am hoping to see an orthopedist this week to seek further treatment for what now appears to be more than an Achilles injury. Whatever it takes to recover from this, I will do it. I will pick a race when I am cleared to do so and will run to make up for this one. I am so thankful for each and every one of you who donated on Keegan’s behalf or even just encouraged me over the last several months, especially the last gut-wrenching weeks as I struggled with this injury. Thank you is not enough, but I do thank you…with every step.